Humphrey Head Centre for Outdoor Education
Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring my sleeping bag?

No, all linen is provided. Personal clothing and towels are not provided. All specialist activity clothing and equipment is provided, including walking boots and waterproofs.

Are there any other costs involved?

Prices quoted for courses are all-inclusive. The client group arranges its own transport to and from the Centre. However groups may be met at the railway station in Grange over Sands or Kent's Bank by prior arrangement.

How will I be charged?

Depending on your booking, 10% of the expected cost of your trip will be invoiced 6 months prior to your visit. The balance will be payable 14 days before the trip, the invoice being sent 3 weeks before your visit. NYCC clients may be invoiced after your visit.

After a booking is made, when will I need to submit information?

All medical forms, group lists and nominal rolls should be forwarded to the Centre approximately a fortnight prior to the course. School group coordinators should keep Centre staff aware of any fluctuations in numbers booked.

What is the procedure for pupils requiring financial support?

North Yorkshire LEA operates a system of free places at its Outdoor Centres for pupils in receipt of free school meals and families in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit. Evidence of such grants should be provided to the Centre at the time of the course. Schools from other authorities should check with their own Education Office to ascertain what, if anything, is available. In some cases, schools formulate their own internal systems for supporting pupils in need.

Will I be charged for visiting staff accompanying the group?

Free staff places are given with educational bookings in the ratio of 1:12 pupils. Extra staff can attend by arrangement but a fee may be charged, dependent on circumstance.

Will staff have to sleep in the same room as pupils?

No. Separate single or double staff bedrooms are provided adjacent to the group.

Will I be responsible for formulating a course programme?

A Centre Course Director is appointed for each course. He/she will be responsible for suggesting a suitable programme according to your aims and objectives and the age and ability of the pupils. The programme is then agreed between the Centre and the group. On a five day course evening programmes are usually managed by visiting staff on two evenings and by centre staff on the other two. Weekend courses have evening input from centre staff as arranged when the programme is formulated.

Will Centre staff take on board any suggestions?

There is a de-brief at the end of each course to ascertain development Ideas for your course. Your comments are always welcome.

What happens if a pupil becomes ill or an accident occurs?

All Centre teaching staff are First Aid trained and qualified. The Centre has well-established links with local G.P.'s and hospitals in the event of personal accidents. Schools and parents are contacted as soon as is practicable.

Do you have insurance?

The Centre is covered for Public Liability Insurance. Personal Accident and Personal effects insurance are not included. North Yorkshire Groups/schools may access this via County Hall insurance section, usually for a small extra charge. Other authorities may have similar insurance available to groups. Non NYCC groups will need to investigate this.

Can I book a weekend visit?

There is weekend availability all year round. Please contact the centre. Staffed, unstaffed and self catering options are available.

Can I book a day visit?

Yes, via our Outreach Programme. Please contact the Centre who can help you plan a suitable programme from a number of options. Day visits can be Centre based, school based, or organised and supported at a mutually agreed venue.

I am a student, over 18, who would be interested in finding out more about a possible career in Outdoor Centres. What can you do to help me?

There is opportunity to gain experience of teaching in the outdoors at the Centre. Please contact the centre if you reside locally in the south Cumbria area.

Do you have any courses leading to National Governing Body qualifications in Rock Climbing, Caving, Sailing, Canoeing, Orienteering, Outdoor Activity First Aid, Mountain Biking, Mountain Leadership, etc.

Yes, please see the Adult section of our website here.

Is there a television at the centre?

No. There is however a digital projector with facilities for using laptop, video or DVD player.

Is there a public telephone at the centre?

No. It is however possible to use the centre phone in an emergency. Visiting staff will be briefed about this upon arrival at the centre.

Can pupils staying at the centre bring a mobile phone?

This is up to the organiser of the group. Pupils are not allowed their mobile phones on activities. Group organisers may want to consider locking up phones and only allowing access for a specified period each day.