Teachers
School staff consent form coming soon...
The following FAQs are designed to give busy teaching staff a simple overview of the project. Information will update periodically - please do check back regularly.
Where will I be sleeping?
For the first three nights, you'll have the choice to sleep in your own tent, or take a bunk bed in a shared dorm inside Deanich Lodge. For the final night, you will be hammocking in beautiful ancient pine woods. An experience to remember!
What are the supervision ratios?
Our standard group size is 8 pupils for each of our outdoor leaders. It's a 1:8 ratio, with you the staff member in addition to that.
What personal kit do I need to bring?
Our kit list will be available here!
What are the procedures for pupils on medication?
All Aban staff are first aid trained and are responsible for all emergency first aid during the residential. However, the school's visit leader will retain responsibility for dispensing pupil medication. Each school will have its own procedures for managing this safely. However, those procedures must acheive the 4 following outcomes:
- School representatives should review the medication they are taking away in the presence of parents prior to leaving. They should document quantities that they are taking of each medication in something like a ‘drug register’.
- It should be corroborated when pupils are given their medication (2 staff members present).
- Staff should use the ‘drug register’ to record times/dates that medication is provided, quantities that are given and this should then be signed by both staff members present.
- Staff should monitor pupils taking their medication at all times, especially when asked to do so by parents.
Is there anything pupils are not allowed to bring?
Pupils are asked not to bring any expensive or valuable items. These can easily be damaged and in any case there is no mobile phone signal at Alladale.
Smoking, vaping, drinking and the use of any recreational drugs are not permitted. This will be highlighted on the parental consent form.
What if one of my group gets ill?
All our staff are trained in outdoor emergency first aid. We have the use of a landline phone at Deanich Lodge, in addition to satellite messaging devices in case of a medical emergency. A 4x4 vehicle will be available to take pupils to the public road to be collected if necessary.
How are evening activities organised?
Aban staff will be delivering a full programme of evening activities, some more energetic, some calmer. This will include camp fires, swimming, night walks, educational film night, craft workshops and other fun group activities.
We do rely on the goodwill of all school staff to make the week a success. It is very rewarding, hard work and you should be aware there is limited scope for personal downtime. For example, school staff are expected to help with supervison outside of structured activities.
What about safety & risk assessments?
Àban has a duty of care to all pupils whilst they are at Alladale. School staff obviously know pupils well, and we will work closely together with you to make sure each day's activity is pitched at the right level for everyone.
Àban is a Highland Council Assured Provider. If you're responsible for filing your school's EVOLVE paperwork, this means that you can select our organisation from a dropdown menu. if you would like further information, all Àban's risk assessments are available to view on request.
Will an Àban member of staff be on site?
Yes, Àban staff will be on site throughout the programme. We will normally have 5 staff present. The team is led by our Outdoor Programme Leader, with 3 Group Leaders plus our Basecamp Manager.
What about emergency contact?
There is an Outdoor Programme Leader always available at Alladale, in addition, we have a Duty Manager on call 24/7 from our base in Inverness throughout your residential week. The contact number for the Duty Manager will be shared prior to your residential.