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Activity management & monitoring

All the information you need regarding how we manage & monitor the activities we instruct at our residential school centre in France.

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Activity observation, monitoring and review

At the Château, we are committed to ensuring the ongoing training and development of our staff and the safety of our guests. To achieve this all staff are monitored, assessed and given feedback on a regular and recorded basis by members of the Senior Team. We believe this process is vital in ensuring continued and progressively improving standards at all levels.

Here you can find activity monitoring forms and further information on how we conduct reviews of the activities we instruct at the Château.

Title Description File
Staff list & qualifications -   Download file (199 KB pdf)
How our staff conduct reviews -   Download file (267 KB pdf)
Initiative Exercises activity monitoring form -   Download file (112 KB pdf)
Obstacle Course activity monitoring form -   Download file (113 KB pdf)
Orienteering activity monitoring form -   Download file (110 KB pdf)
Robin Hood activity monitoring form -   Download file (118 KB pdf)
The Wall activity monitoring form -   Download file (111 KB pdf)

 

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 guests 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.

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 →

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.

Find our fire drill procedure here →

Robin Hood

Robin Hood is one of the favourite activities at The Château and provides all participants with the opportunity to learn new skills and progress quickly under the coaching of our animateurs. The site-specific training which is carried out by one of our Senior team who holds the Archery GB Instructors Award, requires animateurs to have a thorough knowledge of equipment, range security, coaching skills and techniques to ensure safety and success for all participants. In addition, we have recently invested in new and improved equipment.

The Wall

Taking place on our purpose-built wall, this activity is supervised by animateurs who have all received site-specific training, which covers all aspects of climbing including the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment, set ups and techniques, plus rope work. Our UK assessor, who overseas the assessment and training of staff is Keith Flemming.

Orienteering

Taking place within the superb Château grounds, we have 5 orienteering courses that the participants can complete. This activity is supervised by animateurs who have been trained and assessed by Hilary and John Palmer and hold the British Orienteering Federation (BOF) Award.

All other activities

All other activities at the Château, such as team building and problem solving exercises, assault course and aeroball have all been reassessed. For these activities, 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.

Why choose us for your French school trip to Normandy?

French immersion works

Developed over 20 years, our approach to French teaching creates a truly immersive experience that is shown to improve learning and confidence.

We’re here for you

Our local managers are on hand 24/7 to look after the individual needs of your group and deliver the best experience every time you visit.

Schools return to us year after year

Our French language residentials offer the highest quality instruction and care which is why 8 out of 10 school groups return each year.

Animateurs are “like having another teacher on the trip”

All school group activities are led by our own French-native animateurs who are skilled at encouraging even the most reticent learner to use their French.

Authentic French experiences

As part of the local community, with ties across the region, we offer an authentic French cultural experience during your group's stay.

A French programme to suit your learning objectives

Looking for onsite adventure activities? The chance to experience authentic local culture? Or an escorted tour of Normandy's rich history and landmarks? We have a French trip to suit.