


	Parents Do you have a safety management system? Yes. Safety will always be our primary concern and underpins everything we do: we set our standards at the highest level and never compromise. Our unsurpassed Safety Management System has been developed in conjunction with RoSPA, following Health &Safety Executive guidelines. Please ask us for a copy. Do you comply with DfCSF safety guidelines? Yes, we comply with the DfCSF guide 'Health & Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits 1998' and the appendices added in 2002. Are your activities and centres accredited? All our activities operate to the highest safety standard and we conform to UK National Governing Bodies' codes of practice where applicable. Our UK centres are licensed by AALA; and we hold BAHA, RY and BCU accreditation. The Adventure Activity Licensing Regulations 1996 have no legal jurisdiction overseas, but we ensure our overseas centres operate to UK standards. What level of support can I expect from Acorn Adventure staff? Our head office customer service team is responsible for the smooth running and co-ordination of your booking, from initial enquiry and planning through to completion. Once you have made your no-obligation provisional booking you will receive a comprehensive Party Leader pack which will help you to prepare for your trip. Once you arrive at our centre, professional and well trained centre staff will look after your group's well-being. How do you recruit and train your centre staff? All our staff are employed and trained by us. A lot of the centre staff have worked for us before and are offered contracts subject to Criminal Records Bureau clearance and satisfactory completion of training and a probationary period. All our instructors are of course trained to the standards required. What is a tented village? The Acorn Village is a totally unique concept. By creating individual villages we provide a safe and secure environment which helps you quickly develop a sense of community and team spirit. There are usually at least 16 tents all facing into a common play area and an exclusive marquee. All tents are made from breathable PVC and have solid flooring. Tents have sprung beds with mattresses and normally sleep 4, but can take up to 6. Partly Leader tents sleep 1 or 2, have a few extra comforts and have inner tents for privacy. Is your adventure course linked to the National Curriculum? Our adventure course satisfies several requirements of the National Curriculum at key stages 2, 3 and 4 including personal, social and health education, citizenship, physical education and extending opportunity.

FAQs

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Do you cater for children with special needs?

Of course! Many special needs children and groups come to us every year. We are dedicated to providing a wonderful experience to all children, no matter what their needs. We are very happy to work with special needs groups and our staff are fully trained to meet your requirements. Many special needs groups have experienced truly amazing achievements at our centres - this is always very rewarding for them and for our staff.

Is my money safe with Acorn Adventure?

We are a fully licensed and bonded tour operator. You can book with us in complete confidence that that the money you pay is fully protected. For coach holidays we comply with the bonding requirements of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Can the Party Leader's family travel with Acorn Adventure too?

In addition to the various group discounts, we can also offer FREE places for Party Leaders and accompanying school staff and FREE places for the party leader's partner and up to two children.

What specialist equipment is supplied by Acorn?

Buoyancy aids and helmets are supplied and must be worn at all times where specified by our staff. Wetsuits are also supplied where applicable.

Do all coaches have seatbelts?

Following Government legislation, all British coaches transporting young people under 16 years of age must be fitted with seatbelts. All coaches hired by us in the UK conform to this requirement. Many European coaches are also fitted with lap belts, though they are not yet subject to the same rules as the UK.

Is my group fully insured or do I need to take out separate insurance?

Extensive insurance cover is always included free of charge in our prices. It covers each child and adult for the entire period of the booking including travel. It also covers all the adventurous activities organised by us. Full details can be found here.

Should all group members be able to swim?

The requirement for participation in water sports is water confidence which will help participants to remain calm in any situation. Buoyancy aids are provided and must be worn as directed. Non-swimmers can join in supervised swimming sessions, but must not go out of their depth. For water sports in the sea, large areas of inland water and fast-flowing rivers, a minimum of 25 metres swimming ability is normally required. Please enquire for details relating to specific centres.

How do I apply for an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, previously known as the E111) and get health advice for travellers?

Please visit the department of health website using the following link : www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm for detailed advice.

Parents

Do you have a safety management system?

Do you comply with DfCSF safety guidelines?

Are your activities and centres accredited?

What level of support can I expect from Acorn Adventure staff?

How do you recruit and train your centre staff?

What is a tented village?

Is your adventure course linked to the National Curriculum?