Somerset Prom Venue Defends Its Safety Record Amid Concerns
Oake Manor, a well-established prom venue in Somerset, has come under scrutiny after a local Taunton secondary school, Monkton Wood Academy, decided to relocate its Year 11 prom due to 'safeguarding' concerns. The school cited advantages such as exclusive use of the premises and an alcohol-free bar as reasons for the change, which has sparked a heated debate among parents and students.
In response, Oake Manor has issued a strong statement, emphasizing its commitment to safety and its impeccable record. Steve and Ginny, the catering manager and deputy catering manager, assert that the venue has hosted school proms for over 25 years without any safeguarding incidents.
They stated, 'Our experienced team goes to great lengths to provide a safe yet memorable experience for students and their families. We understand the importance of families being part of the prom experience, especially considering the significant expenses involved. At Oake Manor, we've always prioritized this aspect and have invested in making it happen at our own expense.'
The venue outlined several safety measures it implements, including marshals directing traffic, closing parts of the golf course for pedestrian access, supervising red carpet arrivals, and ensuring every student has their photograph taken, which is then shared with the school. They also employ SIA-qualified security staff to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Despite not being an exclusive-use venue due to its membership, Oake Manor claims strict controls are in place during proms. They mentioned that once students arrive, the clubhouse is restricted to those directly associated with the event, including parents and friends, and even golfers are kept out. Extensive risk assessments and allergen information are also provided for all menus.
Oake Manor further revealed that they had previously been asked by a school to prevent mingling between students and parents during arrivals and to restrict access to the clubhouse and toilets for non-prom attendees. They refused this request, prioritizing the family experience.
The venue remains a popular choice, hosting nine proms this year, and attributes its success to the dedication of its team. They concluded, 'Our team is committed to safely hosting all your proms this year, ensuring a memorable and secure experience for all.'
This response from Oake Manor highlights the importance of safety in prom venues and the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between security measures and the traditional prom experience.
