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Schools

Lakeside is a space where students can explore. With many activities on offer and a setting that is like no other the students instantly feel challenged and but safe with the complex being so contained. The students are very much looking forward to the water sports in the summer term.

- Dani Gunn - Holy Trinity School, Kidderminster -

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, and all members of staff for an exceptional four days. Each day, my staff and pupils returned back to school absolutely beaming. Each one telling me what a fantastic day they had. Your staff have been fantastic throughout each of our visits; supporting, guiding and encouraging our pupils at every stage and what skills they have learnt and fears overcome. We could not have asked for more. We have all been through such a challenging time and this was their first trip in nearly 18 months and what a way to start, hopefully a new chapter - thank you so very much. I am keen to visit the site for myself now and I am so glad that your brochure landed on my desk. We really look forward to visiting you again next year. 

- Hasina Varachia - Abu Bakr Girl's School, Walsall -

You have amazing staff, that couldn't do enough to accommodate us. Jon was dynamic with his planning to make the most of the lake, weather and attitudes of our children - they just wanted to be in the water! Liv, Harry, Fran and Lou all knew their jobs well and were confident to deliver fab sessions the pupils enjoyed.

Thanks to everyone who made our three days so great.

- Broadheath CE School, Worcestershire -

We had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend Lakeside. As we said at our leaving meal, staff are truly brilliant and the facilities are perfect. Honestly, one of the best residentials I have been on, relaxed and enjoyable throughout. Staff could do no more! Huge thank you to you all, will be booking again.

- Ellesmere Port High School, Cheshire -

I wanted to just write today to say a massive thank you to you and the team for the three-week programme we have completed with yourselves at Lakeside. From their starting points, the young people that we have taken on the programme over the last three weeks have grown extraordinarily and have developed so many skills that will set them up for life. Repeatedly, students were saying how each day was "the best day of their lives", and these are memories that they will treasure for ever. The structure of each of the three days was well balanced, as was the blend of land-based and water-based activities, as well as the opportunity for individual growth as well as team-building. Every activity was expertly run, where young people's safety and wellbeing were at the highest priority.

I'd like also to make a special mention to Sam P & Emma who were both fantastic. Right from the first moment they met the group, they have taken every opportunity to remember their name and build a relationship with each individual, learning everything they can about them. The young people have trust in Sam & Emma after such a short space of time, which is a testament to their approach with such a vulnerable group which has been phenomenal to watch unfold. Both have carefully, calmly and empathetically nurtured the group throughout the challenges of the last few weeks. I have worked for many years in partnership with outdoor education centres and Sam & Emma are truly amongst some of the very best and most talented instructors I have had the pleasure to work with.

We will be forever grateful for their work with this group, it has genuinely been life-changing for them. I look forward to working with you again.

- The Stourport High School, Worcestershire -

Yet again, we had an absolutely fabulous 3 days with our Y6s. The instructors were all fantastic: clear, calm, well-organised. The children were active throughout but it was also a lovely relaxed atmosphere in which the children could be themselves, learn a new skill, gain confidence around water and have great fun with their friends! Perfect, thank you all!

- Hagley Primary School -

The children and staff all had a fantastic day. For many children it was their first time participating in water activities but they loved it! We cannot wait to see you next year.

- Howley Grange Primary School -

All was great: the Year 6 children had a fantastic time and staff were very accommodating. Thank you very much.

- Grimley and Holt Primary School -

We were really fortunate to work with the team who were excellent in making the who trip easy and straight forward. Thank you so much for offering this opportunity to our students.

- 4 Stones Multi Academy Trust  -

Our students absolutely loved their experiences, we would like to say a massive thank to all of the instructors for making it so enjoyable for the students. Especially the instructors who made our non-swimmers confident enough to jump into the lake, which was a massive deal for them!

- Holyhead School -

We had weekly paddle boarding sessions for the NCW students. The staff at lakeside were brilliant, and very accommodating. Would highly recommend as it has really improved the skills and confidence of the students that attended. Thank you very much!

