Tamworth Castle accredited for ‘Learning Outside of the Classroom’ for the 13th year

Castle given accreditation quality award for workshops offered to schools Castle have received the award since 2011 The Quality Badge is assessed again in 2 years

Tamworth Castle has been given the seal of approval for the thirteenth 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.

Last year Tamworth Castle welcomed over 11,500 school children over 230 school visits. Subjects range from storytelling sessions for early years, to bespoke tours for GCSE students studying changes to buildings and landscapes.

The castle was judged by a site visit assessor 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 October 2026.

Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, leisure and engagement, said: “This award is well-deserved recognition of our castle’s value and commitment to children’s learning and education during the past thirteen years.

“The castle offers a wide range of workshops to pupils of all ages, from pre-school to college students.

“I’m 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 all the staff and volunteers put in to making the castle so special.”

Tamworth Castle is open to the 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.