APPROVED ACTIVITY PROVIDERS

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WHY SCHOOLS CHOOSE A DofE APPROVED ACTIVITY PROVIDER

Schools running Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions can choose to manage expeditions independently or work with a DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP).

Learn Outdoors is one of the UK’s most experienced AAPs, working in partnership with schools to deliver safe, compliant and high-quality expeditions.

Enquire About DofE Expeditions Today

WHAT IS A DofE AAP?

A DofE AAP is an organisation that has been assessed and approved by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to deliver specific sections of the programme, including expeditions.

AAPs must demonstrate:

  • Robust safety management systems

  • Appropriately qualified staff

  • Experience delivering expeditions

  • Compliance with DofE operating guidelines

  • ✔ Reduced workload for school staff

    ✔ Expert planning and logistics

    ✔ Accredited DofE assessors

    ✔ Qualified instructors and supervisors

    ✔ Clear risk management and safeguarding

    ✔ Reassurance for schools, parents and students

LEARN OUTDOORS IN ONE OF THE UK’S FIRST, LARGEST AND MOST TRUSTED AAPs!

HOW LEARN OUTDOORS SUPPORTS SCHOOLS AS AN AAP 

Our directors, Philip and Sarah, bring 60 years of combined DofE expertise, supported by a dedicated team of office staff and highly qualified instructors who guide schools through every stage of their expedition programme.

We are regularly inspected and hold an Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) license.

 Learn Outdoors provides:

  • Expedition and route planning guidance

  • Training, practice and qualifying expeditions

  • Campsite bookings and permissions

  • Safety systems and emergency planning

  • Assessment and expedition sign-off

  • Support before, during and after expeditions

  • A guarentee of expedition staffing, with contingency cover in place at all times

We work collaboratively with schools, offering flexible levels of support rather than a fixed package. Contact us to discuss how we can work with your school or group.

SCHOOL-LED vs AAP EXPEDITIONS

SCHOOL-LED

- Requires qualified staff

- Significant staff time

- School manages compliance

- Assessors sourced separately

USING AN AAP

- Specialist expedition expertise

- Reduced admin and planning for schools

- Clear compliance with DofE

- External assessors provided

- Fully risk assessed and insured

LIFE, IT’S YOUR ADVENTURE!

If you want to find out more about how we can support you with your Duke of Edinburgh’s expeditions then please get in touch today.

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  • "Learn Outdoors have actively involved management with good experience who are a pleasure to work with."

    - DofE Instructor

  • “We felt that a lot of time and effort had gone into organising it and we really enjoyed it.”

    - School DofE Coordinator

  • “Staff and pupils all commented on the positive and productive atmosphere over the weekend.”

    - School Headteacher

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • A DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP) is an organisation approved by The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to deliver specific parts of the DofE programme, such as expeditions.

    An AAP provides specialist expertise, appropriately qualified staff, safety management and experience in delivering expeditions in accordance with DofE requirements.

    Learn Outdoors is a registered DofE Approved Activity Provider for expeditions.

  • Using an experienced DofE Approved Activity Provider can significantly reduce the workload involved in organising and delivering expeditions.

    Learn Outdoors can provide training, practice and qualifying expeditions, experienced instructors, DofE assessors, route planning, safety management, campsite arrangements and expedition logistics.

    Our dedicated office team also supports your school before, during and after expeditions, allowing school staff to focus on supporting their students.

  • It depends on your school's experience, resources and staffing.

    Schools can deliver their own expeditions where they have appropriately qualified and experienced staff, but this requires significant time, specialist knowledge, planning, risk management and responsibility.

    Using an AAP gives your school access to an experienced expedition team, established safety systems, qualified instructors and assessors, while reducing the practical and administrative workload for your DofE team.

    Learn Outdoors can also work alongside your existing DofE staff and provide only the elements of the programme where you need additional support.