Initial Trewern meeting - Information shared 20/6/24

Initial Trewern Meeting - Information shared at the meeting on 20th June 2024

Leys Primary School Residential Trip 2024
(November 18th – November 22nd)

Where is Trewern?

• Trewern is an outdoor centre owned by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham since the 1960s. The Centre is situated in the beautiful countryside on the border between England and Wales near the small market town of Hay-on-Wye.

About the Centre

The centre has more than 50 years of experience in running courses at all levels from introductory to advanced. All the instructional staff are qualified teachers and hold a range of national recognised qualifications in outdoor activities.

Accommodation

• The children will be living in the house along with staff.
• Children will be sharing rooms with bunk beds. All bedrooms have wash basins. Toilets and showers are situated nearby. Boys’ rooms and girls’ rooms are in different parts of the house.
• Staff have separate rooms and bathrooms within the same part of the house.
• There is a small lounge to socialise in.
• The house will be exclusive to our school.

Equipment

• All specialist equipment for the activities is provided for throughout the duration of the stay. Children to do not need to bring any of their own.

The Grounds and Travel

• The children can use the gardens and adjoining games field in their free time.
• Grounds can also be used for supervised activities such as orienteering, problem solving and forest skills. There is a new low ropes course, a BMX track and a climbing wall on site.
• The minibuses are fitted with seatbelts and will provide all the transport during their stay at Trewern.

Catering

• All food is prepared on site.
• Children are given breakfast, a packed lunch and a three course dinner. Food is prepared on site using fresh ingredients.
• Special diets can be catered for, but they need to be indicated clearly on the consent form.
• Children are expected to assist with some domestic chores such as setting and clearing tables, washing up and preparing lunches.

Activities – These may be some activities we provide.

• Trewern provides a range of activities and is very flexible within the week.
• A plan of the week is made but may change depending on the weather.

Canoeing

• Canoeing takes place on either the river at Glasbury or on the canal near Brecon.
• All children wear buoyancy aids and those who cannot swim or are not confident in water are with an adult.
• The canal is only waist high.

Climbing

• There is an indoor climbing hut on site. This can be used to introduce children to the sport.
• Children can learn to climb on these with safety mats, helmets and harnesses.

Gorge Walk         

• This involves following a stream, crossing it using rocks or logs, walking beside or through the water. Children may also crawl behind waterfalls and jump into deeper sections of the river if they wish.

Caving

• An introduction to the different types of rocks, their structure, characteristics, and the landscape they create. Children can spend time navigating through a cave and exploring what it is like in there.

Mountain Walk

• Children can lead the way up a mountain to see how different the landscape is.
• They can learn how to use a compass and a map to navigate their way and look after their group.

Other Activities

• Use of the BMX track
• Archery
• Orienteering
• Shelter building
• Cooking outdoors
• Assault course
• Walking through an abandoned train tunnel

Evening activities

Every evening after dinner, we then have an evening activity before bedtime.

• Outdoor games
• Local walk
• Orienteering in the house
• Problem solving
• Nightline
• Games on the field

Cost

Children will leave on a Monday and return on the Friday. The cost per child for the week is £330.

This includes:                  Accommodation

                                                Three meals a day

                                                Specialist equipment

                                                Trained instructors

                                                Travel during their stay

                                                Activities throughout the day

                                                24-hour adult supervision

The cost of the trip may be different from other schools as it is affected by many factors. Time of the year, number of students, method of transport, length of stay, additional funding from a school. We have investigated ways of reducing the cost but these methods of saving money introduce other problems.

The total cost does not need to be paid in one go. It can be paid in instalments. At present, a deposit is all that is required to secure a place for your child, but should you wish to start payments then you can. If we cannot get enough children to go on the trip then we will have to cancel it and all money will be refunded.

Deposits need to be paid by Friday 12th July 2024. Full payment needs to be completed by Friday 11th October 2024.

Payment will now be done via Parent Pay. This way you can keep track of how much you have paid and can pay it all online from home.

FAQ

Can we speak to the children on the phone?

Only in special circumstances does this happen. We have your contact details and should we need to contact you then we will make the call.

How will we know when they have arrived?

As soon as we have arrived, we will contact the school and send out a group message. Updates will be added to the Trewern page on the school website. These will often happen after the children have gone to bed or whilst they are getting ready in the morning.

Can they take electronic devices for the coach journey?

We are going to spend the week device-free. Our main focus is on providing new experiences, different from they are used to at home. Any devices found will be looked after and returned when we get back to school. We will accept no responsibility for damage or loss of any devices we are not aware of.

Can I give my child spending money?

Children will only have the opportunity to spend money in the Trewern souvenir shop. The maximum you can provide for them to spend is an additional £10.

What if my child is a fussy eater?

For every meal there are a range of options. We will encourage children to try new food but children will never go hungry.

Can my child take a camera?

Children are allowed to take a camera but it will be their responsibility to look after it and be responsible with regards to the photos they take. Disposable cameras are the most ideal. Staff will take photos throughout the week and some will be posted on the school website. After the trip, a photo album will be available online for those giving permission.

What time will you get back on the Friday?

We aim to get back in time for the end of the school day but this of course is dependent on traffic. We will be in constant contact with the school to keep everyone updated and leave updates on the website.

What do we need to buy?

A list of what you need is provided on the ‘Kit List’ – Most items you will already have. Don’t bring expensive items. If you buy new items then cheap items will do. Do not buy anything until it is confirmed we have enough students for the trip to definitely go ahead. This list will be available on the school website.