Commissioning information
On this page you will find the answers to the commonly asked questions prior to commissioning. The purpose of this page is to help you decide if this provision meets your Quality Assurance Questions. Obviously, we cant cover every specific question, so feel free to contact us if you are left with further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Safeguarding
Are there signing in procedures and evidence of ID checks?
YES
Is the site secure?
YES - the site has private gated access.
Is there evidence that all staff have Safeguarding training and have read KCSIE Part 1?
Yes & reading KCSIE is requirement and part of induction.
Are staff aware of DSL/line of accountability for Safeguarding?
Both leads hold DSL qualification.
DSL role held by on site Director.
Have the DSL/ DDSL’s completed appropriate training to become a Safeguarding lead? Has it been completed in the past 2 years?
Yes and Yes. Certificates on file.
What additional Safeguarding training have DSL’s completed?
Online Safety, Prevent, Modern Day Slavery, Data Protection, Cyber Security and Personal Safety.
Is Safeguarding information displayed/shared with staff/parents/children?
YES. On website and in paper on display.
Is there a Safeguarding policy? Is it updated annually?
Yes & Yes
Is there staff behaviour policy / code of conduct?
Yes
Are staff aware of whistleblowing procedure?
Yes, this is part of the induction process.
Are there clear procedures on what to do if there are concerns about a staff member, volunteer or another adult who may pose a risk of harm to children?
Yes
Is there a single central register (SCR)?
Yes, this includes staff DBS numbers, 2 satisfactory references, ID checks & right to work.
Do vulnerable students have their own risk assessment?
Yes. In fact all students have their own risk assessment. We work closely with parents, schools & local authorities for this.
Is there a process for staff to record safeguarding concerns?
Yes. These concerns are reported directly to the school's DSL.
Is information about students securely stored?
Yes – On encrypted SSD & Cloud storage.
Is there evidence of staff performance reviews?
Yes – PM targets review process.
Is there a procedure for recording medical information?
Yes – robust individual student files are kept & shared with commissioning party.
Is there a safe space for students?
Yes – Regulation zones (identified on the map).
Are there at least two emergency contacts for each student?
Yes, on the student files.
Are behavioural incidences recorded?
Yes, on the student files.
Is there a complaints policy/procedure?
Yes
Do children have consent for photography?
Yes, on the student files.
Is there an induction process for children and staff?
Yes - induction is thorough and ensures a smooth transition.
What (soft) skills can be gained from the provision?
1. Teamwork and Collaboration
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Group activities problem-solving tasks require participants to work together, share responsibilities, and support one another.
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Builds cooperation, empathy, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively.
2. Communication Skills
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Outdoor tasks often involve planning routes, delegating roles, and giving clear instructions.
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Encourages active listening, clarity in expression, and non-verbal communication in dynamic environments.
3. Leadership
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Activities such as leading a group on a trail or managing a campfire session foster decision-making, initiative, and responsibility.
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Participants learn to motivate others and adapt leadership styles to different situations.
4. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
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Challenges like building shelters, developing the allotment and garden spaces, and cooking require strategic thinking and creative solutions.
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These experiences strengthen adaptability and resourcefulness under pressure.
5. Resilience and Emotional Regulation
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Facing physical and mental challenges outdoors helps individuals manage stress, overcome fear, and build confidence.
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Promotes grit, patience, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
6. Environmental Awareness and Responsibility
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Activities like habitat restoration or nature observation nurture stewardship, ethical decision-making, and a sense of global responsibility.
7. Creativity and Innovation
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Nature-based tasks encourage imaginative thinking—whether designing outdoor games or interpreting natural patterns.
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Stimulates curiosity and experimentation.
Health and Saftey
Is there evidence of gas safety checks?
Yes
Is there evidence of electrical safety checks/PAT?
Yes
Is there adequate heating?
Yes
Is there adequate ventilation?
Yes
Is there access to drinking water?
Yes
Is there a clear fire evacuation plan, with identified emergency exits and meeting points displayed?
Yes
Is this communicated to young people?
Yes
Are fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and fire blankets installed and regularly inspected?
Yes
Is there a fire safety and evacuation plan?