- New College Worcester - 

Holiday Club

On behalf of JNG & DNG we would like to thank all the staff involved with the fantastic activity days spent at Lakeside. We appreciate how challenging the boys can be but want to praise the staff for the care and encouragement they gave making this a great summer holiday for both of them. Looking forward to October half term.

- Trish & Colin -

My three children have attended Lakeside and I would say it’s been life changing. My middle daughter under HAF attended with special needs, she has gained so much confidence. She would never go places without me but with her brother she has managed your sessions. She struggles academically so to watch her this summer achieve things physically with no writing spellings or maths in sight (or needed) has been a wonderful change. Her mental health and well-being has improved from your sessions.

My son attended under HAF his school thought it would really boost his self-esteem and confidence for his first year in secondary school and yes - it has!! He has had a summer full of friendship, achieving, reaching goals because he has put the effort in, learning new skills - it’s been amazing! My third child isn’t a HAF child, and I fully appreciated being able to send her on sessions with my other two. All summer she has experienced summer without her siblings so to be able to join her into their sessions as a mum was amazing!

- Holiday Club Parent/Carer -

Kids absolutely LOVE Lakeside holiday club, and have been coming for many years! They love all the staff / instructors and all talk about them non-stop on the way home. Thank you.

- Holiday Club Parent/Carer -

Absolutely brilliant! Kids loved it they came in October and just finished a week at easter half term. Already booked for Summer. Thankyou. Team all very friendly and kids loved them and made lots of friends. 10/10.

- Holiday Club Parent/Carer -

My daughter says she would like to swim in the lake in the summer. I (parent) was really impressed. My nervous daughter came out asking if she could come back in the summer, thank you for helping build her confidence. All kids had a great time and are desperate to come back, they came out happy and full of energy, they haven't stopped talking about it yet.

- Holiday Club Parent/Carer -

I wanted to thank you all from myself and my two children. My son usually has difficulties settling into new environments and this really affects is self esteem and acceptance. He had a very different experience at Lakeside and this really has boosted his confidence. Both my children really enjoyed the activities and it was lovely to hear how much fun they had. I would like to thank you all so much for your kindness, care, compassion and for making the club so much fun. You all did an amazing job and are an absolute credit.

- Holiday Club Parent/Carer -

Universities

The team at Lakeside have been absolutely brilliant at building confidence and team working skills with our PGCE trainees! Our shared Team Humanities sessions, trainee RE, History and Geography teachers, get the chance to step out of their comfort zone with the encouragement and support of highly qualified and caring staff. This helps them build their confidence, their paddle skills, their humanities community of practice and also develop their pastoral skills for working with secondary pupils. It’s a fantastic fixture in our PGCE year!

- Elena Lengthorn - Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education, ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ -

Time at Lakeside is incorporated into the year 3 BSc nurse program. This facility provides a fantastic opportunity to employ additional approaches to the development of particular skills essential to nursing practice. It also allows us to focus on skills across different modules. Towards the end of year 3 the students undertake activities at Lakeside drawing on the theoretical knowledge developed in their ‘leading and managing nursing care’ theory module, then applying and developing these through a series of outdoor challenges. These focus on progression of problem solving, lateral thinking, overcoming adversity, self-authorship, effective communication when under pressure, working outside their comfort zone and overcoming fears, amongst others. Nursing today requires immense mental resilience and focused activities at Lakeside has repeatedly evidenced progression in the skills and qualities needed to support their mental resilience for a sustainable career in nursing.

- Pegeen Fisher - Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ -

Groups

Everything was amazing the Beavers thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The staff were great interacting with everyone. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

- 11th Redditch Beavers  -

Thank you all so much for Saturday!  It was such a great day and it was wonderful to see our families enjoy themselves; to see the children forming friendships and togetherness was really special. The organisation of the day and the instructors were fantastic and what a day of weather!

- Talk to Footsteps -

Open Water Swimming

We had the most wonderful swim. Staff were welcoming and caring. It's a beautiful place with convenient parking and the picnic tables were appreciated.

Thank you – anonymous