Cornwall Council can confirm that the transfer of Cornwall Outdoors services to any new provider will not take place until after July 31, 2022.
It means that bookings for the summer period up to and including July 31 can go ahead.
Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Children and Families, councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, said: “It is important that we do all we can to make the transition of Cornwall Outdoors services to any new provider as smooth and straightforward as possible.
“That includes giving parents, schools and other service users time to arrange their summer activities safe in the knowledge that there will be no unforeseen disruption to their plans.”
Cornwall Outdoors is part of Cornwall Council. Cornwall Outdoors operates three residential centres and a camp within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The service aims to raise achievement and aspirations through adventure education and outdoor learning.
It provides opportunities for schools and youth groups from sites at Delaware, Carnyorth, Porthpean, and a summer camp at Pelistry on the Isles of Scilly.
The centres are primarily used by schools between April 1 and September 30, with additional business generated from youth groups and local families during the summer holiday period, and outside of peak times.
Cornwall Council entered into a consultation about the future of the Cornwall Outdoors service on December 1 in response to financial pressures brought about by the pandemic and an increase in demand for frontline services such as adult social care. The consultation runs until January 9.
View the Cornwall Outdoors Consultation
Councillor Ellenbroek added: “As I have previously said, the cost of running all four Cornwall Outdoors centres is now greater than anyone could have predicted and as a non-statutory service we are looking for alternative providers. We remain committed to offering children in Cornwall the opportunity to access good quality and affordable outdoor experiences.”
Published on December 10, 2021