Opening Times

March - November

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Simonsbath House Outdoor Centre, set in 3 acres of grounds, provides a comprehensive range of activities taught by qualified and experienced staff in an exciting and challenging environment. Each programme is tailored to meet individual needs and abilities within the group.
We actively support the delivery of the curriculum and assist all groups with their programme of personal and social development and delivery of the citizenship agenda. We encourage students to learn through the outdoor experience to discover more about themselves their peers and adults working with them. As a result of their stay pupils will feel a sense of personal, and group achievement, in addition to their curriculum achievements.
Groups can opt for outdoor adventurous or environmental activities or a combination of the two. Our experienced staff will be pleased to assist in developing a programme suitable for your group.

What are the activities?

Habitat investigation, Woodland ecology, Invertebrate studies, Rivers and streams including Lynmouth flood disaster, Rocks and soils, Weather and seasonal change, Art using the natural environment, Conservation management, Problem Solving, Team building/Group Development, Mini assault course, Mountain biking, Archery, Mapwork, compass and orienteering, Outdoor trampolining, Stream Scramble, Parachute games, Circus workshop & Slack line, Climbing Traverse & Climbing Boulder, Campcraft skills including shelter building, Camp Fire in our 7m Tipi
At local venues - Sailing, canoeing, surfing and climbing. Horse Riding (additional cost)

Sample programme of the activities:

Monday - Mini Assault Course,Introduction to Rivers and Streams,Barle Valley Walk including practical work on Rivers and Streams, African Drumming Tuesday -Hillsford Bridge to Lynmouth Walk including visit to flood disaster museum, Simonsbath House Team Challenge (problem solving), Orienteering
Wednesday - Mountain biking, Archery,Climbing Traverse & Boulder, Outdoor Trampolining, Daylight Photography, Assault course challenge, Birds of Prey Talk
Thursday - Climbing/High Ropes Course and Aqua splash Swimming pool at local venue, Beach Sculpture, Shelter/bivvy building & camp fire
Friday - SHOC souvenir shop, Stream Scramble, Circus Workshop

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

All equipment and material are provided for your residential visit

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Min group size 15 pupils
Max group size 34 pupils
Free adult ratio 1:10

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Simonsbath House Outdoor Centre has a Code of Practice by which it operates, contained within this is the Health and Safety policy for the centre. This document is reviewed regularly by the Centre Manager who will amend the H&S policy to encompass developments within the Centre and to ensure the implementation of national changes in policy and practice
Incorporated within the Code of Practice are the following additional areas;

· Risk Assessments on all aspects of the centres buildings, grounds and activities, these are updated at least every twelve months. All staff are fully trained in undertaking risk assessments and in ensuring Risk Assessments are adhered to.
· Policy for Positive Behaviour and Discipline
· Emergency and Accident procedures – The Centre has adopted government guidance on emergency procedures and reporting of accidents and incidents together with near misses. Reviews of the relevant reports will be undertaken on a ½ termly basis, and this information will be used to aid the review of risk assessments.
· Fire and Evacuation procedures – the Centre conforms to all current legislation, regular fire drills are carried out and there is an annual inspection of all systems and procedures.
· Training – all staff are fully trained in the Centre’s Health and Safety policy. Additionally all staff hold the relevant national qualifications to undertake their role including First Aid where required
· Use of activity areas and equipment – Staff follow a lesson plan for each activity, which is review on the day the activity is undertaken to ensure supervision ratios, weather conditions and suitable clothing are all appropriate for the activity .
· Premises, security and insurance – includes details of the responsibilities of the visiting teacher. Copies of our current insurance policies, fire certificate and security arrangements can be forwarded if required.
· COSHH and other biological hazards (both natural and artificial) – the policy identifies additional risks and these are used to inform the Risk Assessment process

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

The centre offers en-suite dormitory accommodation for up to 34 students and their leaders, The ground floor has 3 bedrooms one accommodating 8 students, 2 bedrooms accommodating 4 students,1 single staff bedroom, 1 twin en-suite staff bedroom, a staff lounge, kitchen and bathroom. The first floor has 1 bedrooms each accommodating 8 students, 1 bedroom accommodating 6 students and one bedroom accommodating 4 students plus 2 twin en-suite staff bedrooms. All bedding is provided and bedrooms are heated and fully carpeted. Groups are also offered the opportunity to camp in the grounds in tents provided by the centre. The centre offers a range of indoor facilities including a large dining room and common room containing a television, videos and various board games for evening recreation, a fully equipped classroom containing a large selection of reference books and a comprehensive collection of local maps. The centre also has a small souvenir shop and washing and drying facilities.

Our chef savours his reputation for good food, providing a wide and varied menu using local produce catering for both vegetarians and those on special diets.

Do you have first aid on site?

Qualified First aider on site

Additional information.

Courses Available:
Trail Cylce Leader April 2010
GNAS Leader May 2010
First Aid at Work March 2010