Why choose Red Ridge?

• Safety is our key concern at Red Ridge. In addition to our in-house systems we employ the services of Citation PLC who oversee all of our Health and Safety and Staffing issues. We are licensed to provide activities to young people under the age of 16 by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). We are Founder members of Adventure for All (AFA), and members of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Centres (AHOEC). Further information about each of these organisations can be found on the respective links.
• Staffing We choose our instructors very carefully, for their experience, attitude and personality. A senior instructor leads all the major activities, in partnership with other full time instructors. Using their personality and experience they always speak to the children in a very appropriate manner. They are firm but fair and have a good sense of humour, something very necessary in this job! Instructors are patient, give excellent instruction and provide a real challenge, but, at the same time, explain, help, guide and cajole children to accomplish tasks that they thought beyond them. We have three Senior Instructors, Rob who joined Red Ridge in 1985, Neil who joined in 1984 and Joe who started in 1996.
• The programme is tailored according to your needs and all the activities we offer contribute to the Key Stage 2 Curriculum. For example, choose between outdoor pursuits team building sessions, environmental studies or a visit to a local site.
• Equipment We have a wide range of standard and specialist equipment which is checked for condition and safety on a regular basis. Operational procedures dictate how often checks are carried out, whether this be daily, weekly or monthly. We regularly invest in new equipment - either for new activities or as replacements.
• Risk Assessments Every activity undergoes a risk assessment which is reviewed and revised on a daily basis for every group. All factors are assessed, the activity itself, the ability of the group, and weather conditions. This ensures that the activity is appropriate and safe; that you have the correct staffing ratios; and any special needs of any child are taken into consideration. All children, including those with disabilities, are encouraged to participate and achieve their full potential.
• Children with Disabilities Within any main stream school it is inevitable that there will be young people with learning or physical disabilities or young people who are disadvantaged in some way. We are committed to providing outdoor experiences to the widest possible range of abilities. We have been offering specialist and integrated courses to those with disabilities since 1978 and it has always been the policy of Red Ridge to be as in clusive as possible.
• Communication.It is vital to us that your visit is a s rewarding and enjoyable as possible, and that all your needs are met. Prior to your visit we will discuss everything to ensure that we can meet your requirements. All important details of your booking, such as dates, disabilities, dietary requirements are updated immediately and are available to you on line,anywhere,anytime. Lost paperwork becomes a thing of the past! Access is by way of your own personal code.During your visit we will be in constant communication with you. Should any issues or concerns arise, Pete and Sue Jones, the owners and founders of Red Ridge, live on site and are always on hand to help.
• Good food.Outdoor activities make children hungry so it is important that a hot breakfast and evening meal are available to all. The menu is varied so children will always find soemthingthat they will enjoy., and there is always plenty of food. At lunchtime we provide all the ingredients but the children prepare their sandwiches for themselves (often for the first time ever!). Because of the wide choice of fillings we can be certain that the young people will make soemthing that they will enjoy making and enjoy eating. We cater for any specialist dietary requirement. It is just a question of letting us know your needs.
• Comfortable Accommodation. Our accommodation is in small dormitories with a maximum of 6 children per bedroom. The visiting teachers sleep in rooms adjacent to the pupils and have separate bathroom accommodation. There is a plentiful supply of hot water and the buildings are heated throughout. A totally new oilfired heating system was installed during 2006. We have laundry facilities and an large excellent drying room. We have a games room for the pupils and a good fitness room, sauna and hot tub available to staff only!
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