Safety
At Arran Outdoor Education Centre, safety is paramount.
As parents and guardians, it is only natural to be concerned about the safety and wellbeing of your children when they go on trips. You need to know that those who will be responsible for your child are qualified and responsible.
At Arran Outdoor Education Centre, we understand how important this is to you. We are happy to explain how we keep your child safe whilst they are staying with us.
Safety inspections
The outdoor activities industry has been regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). However since 1996, the Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS) has been inspecting outdoor activity providers to ensure that they operate safely.
Arran Outdoor Education Centre is inspected by AALS every two years. We have always received high standard reports from every inspection we have undertaken.
Our centre is endorsed by the national governing bodies responsible for sailing and kayaking. In addition, we are very proud to be affiliated with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. These endorsements involve further inspections.
Our instructors
It is important to note that all our instructors are experienced and qualified in the activities that they deliver.
Our staff undertake monitoring sessions overseen by our technical advisor, which is a requirement from the licensing authority. This is also subject to inspection.
Equipment
Our specialist outdoor equipment is subject to rigorous safety checks. This again is part of the inspection process.
It is only then are we given our licence to deliver activities to young people by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service.
Risk assessments
All of our activities are risk assessed.
Our instructors adhere to strict guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when running an activity session.
Stringent health and safety guidelines are also adhered to in all of our centre’s departments:
- we are inspected and licensed by the AALS
- our instructors are experienced and qualified in the activities they lead, and all are qualified first aiders
- our activity equipment is regularly checked and maintained
- minibuses are fitted with 3-point seatbelts fire extinguishers and first aid kits
- all our transport vehicles are regularly checked and maintained
- our centre cooks are committed to food safety and adhere to strict guidelines on kitchen hygiene
- our main buildings are equipped with automatic fire detection and alarm systems, which are regularly tested
- the fire procedure is explained clearly at the welcome talk on the day of arrival, along with other safety procedures
- we strictly adhere to North Ayrshire Council’s child protection policy along with our own safeguarding policy
- all staff are police checked via Disclosure Scotland
- we are registered with the AALS to provide kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge scrambling, mountain biking, hill walking and mountaineering
Service delivery
Just as important as these endorsements is our commitment to the pursuit of excellence throughout the delivery of our service.
Arran Outdoor Education Centre is committed to providing a high quality experience for all our clients.
We would encourage all who wish to participate in a course, regardless of its content, to know that they are getting the right course for them.
It is essential to understand what the demands are, and some research can assist with this decision. We would urge all clients to use this website to become more informed.
If you need any further information please contact us.