Outdoor Academy Adventurous Activities Centre Berkshire
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Dolphin House, Whitchurch Rd, Pangbourne, Reading, RG8 7DA
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Social Skills | Archery | Water Sports Centre | Adventure Activity Centre | Climbing Centres | Water Sports | Team Building | Special Educational Needs (SEN) | Personal Development-Mentoring | Outdoor Pursuits | Outdoor Education | Duke of Edinburgh Award | Climbing, High Ropes & Zipwires | Cycling & Mountain Biking | Bushcraft | Day Trip Destinations | PE (Physical Education/Sport)
What we offer on a school trip
Offering adventurous activities since 2007, our passion for the outdoors has enabled us to develop an activity centre that delivers flexible, affordable and memorable programmes.
We operate all year round at our Thames side Centre called Dolphin House, located in Pangbourne Berkshire. Our Centre offers a safe environment for outdoor learning boasting Thames riverside frontage and excellent facilities.
Every group is different, which is why we offer standard packages as well as tailor made programmes to cater for individual needs and outcomes.
Your group will have access to a huge variety of both land and water based activities:
- Open canoeing
- Rafted open canoeing
- Open canoe sailing
- Bell boating
- Kayaking
- Sit on top kayaking
- Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) (singles & mega-SUP)
- Raft building
- Artificial indoor and outdoor Climbing
- Artificial caving
- Orienteering
- Archery
- Aerial archery
- Problem solving & team challenges
- GCSE Climbing
- DofE Training & Expeditions
To encourage maximum participation, the activities will be tailored to the abilities within your group to provide a positive impact and achievement. Your group will have access to high quality equipment which is maintained to the highest standards.
The programmes are suitable for all types of groups including:
- Schools
- Youth Groups
- Special Education
- Higher Education Establishments
- Corporate Team Building
Everyone who joins us for an activity programme take away lasting memories, the booking process is straight forward, everything is provided and you get to sit back, relax and watch your group have a fantastic and rewarding time!
What makes us a great choice for education?
We work hard to make your experience memorable for all the right reasons, from the initial enquiry through to post-event. Clients book with us time after time which demonstrates our high level of service.
We have experienced instructors, an excellent choice of activities, purpose built outdoor centre and great transport links.
There is increasing evidence that outdoor learning has a positive impact on children and young people. Outdoor adventurous activities can:
- Increase self-esteem and awareness.
- Increase confidence.
- Develop personal and social skills.
- Improve communication skills.
- Increase motivation to learn.
- Provide the opportunity to try new things.
We are regulated by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) so you can be assured of the highest standards.
Accreditation and Awards
- Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA – R1593)
- AQA Unit Award Scheme approved centre
Group Sizes Catered For
Group sizes of up to 180 participants - perfect for a class, club, year group or the entire school!
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Photographs, video and audio recordings are permitted during your activity programme featuring your own participants if parental permission has been granted.
If you would like a photo board made of your visit, we will take photographs during the programme and the photo board(s) will be sent by email the following day.
Our Privacy Policy can be found here: https://www.outdooracademy.co.uk/privacy-policy/
Risk Assessment Details
All activities are risk assessed, copies will be sent to the group leader on confirming the booking and/or as requested. We are an approved provider through EVOLVE and will provide any information as necessary.
We are fully protected by Activities Industrial Mutual, a specialist insurance provider, for £10million. A copy of our Public Liability Insurance certificate and AALA licence will be supplied on confirmation of booking.
Education Officer Information
Please contact the main office on 0118 9712 769 or email info@outdooracademy.co.uk if you require further information or if you would like a suggested programme and quotation.
Pricing Information
Prices start from £17.50pp for the standard packages which will be sent by email on request: info@outdooracademy.
For a tailor-made programme, the price is based on varying factors, please contact us with the following information:
- Number of participants
- Preferred date
- Preferred activities or learning outcomes
- Half or full day package
One supervising adult is free of charge per 10 children (depending on student needs).
*all prices quoted are exclusive of VAT, most schools can claim back the VAT.
Clothing Requirements
As the activities take place outdoors, we would recommend that participants wear loose, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions and a pair of comfortable trainers or sturdy closed toe footwear that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy – no crocs, flip flops or heels please! It is always advised to bring a warm jacket or coat with you and layers for the Winter months.
For those warm and sunny days, don’t forget a sun hat and sun cream.
If the programme includes water based activities, we will advise on booking whether a change of clothes is required.
A kit list will be provided on confirmation of booking.
First Aid Information
There will always be a member of staff on site who holds a current and up to date 16 hour outdoor first aid certificate.
Available Facilities
The purpose built Outdoor Centre offers excellent facilities:
- Private Climbing Wall
- Pontoon with direct access to the River Thames
- Main hall with views across the meadow
- Wilderness area
- Large open grass area
- Indoor study room
- Toilet facilities – male/female/unisex & disabled
- Shower facilities
- Changing rooms
- Full group catering kitchen
- Car parking
For full day programmes, please ensure a packed lunch is arranged as there are no facilities to purchase food on site.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
The Centre is proud to provide disabled toilet facilities, full wheelchair accessibility around the building along with a lift to the first floor. Many of the activities on offer are inclusive through use of specially designed hoist systems and specialist equipment.
Please contact us for more information about how we can provide an inclusive programme for your group.
Opening Hours & Information
We are open Monday to Friday 08.00-17.00 all year round.
Visiting the Centre is by appointment only, we would be happy to show you around to see our facilities and complete the necessary risk assessments or pre-visit checks as required.
Testimonials
“As far as outdoor providers go, I can 100% professionally say they are the best organisation to offer outdoor education to young people in the UK.”
Kevin, Reading Borough Council
“As ever, a brilliant experience for myself and for the children. Your staff were highly motivated with the children on their level and encouraged the children that sometimes lack confidence to take part.”
Sarah, Whitley Excellence Cluster
“Without exception, every member of the OA staff was excellent. Enthusiastic, fun, professional and obviously enjoyed their work. They worked sensitively with those children who were nervous and encouraged personal (and safe challenge) for those who were more confident. Couldn’t fault them. A great team.”
Karen, Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet Primary School
For more testimonials, please visit our website – www.outdooracademy.co.uk
Other Information
Experienced Instructors:
All of our staff team hold an enhanced DBS check and are highly qualified in the various National Governing Body Qualifications.
Our team work with young people on a daily basis, including those with challenging behaviours and additional learning needs, providing an excellent level of service and positive experience.
We select only the best instructors who have an interest in youth development and we require references from previous employers to ensure the suitability of staff.
Location Information
Location
The Centre has excellent transport links - based just 10 minutes from junction 12 of the M4 and only a 5 minute walk from the Pangbourne train station.
We welcome groups from all over the UK, mainly delivering activity programmes to schools and groups in the South from Reading, Basingstoke, Oxford, London, Swindon, Newbury and surrounding areas.
