Carlton Adventure strikes gold!

The outdoor education centre, which is based at Carlton-in-Cleveland on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and run by Hartlepool Borough Council, has had its AHOEC (Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres) Gold Standard renewed following a rigorous inspection.

The centre and its staff met the required criteria in all areas, including:

• Compliance with the AHOEC Code of Conduct.
• Safety management.
• Facilities and transport.
• Learning and development.
• Customer care.
• Leadership and management.
• Environmental sustainability.
• Compliance and insurance.
• Continuing improvement.

As a result, the centre also automatically met the requirements of the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge and Adventuremark.

(Left-right): Senior Activity Co-ordinator Paul Godwin, Senior Activity Instructor Mike Sadler, Activity Instructor Sno Reed, Support Officer Jan Heslington and Caretaker Nigel Moses.

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: “This is a fantastic achievement because the AHOEC Gold Standard inspection is the most comprehensive and wide-ranging assessment of quality, helping providers of outdoor learning to ensure they are complying with industry best practice.

“The feedback from the inspector was extremely positive, identifying throughout that the centre has robust procedures in place.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in running Carlton Adventure – this accreditation is testimony to their professionalism and dedication.”

The centre provides a range of high-quality residential and non-residential activities for schools and other community groups, primarily from across Hartlepool, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. The activities its offers include climbing, canoeing, high ropes, forest schools, hill walking, archery, orienteering and team-based challenges.

For more information or to make a booking email CarltonBookings@hartlepool.gov.uk or call (01642) 712229.