Group Leader
Information
We understand that organising any school trip can mean a lot of work for Group Leaders. This downloadable area will help you plan your visit. If you have any further questions then please contact us.
Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre is governed by strict assessment from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Our safe systems of training and recruitment are inspected annually. We hold an Adventure Activity Licence Authority (AALA) Licence and a Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge which confirm that our operating procedures, risk assessments, policy, £10m public liability insurance, recruitment process, staff qualifications and Enhanced DBS checks are completed to the highest of standards.
The AALA Licence and LOtC Quality Badge are recognised by Educational Visits Coordinators (EVCs), Local Authorities and systems such as EVOLVE, which are online planning, approval and management portals of educational visits, sports fixtures and extra-curricular activities.
We have a number of downloadable documents which can help you plan your trip, below:
FAQ
Who is Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre
Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre is the trading name of 4th Dimension Ltd, a long standing, trusted operator at Blackland Farm for the last 35 years.
Instructor Qualifications
All Blackland Farm staff are trained to a high level. Every year their qualifications are checked and inspected by AALA, the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and every 3 years by a LOTC inspector. All staff hold a current first aid award, an enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check and a Basic Food Hygiene award.
What is your Insurance cover?
We hold a 10million Public Liability cover. This applies to all the activities we run both on and off our site/s. You are not covered for loss or damaged property, or illness/accidental injury. Schools/parents should take out their own cover for personal accident, injury, curtailment etc.
In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992″ all passengers booking with Blackland Farm are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Blackland Farm.
There is no requirement for Financial Protection of day trips, and none is provided. This insurance is only valid for packages booked that DO NOT include flights.
Do they need to bring any money?
There is a good sized tuck shop on site selling anything from sweets to torches. Camping essentials are also available.
We cannot be responsible for any money that your child may bring with them.
What are the catering arrangements?
The children will need a packed lunch for the first day of a residential or for a day course. We can provide this by arrangement. All other food is supplied and cooked daily on site: breakfasts and lunches by our staff and evening meals by our specialist caterer who holds a Food Hygiene Rating of 5*. We eat in our marquees on camping/glamping courses. All Blackland Farm Staff responsible for catering hold a Level 2 catering basic food hygiene award. In addition our specialist caterer holds Public Liability insurance.
Can you cater for special diets?
Yes, if your child has a special diet because of a medical condition or for religious reasons, we can inform our caterer. If you would like to provide a particular food we can store this for you. You will need to fill in the section at the bottom of the medical form and the school will pass this information on.
Can a child bring a mobile phone?
We would suggest not bringing mobile phones or any other electrical equipment. This however is entirely up to the school or group that have booked with us.
Past experience also shows that it can be hard for a child to settle if they are in constant contact with home. Your school will provide you with contact details while your child is away, in addition to having your contact details.
What are the transport arrangements?
Transport to Blackland Farm Outdoor Centre will be arranged by the school, usually by coach or minibus.