Welcome to Year 4 Parents’ Information Meeting Kingswood (Staffordshire) Outdoor Education Centre
What are the benefits of an overnight stay? Pupils may feel that they know their classmates and teachers well from day-to-day contact in • school, but the experience of living with them in a residential community can add a completely new dimension. It raises the whole area of interpersonal skills, including leadership, team work and trust and respect. School trips can also make a major contribution to the acquisition of knowledge and development of • skills. Studies of the natural and man-made world, the present and past, science and arts, language and music can all be enhanced outside the classroom. There are also issues concerning the psychology of the whole experience, particularly involving self- • confidence, self-esteem and resilience. We frequently hear from teachers that pupils who do not normally shine in the classroom have excelled on a residential trip. This can all help to improve performance and relationships back at school.
When? Tuesday 5 th May 2020 – Thursday 7 th May 2020 • Depart on Tuesday 5 th May 2020 (PM) • Arrive back on Thursday 7 th May 2020 (PM) • The day after (Friday 8 th May 2020) is a Bank • Holiday
Where?
– Combining a variety of activity sessions, from aerial adventures to fun problem solving initiatives. – Programme of adventure experiences which encourage your pupils to bond and work together as a team. – We’ll work closely with you to build you a tailored programme from our range of physically and mentally challenging activities to create memorable outdoor adventure!
These are all of the activities that Kingswood Staffordshire offer. As a school, we will liaise effectively with the centre to build a programme of selected activities to meet the needs of the children. The aim of the experience is to keep the children (and staff!) as active for as long as possible, exploring and taking on new challenges. EXAMPLE
Safeguarding All attending adults are school staff with a DBS check; all Kingswood staff are DBS checked • Children will be allocated a member of staff, who they will move around with for the different activities • (they will also carry any inhalers/anything specifically required for your child) The centre is surrounded by high fencing with a video intercom system. It does not open, until activated by • a member of centre staff
Groupings Your child will be assigned to a group that will have a school staff leader and a Kingswood • staff leader Groups are approximately 10 children each • Your child’s group will involve a mixture of children across both classes for socialisation and • development of further friendships (this sets them good foundations for transition) Each group is allocated an activity number, which corresponds to their visit timetable (every • child will know where to go and where they are going to next and later on – this is complimented by a tour at the very beginning of our visit) At the start of every activity (whether it be an indoor/outdoor activity or simply getting ready • for their meals), children will meet in their groups at their activity line (this is a designated point and also the assembly point) along with their group leaders
Bedtime Arrangements Bedtime around 8.30-9.00pm • Rooms range from 6 to 12 bed dormitories, • Staff bedrooms are on the same • with gender-separated bathroom and corridor/floor and are nearby to shower facilities and party leader rooms children – children can get support at close by. any point in the night (all adults’ rooms have signage on the doors) Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided for • all guests. Locked, secure, alarmed and well-lit • Children to stay in own dorms • Children briefed and carry out • rehearsal of Fire Drill Read stories • Staff on hand for any children who are • upset or struggling to sleep Children are reminded about • the expected hygiene routine Night time procedures • Morning waking up procedures • Children reminded to go to • the toilet several times Bed wetting procedures •
Behaviour Expectations • Same standards of behaviour expected as in school • Long day and long evening – Mr Gough will ring and ask parents to collect children if there are any concerns about behaviour • Homesickness – we aim to encourage children to stay overnight • Respect for centre property, rules and centre staff
What is not allowed to be taken? Children must not bring: • Mobile Phones or any other type of electronic device • Expensive or cherished jewellery • Expensive clothes We cannot accept any liability for loss, theft or damage to any personal property your child may bring
Tuesday 5 th May 2020 Children come to school as normal, on the morning (for 8:45am); normal • registration applies Parents will drop off any medication to Mrs Clay and Mrs Manning outside the • School Office Children will drop off their suitcase in a designated area (you will be notified of this • closer to the time) Your child will have their lunch in school, as normal (a school dinner is • recommended, but if your child does have sandwiches, please send in a disposable bag so that it can be thrown away and not left in school)
Medical Requirements Medical forms to be Medication to be Medical forms are A medical form will be completed and handed over and signed reviewed and sent out a week prior returned within 48 in with Mrs Clay and processed by Year 4 to the visit. hours prior to visit Mrs Manning on the staff (Friday 1 st May) visit morning Medication forms – MUST be returned in advance of the visit • All medication to be administered by Mrs Clay as per • guidelines and instructions from parent/guardian Children must not carry their own medication e.g. • Paracetamol, nasal sprays, inhalers etc. All medication to be Any child without a signed handed in to Mrs Clay on the morning of visit with written and completed medical permission for it to be administered form will not be allowed to Staff to act in “loco parentis” and parents will be informed attend. • immediately of any injury requiring external attention.
What will your child need? • Refer to Packing List provided • One suitcase • Clothes – not best clothes, as they may get soiled, lost or ruined! • Money – Max of £5.00 (this will be collected in by your child’s group leader – a member of school staff) • Teddy Bear • No electronic devices • Tuck – one packet of crisps & biscuits/choc bar max, per child please (they are well fed at Kingswood)
Payment The total cost for each child is £120 , which covers: Transport; payment charges; food; 2 • nights lodgings in a secured environment; instruction in outdoor and adventurous activities by qualified instructors; any resources required on the visit, and insurances required by the school You may pay the full balance in manageable chunks over time and in the run up to the visit • via ParentPay . On the other hand, you may want to make one full payment Any queries regarding payments made or to make, please contact the School Office, as they • will have access to this information Please come and speak to us in confidence, if you have concerns about financing the cost of • the trip
Alternatively, you may wish to pay for your child’s visit in full.
When we ask children about their thoughts about the visit, they raise the following worries/questions: What will I eat? Who will be in my room?
Your Questions Please inform us so we can best meet your child’s needs You are welcome to come and speak to us in confidence at any time about certain requirements or needs for your child, such as: • Bed-wetting (so staff are aware and can manage this with integrity) • Dietary/Allergies (we have to inform Kingswood) • Medical/Allergies (it is good for us to know in advance so we can prepare for any special requirements)
More Information Email: KS2@st-nicholas.staffs.sch.uk Kingswood’s Website: https://www.kingswood.co.uk/resources/parents/ This presentation and any other current information available will also be uploaded to the school website. It will be found under ‘Latest News’ and within the ‘Year Four’ section under ‘Curriculum’
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