Education/Voluntary
POLICY STATEMENTS
MISSION STATEMENT
Dave
Edwards and Associates is an association of very experienced and highly
skilled Outdoor Educationalists who are committed to designing and delivering
outdoor adventure experiences to the best possible standards.
Courses and events are run anywhere in the UK to meet the precise
educational aims of discerning client groups.
Sensitivity to the needs of participants, positive and supportive
styles of interaction and the sustainable use of natural and wild environments
are the hallmark of our courses.
OUTLINE OF SERVICES
Outdoor
adventure activities are led by qualified, experienced tutors who combine
technical competence and excellent safety standards with first rate soft
skills. Activities
that we use as a medium to achieve course aims are: rock climbing, mountaineering,
hill walking, camping, caving, mine exploration, canoeing, raft building,
mountain biking, gorge walking, orienteering and problem solving activities.
Although we are based in the heart of the Peak District National
Park we can set up courses and programmes anywhere in Britain to meet
the different requirements of client groups and organisations. Dave Edwards and Associates are licensed under the Adventure
Activity Licensing Authority for the above activities (Licence No L4951/R1009)
details can be confirmed by telephoning 029 2075 5715.
AIMS OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Courses
for schools and colleges can potentially address the following aims:
§
To provide the opportunity for people to become aware of their potential
and encourage them to develop new skills, self confidence and aspirations.
§
To encourage the development of positive social skills and awareness
of others.
§
To create the opportunity for people take meaningful responsibility
for themselves and their peers.
§
To develop a deeper appreciation of the natural and wild environments
and understand the need for sustainable use of these resources.
ORGANISATION and
MANAGEMENT
BUSINESS MANAGER & COURSE DESIGN
Suzanne Pearson
Course
Directors
Phil Booth and Pete Thorpe
Tutors and Instructors
Participants School or Organisation Parents/Carers
SAFETY POLICY
Safety
is always one of the highest priorities with Dave Edwards and Associates.
Staff go through the process of identifying and assessing hazards
and implement measures to minimise and control the risks that these
hazards generate. Our policy is to provide and maintain safe and healthy
working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all staff and to
provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this
purpose. We also accept our responsibility for the health and safety of
other people who may be affected by our activities.
It
is the responsibility of all members of Dave Edwards and Associates staff
to co-operate with each other to achieve a healthy and safe working environment
and to take reasonable care of themselves and others.
All
accidents and near-misses are reported in the Incident Report file.
Course Directors, Tutors, Instructors, Accompanying Leaders
or Teachers, Supporting Staff (eg Parents Carers) and Participants all
share a responsibility for safety.
Everyone has a role to play to ensure that the highest possible
safety standards are maintained whilst enjoying adventurous activities.
All
aspects of safety in any event or course or programme are the responsibility
of the Course Director. Course
Directors must hold all the appropriate governing body awards relevant
to the programme being delivered or have enlisted others with appropriate
technical skills and qualifications to support their planning and delivery
of a programme.
FIRST
AID AND ILLNESS
During
activity sessions, first aid incidents will be dealt with by the qualified
first aider for that session. If an incident is potentially serious, there
should be no delay in seeking professional medical care. Dave Edwards
and Associates staff will discuss appropriate action with accompanying
staff and, if it is considered necessary, liaise with the head of the
visiting organisation. The parents (or other relatives) will be contacted.
In
all cases where first aid treatment is given, an Incident Report Form
will be completed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
OF ACCOMPANYING STAFF
1 Obtaining contact information for all course participants and,
where appropriate, parental consent.
2 Informing Dave Edwards and Associates staff of any medical conditions
or special needs that may have implications on the well-being of a course
participant during their course with Dave Edwards and Associates.
3 The issuing of any prescribed medicines.
4 Ensuring that all members of their party maintain good standards
of behaviour and conduct.
ETHICAL
ISSUES
Dave
Edwards and Associates applies in its courses the principles of care and
respect for the natural environment, the local community and the needs
of other users. Mutual respect
for others regardless of age, background, race, gender, disability or
culture is insisted upon. Healthy
life styles with regard to physical activity, smoking, eating, and intoxicants
are encouraged.
Session
Reviews and Course Evaluation
After
every session, the Course Director will try to get feedback on the sessions
from both instructors and clients. They will discuss any particular difficulties
that may have been experienced and discuss anything that worked particularly
well. At the end of the course
or programme there will be further discussion about the course's difficulties
and successes. The discussion will focus on how to improve the quality
and effectiveness of futu programme.