Yes
Is there a well-equipped first aid kit?
Yes
Is there evidence that staff are trained in first aid?
Yes
Is there more than one person first aid trained?
Yes
Are enough staff trained to cover sickness or leave?
Yes
Is there an accident book?
Yes
Are all outdoor areas safe and in good condition, including paths, steps, disposal of waste etc?
Yes
How many hours/days do students generally attend on average?
5 Hours per day on site.
There are options for additional tutoring/ support that would be completed on days that the child does not attend in person
What qualifications/training do staff have to deliver this?
Qualified teacher status
We blend our teaching staff with qualified teachers from both primary and secondary phases. Staff have 20 + years in education and are specialised in inclusion.
Non - teaching staff are experienced, have fantastic attitudes and have led in their areas within schools.
The Leadership team bring unrivalled leadership experience. Including experience as Executive Principal, SENDCo, and DSL.
NPQH
NPQ SENDCo
Experienced Primary and secondary Teachers
Therapeutic Thinking training
NASEN – Recognised teacher of SEND
Tuition for GCSE MA/EN (Previous Heads of dept MA/EN)
DBS, SCR & Safeguarding policy
OLA ensures that all staff and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults hold valid Enhanced DBS checks. A record of these checks are maintained and kept up to date by the service provider in our Single Central Record.
The safeguarding policy is published on our website.
What qualifications are offered? How many students complete qualifications? Are they time sensitive to the length of placement?
Progress towards GCSE Maths/English
Delivered by specialist tutors with experience of leading within schools as Heads of Departments.
This involves 45-min sessions daily and forms one of the optional extras.
Asdan awards
We offer a variety of Awards, accredited by Asdan. There are a variety of short courses available that require 60 hours placement (12 weeks)
We also have options to complete the Personal Development programme, which will require a placement of 24 weeks minimum.
Duke of Edinburgh
Due to the activities completed, students aged 13 + can complete the 'Skills' section of their Duke of Edinburgh award with us. This requires a minimum of 12 weeks.
NOLA
The National Outdoor Learning Award is designed to celebrate and capture personal development in any outdoor learning experience. The award focuses on 18 personal development skills which stem from six core values: “safety, learning, respect, yourself, others and the environment”. The model is simple, but it is this simplicity that makes it so robust and adaptable.
How many students currently attend the provision? NCY, SEND, EHCP, no. of hours attending/planned duration
The Outdoor Learning Group will launch it first cohort in Feb 2025.
The maximum capacity at this time is 35 spaces per week, 7 spaces attending per day.
There will be a mix of students including those EHCP and SEND needs, in addition to those students who do not have identified needs.
Core operating hours are from 930-230 each day with options to include bespoke education, mental health and behaviour mentoring.
How long do students stay at the provision on average?
12-weekly blocks as standard. One day per week.
With some qualifications there is a minimum guided hours requirement.
Registration
OLA is registered with Companies House.
Key stages of students attending?
OLA provides a provision for children from KS2 - KS5 in addition to 'KS6' for those children in need to provision up to 25.
We have specific days for certain groups in order to ensure age appropriate interactions exist.
For example:
Mondays - Lower KS2
Tuesdays - Upper US2
Wednesday - KS3
Thursday - KS4
Friday - KS5 +
Primary need of students attending?
OLA provides provision for children with mixed needs with no primary area of need. Children with cognition and learning needs benefit hugely and the provision is as individualised as possible, including withing towards agreed aims, outcomes and achievements.
Key stages of students attending?
OLA provides for children from KS2 - KS5 in addition to 'KS6' for those young people in need of provision up to age 25.
We have specific days for certain groups to ensure age appropriate interactions exist.
For example:
Mondays - Lower KS2
Tuesdays - Upper US2
Wednesday - KS3
Thursday - KS4
Friday - KS5 +
How is attendance/progress infomration shared with parents/school/LA? How often is this information shared?
Attendance is shared daily for morning and afternoon registration marks.
Robust tracking systems are kept and provided through the reporting process. Written reports are provided termly.
Information is shared after each session about success and areas for development.
Where possible, we aim to attend/provide information for annual reviews and school meetings.