Todds Leap, the Activity, Conference and Training Centre based near Ballygawley, has achieved top marks from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) through the award of the LOtC Quality Badge. Winning two other nationally accredited charter marks in 2011 – BAPA accreditation and the Adventuremark - has seen interest soar as principals and teachers search for innovative ways of teaching the national curriculum.

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) is the managing and overall awarding body for the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, which recognises providers offering good quality learning outside the classroom and managing risk effectively. This quality mark reinforces the programme development work carried out by Todds leap over the last number of years, which has resulted in a wide-ranging, curriculum-based school adventure programme.

The Centre also holds the Adventuremark badge, which confirms all activities have been inspected against nationally agreed and recognized standards. Todds Leap specializes in residential, training and adventure programmes and with a purpose built conference centre, quality log cabin accommodation and Benjamin’s restaurant, the Centre has played host to thousands of students – primary, post-primary and from further and higher education colleges – over the last number of years.

All Todds Leap’s school programmes are curriculum-based taking account of the National Curriculum for example the “Learning for Life and work” syllabus at post primary level. Other accredited activities relate to English, Business Studies and Leisure Studies. At all levels – primary, post-primary and further and higher education – trust and team-work are encouraged through tailor made programmes.

Managing Director, Benny O’Hanlon, is proud of the three quality marks for one of Northern Ireland’s most successful indigenous, medium-sized businesses: “The awarding of the three quality marks and accreditations to Todds Leap is important for us as a business and is an integral park of our business development strategy. It is equally important for schools and colleges and young people. For example, principals, teachers and parents can come to Todds Leap knowing that we have achieved the highest, national standards in safety and quality without compromising on learning, adventure and fun”.

Beth Gardner, Chief Executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom said: “Educational visits are among the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life. The LOtC Quality Badge offers teachers a guarantee that not only is a venue providing the sort of educational value that they can build on in class long after the visit but they also have the appropriate risk management structures in place. “Learning outside the classroom has many proven educational benefits. The LOtC Quality Badge will reduce red tape and provide assurance for schools, thereby ensuring that many more young people have memorable, exciting and valuable learning outside the classroom experiences. I congratulate Todds Leap on being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge.”

Chris Scott, Activity Tourism Manager, Countryside Access and Activities Network, “Todds Leap continues to be innovative in the way they offer adventure activities. It is great to see this innovation being backed up with well recognised external accreditations meaning they can now confidently promote and offer a high quality and safe adventure product.”