Tamworth Castle accredited for ‘Learning Outside of the Classroom’ for over a decade

Tamworth Castle has been given the seal of approval for the tenth year running, as a quality and accredited provider of educational school trips.

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) awards the Quality Badge to give assurances to schools regarding the safety and quality of off-site education and is the only accreditation scheme for all types of LOtC provision; from botanic gardens and farms; through to museums and expeditions overseas. This means that schools only need to look for one accreditation when planning visits.

In 2019, Tamworth Castle welcomed nearly 10,500 school children, from over 219 schools, to the historic building and delivered workshops from the castle educational programme, covering a range of topics relevant to the current school curriculum for all ages. Topics include the Saxons to WW2, and bespoke guided tours for GCSE students studying changes to building landscapes and college students studying leisure and tourism

The castle was judged on all the education packages offered to schools. This includes the range of subjects offered across the key stages, activities offered, capability of staff, progression, pre and post visit information, evaluation, health and safety, equality diversity and inclusion issues, standard of policy and procedure and safeguarding procedures.

The awarding of the LOtC Quality Badge indicates that the provider understands schools’ needs and can tailor their offer to fit in with both current curriculum requirements and any specific requirements of the school.

The Quality Badge helps to ensure that teachers are making the best possible use of school time and that young people will access good quality educational experiences.

The castle has held the Learning Outside of the Classroom (LOtC) award Quality Badge since 2011; the current award will now run for two years until 2021.

Cllr Jeremy Oates, Cabinet member for Heritage and Growth, said: “Tamworth Castle is an absolute gem, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of its value and commitment to children’s learning and education during the past decade. A wide-range of workshops is offered to pupils of all ages, from pre-school to college students. 

“I am delighted that Tamworth Castle has received this two year Quality Badge, which is a tribute to the huge amount of hard work and dedication which the whole team puts into making the castle so special.”

Tamworth Castle is open to the general public and offers a wide range of family events all year round. For more details about opening times and events programme, visit: www.tamworthcastle.gov.uk .