Language Learning Experiences
Outdoor Education Experiences
Dedicated Safeguarding Policy
We maintain a formal Safeguarding Policy that lays out responsibilities, protocols, and standards. Everyone from leadership to instructors knows what to do, and who to go to, if there’s a concern. Plus all staff behave in line with our Code of Conduct to ensure consistent positive practice and conduct.
Health & Safety Policy
Alongside safeguarding, we have robust Health & Safety procedures and risk assessments for every activity and residential. This helps to minimise hazards proactively, rather than reacting after something goes wrong.
We also have a dedicated Head of Safeguarding with oversight across all safeguarding concerns and we carry out spot checks to ensure standards are kept and procedures are followed
Skilled, checked & trained Staff
All staff involved in school trips undergo background checks in (Enhanced DBS checks) line with Keeping Children Safe in Education requirements, ensuring those working with children are suitable and qualified.
Training
Staff are trained not just in our activities, first aid, and outdoor safety, but also in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, child protection, behaviour management and inclusivity.
Supportive ratios & supervision
We maintain adult:child ratios that provide sufficient supervision, ensuring pupils are never left unsupervised during critical times plus our Night Duty camp leaders will be on camp throughout the night so Teachers can sleep sound!
Pre-trip briefings for trip leaders & Teachers
Before any trip, school staff and trip leaders receive all necessary information: risk assessments, kit lists, group planners and parent/carer resources. They know when, where, and how the trip works.
Thorough Risk Assessments
Each location and activity has a risk assessment that is continuously reviewed. From outdoor terrain, equipment safety, wildlife, weather, to sleeping and eating arrangements, nothing is left to chance.
Emergency response & first aid
We have plans for accidents and emergencies, with trained staff, first aid kits, communication protocols, and clear lines of responsibility.
Personalised information about your children
We use detailed booking forms to ensure we have all of the correct additional needs and information to care for each child, in addition this this, all information is double checked on arrival to camp.
Inclusivity & participation
Activities are designed to be inclusive. Every child is supported and encouraged to take part, with no “waiting around.” This ensures no child is left isolated or disengaged.
Respect for well-being
We monitor the physical and emotional well-being of students throughout. Outdoor education can be challenging – fatigue, homesickness or anxiety can happen – so our staff are attentive, empathetic, and trained to help.
Clear behaviour expectations & boundaries
Expectations are set clearly in advance for students, staff, and accompanying adults. Boundaries are maintained, while ensuring an atmosphere of trust, respect, and fun.
Transparent communication with Schools & Parents including pre-departure Information
Parents receive full details: itinerary, what to bring, health and medical requirements and know how to contact staff in case of emergency.
Teacher & leader support
Schools are provided resources to help prepare students and the Trip Leaders are kept in the loop on any special needs, medical issues, or other considerations.
Onsite communication
During the trip, both students and leaders know who to approach for any concern. There are clear channels of reporting for anything that feels unsafe, uncomfortable, or unexpected. Plus our staff remain in uniform throughout so they are noticeable as safe adult to approach.
Environments designed for safety
Our outdoor sites are selected not just for their beauty and educational potential, but for safety: accessibility, cleanliness, secure accommodation, suitable facilities.
Safe travel & transportation
Partnerships (e.g. with coach companies) involve DBS-checked drivers and trusted travel providers. Ensuring transport safety is treated with the same seriousness as onsite safety.
Supervised and secure accommodation & care
Overnight stays, mealtimes, sleeping arrangements, hygiene facilities, all designed with privacy, safety, and supervision in mind.
Continuous review & improvement through feedback loops
We collect feedback from students, teachers, parents after each trip. What worked, what didn’t, what made children feel safe, what could be better etc.
Incident recording & learning
Any incidents are logged, analysed, and used to inform, and improve policy, training, and procedures.
Why It Matters
Putting safeguarding front and centre isn’t just about meeting regulation or avoiding risk, it’s about creating a space where children can truly thrive. Trust allows them to push themselves, try new things, grow confidence and enjoy the wonder of nature without fear. It assures parents and schools that the adventure is real, but also responsibly managed.
At The Bushcraft Company, we believe that every memorable forest trail, every shelter built, every lesson learned under the open sky rests on a foundation of safety, respect and care. Safeguarding guides everything we do, from planning to execution, and ensures that school trips are not only fun and transformative, but also secure and trusted.
