YMCA Lakeside in Windermere passes key inspections

As part of the benchmarking exercise which allows it to operate, YMCA Lakeside, near Newby Bridge, Windermere, received a commendation for the 'clarity and organisation' of its instructor training and assessment procedures and practice.

This ensures a 'high-quality and safe experience' for the 7,000 youngsters who visit the centre each year.

The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) assess the centre annually.

A hat trick of results means 7,000 children and young people who come YMCA Lakeside each year can expect a 'high-quality and safe experience' (Image: Supplied)

Dr Martin Barry, YMCA Lakeside’s senior operations manager, said: "These inspections are really important; we can’t operate without passing them.

"It means we are benchmarked as a high quality outdoor education provider in the sector.

"We offer more than 50 water and land-based activities as part of our day and residential camps for children and young adults.

"We welcome schools from around the country including groups from across Cumbria, and North Lancashire schools.

"Knowing that we are endorsed by three key bodies should reassure teachers about the safety and quality of the experience we offer here for their pupils."

Schools book in for residential experiences throughout the year.

The centre employs up to 30 instructors each day during its peak period, from June to August (Image: Supplied)

YMCA Lakeside encourages winter residentials, which are 'more affordable' and offer 'different learning opportunities'.

Dr Barry said: "With longer nights and shorter days, there are different learning opportunities—from torchlit hikes to stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the UK.

"Winter residentials are also more affordable than ones in our peak period, making them accessible to a wider range of students.

"And an experience like this at the start of the school year builds resilience, problem solving and communication skills, while also developing an appreciation of the outdoors during colder, darker conditions."

A key task for Dr Barry in the coming months is recruiting delivery staff.

The centre employs up to 30 instructors each day during its peak period, from June to August.

YMCA Lakeside encourages winter residentials, which are 'more affordable' (Image: Supplied)

It is Dr Barry’s responsibility to ensure the instructors have the relevant qualifications for the activities they lead and that they keep up to date with best practice with on-going training.

The AALA inspectors commended their process and evidence trail to show this is successfully happening at the centre.

For more information about YMCA Lakeside, from careers to residential and holiday day camps, visit lakesideymca.co.uk.