Frequently asked questions

We have carried out detailed risk assessments of all aspects of a Robinwood course, including activity sessions and other areas. We review and update these assessments on a regular basis with the whole staff team and ensure that children are not placed in risk situations. Copies of our risk assessments are provided. We can also give full support as needed in the completion of any safety related documentation, required by your local authority or any other body, prior to your Robinwood trip.

The benefits are many and varied. There are curriculum links with many of the activities, which are developed by the instructors. We have additional information (as part of the Party Leader Manual) detailing learning objectives and outcomes, to show how a Robinwood course more than satisfies the outdoor and adventurous activities requirements of the national curriculum, with many additional benefits also gained. Teamwork forms a major part of the course, with the children often split into smaller groups to ensure maximum involvement and benefit. Children also learn new skills, gain self confidence and independence, develop their social and interpersonal skills and learn to appreciate the countryside and outdoor opportunities.

One of the best things for teachers is seeing children learning and working together in a different environment. This will often result in a few surprises, with some of the children who are quieter in the classroom succeeding well beyond what you and they had expected.

We are licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, at each of our Activity Centres. The licences cover Gorge Scrambling, Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Open Canoeing at approved venues. Licence details can be confirmed by calling The Licensing Authority. Tel: 029 2075 5715.

When we ran our first courses at Robinwood in Todmorden in 1994 we only took one school group, of around 30 children, at a time. Schools that attended then really appreciated the exclusive use of the centre, so we continue to offer the same special attention and exclusive feel that we did in our first year. It is most likely that there will be other schools resident and you will probably see them at meal times and occasionally at break times, but the children are kept so busy there is very little time to mix.

It is our policy to welcome inspection visits from prospective party leaders or LEA advisors at any mutually convenient time. Simply telephone us on 01706 814554 to arrange a visit.

We provide a party leader’s manual which will guide you through everything involved with organising and leading a trip to Robinwood. The party leader’s manual covers a range of areas including:

• Risk assessments.
• Additional safety information.
• Code of conduct for children.
• A copy of our A.A.L.A. license.
• Teachers and Robinwood staff working together.
• General party leader details.
• Learning objectives on a Robinwood course.
• Children with special needs at Robinwood.

Your party leader’s manual is normally sent out when a provisional booking is made, but if you would like to see a copy before then please just ask.

Children attending a Robinwood course are supervised by Robinwood staff throughout their stay; whether this is during activity sessions, breaktimes, mealtimes or night times. We also organise things so that when they’re not sleeping they are kept busy all the time. Most of the time that means taking part in activity sessions, but in-between the activity sessions the group leaders get the children involved in games, puzzles, songs and a variety of different challenges which are a key part of the whole Robinwood experience.

Children sleep in dormitories with all bedding provided and toilet and shower facilities close by. We recognise that children of this age do not always get showers of their own accord, so the group leaders ensure good standards of cleanliness with at least one shower a day for each child.