Wells study centre praised by inspector

Wells Field Studies Centre has been singled out for praise by an inspector.

The Wells centre, and the Holt Hall Field Studies Centre, both provide a very good education with outstanding features - according to the assessor who inspected their facilities and programmes as part of a new quality badge scheme.

The report says that pupils at Wells enjoy “spectacular gains” in their understanding of sustainability issues. Thousands of children have visited the centre over the years.

The Field Studies Council, which is piloting the new badge initiative has announced the Norfolk results, which are among the first to be assessed.

The centres were assessed by an independent inspector who found both to be very good or outstanding in eight out of the nine inspected categories, with one category achieving a good rating.

The inspector said the majority of learners at both centres made “very good progress during their stay” and said the centres provide “very good provision, which is continually improving.”

Rosalie Monbiot, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services, said: “Our field studies centres provide children with fantastic opportunities to learn outside the classroom by exploring the natural environment and learning a range of subjects in a practical way.

“Children who attend Wells and Holt Hall have the chance to discover geography, history and biology, as well as develop social and personal skills that are valuable throughout life.”

The inspector said pupils “learn rapidly” at both centres because of the enjoyable activities and strong teaching on offer. The leadership of both was also found to be outstanding, with a strong sense of vision and purpose.

Sue Falch-Lovesey, Norfolk County Council's head of environmental and outdoor learning, said: “It is great news that both of our field studies centres have received this external recognition, which will mean that we will be some of the first centres receiving the quality badge early next year.”