Staff Qualifications, Management & Monitoring

Activity operational procedures

Site-specific operational procedures and session plans are always followed and regularly reviewed for all activities to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff. These operational procedures include details of staff qualifications and staff-to-participant ratios and are closely linked to risk assessments and staff training.

Activity equipment checks

All our equipment is subject to safety checks before, during and after each activity and undergoes a rigorous inspection every 6 weeks that is fully recorded and logged. In addition, the Centre Manager or an external assessor carries out an intensive inspection every three months. All equipment checks and logbooks are available for inspection by Party Leaders at the Château.

See our monthly equipment safety checks here →

Activity risk assessments

Risk assessments are an important element in ensuring the safety of all our visitors, guests and staff. To that end, comprehensive activity and site-specific risk assessments have been completed for all operations and activities along with all safety, accident, emergency, fire and general centre procedures and policies. It is The Château policy that all staff are fully conversant with them and receive appropriate training. Risk assessments are reviewed on a regular and ongoing basis and are available for all party leaders as part of their pre-visit organisation and checks.

Find all activity risk assessments & session plans here →

Training our animateurs

Activities at the Château, such as team building and problem-solving exercises, assault course and aeroball are instructed by our hand-picked team of animateurs.

All animateurs have completed an extensive in house training and assessment programme and follow clear operational procedures and session plans that ensure all participants are aware of all relevant safety aspects, acquire and develop physical and language skills and, most importantly, have fun.

The Robin Hood activity requires animateurs to have a thorough knowledge of equipment, range security, coaching skills and techniques to ensure safety and success for all participants. This training is carried out by one of our Senior team who holds the Archery GB Instructors Award.

External trainers are used to assess and train the animateurs in the climbing and orienteering activities. This site-specific training covers all aspects of climbing including the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment, set ups and techniques, plus rope work. 

See our external trainers and assessors here →

Safeguarding

We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people to help keep them safe. We are committed to practise in a way that protects children from the risk of harm or abuse and follow all current and relevant UK legislation and guidance.

All staff members, activity leaders and coach drivers who come into contact with children undergo a DBS and/or equivalent Police check under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. To fulfil our duty of care and create a safer environment for children and young people, all French centre staff undertake the EduCare Safeguarding Young People course.

Serious incident plans, fire and evacuation procedures

We have in place comprehensive procedures for use in the event of an emergency situation or fire. The Château has detailed fire evacuation plans and all guests are made aware, as soon as they arrive, of the procedures to follow. In addition, various staff from all departments have completed a course in dealing with fire and the use of fire extinguishers and hoses.

Review the fire evacuation drill procedure here (download only)