Council Outdoor Activities Team passes inspection

Inspection comes as a HSE investigation into an incident at the council managed Carlton Adventure Centre which occurred earlier this year concludes with no further action to be taken....

10th December 2024

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Outdoor Activities Team has reportedly achieved top marks in a rigorous inspection by Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC), reaffirming what the council claims is its dedication to delivering a safe, enriching, and high-quality service.

The inspection is said to have assessed several critical areas, with the team said to have met or exceeded expectations in all categories,

The team organises residential trips to the Lake District for schools across Hartlepool and the Tees Valley, offering a diverse activity program that includes rock climbing, hiking, and canoeing—encouraging young participants to develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills.

The LOtC inspection is said to be a crucial benchmark for outdoor learning providers, ensuring compliance with national standards and best practices in safety and program delivery.

Adam Reah, Outdoor Activities Participation Manager, praised his team’s efforts:“We’re incredibly proud of our team’s commitment to excellence. The feedback we received was outstanding—one inspector even noted there was little they could suggest to further improve our service delivery.”

Councillor Gary Allen, Labour Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, also commended the team:

“This accomplishment highlights the professionalism and dedication of our Outdoor Activities Team. Their efforts not only ensure safety but also enrich the lives of participants, fostering valuable life skills through outdoor learning.”

It comes just months after Hartlepool Borough Council was referred to the Health & Safety Executive in whats said to have been a joint investigation with North Yorkshire Police following the death of a 10 year olf school girl from Darlington who dies on a school trip to Carlton Bank, an activity service run by Hartlepool Borough Council earlier this year.

Leah Harrison, from Darlington, died at Carlton Bank on the edge of the North York Moors on May 22 this year.

The Year 6 pupil, who attended Mount Pleasant Primary School had reportedly been on a walk led by instructors at the Carlton Adventure centre, a service run by Hartlepool Borough Council.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirmed earlier last week that they'd concluded their investigation with North Yorkshire Police and will take no further action.