Condover Hall 2017 Year 4 Parents’ Meeting

Essential Information Where are we going? Condover Hall – a residential accommodation run by JCA When are we going? Wednesday 15 March – Friday 17 March Who is going? Current Year 4 children How many children are going? 46 How many adults are going? 5 (+ we will be joined by 4 of the Centre’s staff) Adults – me, Mr Kirk, Miss Lailey, Miss Whittaker and Miss Bowers

Aims – Why are doing this visit? We hope the children will begin to develop: some independence team building skills an enjoyment of outdoor activities!

Where is it? Condover Hall is located in the village of Condover near to the market town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire. It takes approximately 2 hours to get there.

The Centre Condover Hall was built in 1586 and is a grade 1 Elizabethan Mansion. It is set in 78 acres of fantastic country side and gardens.

Accomodation Condover accommodation is spread across eight accommodation blocks comprising of single, double and triple storey. Beds for students are bunk beds and all are fitted with plastic mattress protectors. Last year, 2 story building Boys and girls on separate levels in rooms of about 6 Staff rooms are on both levels

Meals – Sample Menu Breakfast A choice of cereals or a cooked breakfast (e.g. bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, toast, waffles)   Lunch Baguette & Wrap Bar with your choice of freshly prepared fillings; Chicken nuggets with curly fries and coleslaw Salad bar Evening meal Tomato Soup Roast Chicken, roast potatoes and vegetables Vegetable lasagne Dessert: ice cream or rice pudding

Safety Condover Hall is fully licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) and holds the Learning Outside the Classroom (LotC) certificate. AALA approve also responsible for regular inspections of the Centre and equipment, and the monitoring of instructional staff. All JCA staff are fully qualified, experienced and security checked. JCA have provided detailed risk assessments and these will be approved by Warrington Local Authority. Risk assessments and expectations will be shared with the children prior to the visit. Should any emergency happen, we will follow procedures set out by the LA and you will be informed. Should you have an emergency and need to contact us, you will be given (on day of departure) the school mobile number – this must only be used in emergencies!

What will we be doing? All of the activities will be run by the Centre’s experienced staff and will be accompanied by our adults at all times. The children will be taking part in a range of activities that will encourage team building and developing physical skills. The Centre offers many activities such as abseiling, swimming, zip-wire, laser quest, indoor caving and many, many more! Confirmation of our activities will be provided closer to the time.

Itinerary (Draft) Wednesday 15 March 11.45am - Leave school on coach 2:00pm - Arrive at Condover Hall - Orientation, Safety talk, Unpack 3:30pm - 1st Group Activity e.g. abseiling 5:30pm - Evening meal 7:00pm - Evening activities e.g. campfire 8:30pm - Back to rooms, get ready for bed. 9:00pm - Lights out

Itinerary (Draft) Thursday 16 March 7:15am - Dressed and ready for breakfast 8:00am - Breakfast 9:30am - 2nd Group Activity e.g. Climbing 11:00am - 3rd Group Activity e.g. Fencing 12:30pm - Lunch 2:00pm - 4th Group Activity e.g. Low ropes 3:30pm - 5th Group Activity e.g. Archery 5:30pm - Evening meal 7:00pm - Evening activities e.g. Nocturnal safari 8:30pm - Back to rooms, get ready for bed. 9:00pm - Lights out

Itinerary (Draft) Friday 17 March 7:15am - Dressed, pack and ready for breakfast 8:00am - Breakfast 9:30am - 6th Group Activity e.g. Indoor tunnelling 11:00am - Presentation 12:30pm - Lunch 1:15pm - Leave Condover Hall 3:30pm - Arrive back at school

What happens next? Consent forms – if there are any changes please let me know asap. If you have noted that your child needs medication, you will be provided with an ‘Administrating Medication’ form – this can be return with the medication either before the visit or on the day. 2 weeks before the visit you will receive a kit list, itinerary and any other information you will need.

FAQ’s My child needs medication, can you give it to them? Yes, as long as you complete an ‘Administering Medication Form’. This includes inhalers, travel sickness medicine, etc. My child has ‘night-time’ issues (e.g. sleep-walking, bed-wetting). Let us know on the consent/medical forms and we can ensure they are supported. My child is a fussy eater! All dietary requirements are catered for as long as they are recorded on the consent forms. No child has yet gone hungry! Do the children need any money? There is a shop that sells souvenirs. Children may take up to £5. If you want to give your child money, please place in a named envelope and give to class teacher on the day of the visit.

FAQ’s - Luggage One piece of luggage only which can be transported by your child. No mobiles, sweets or electronic equipment. All clothing should be clearly labelled. If possible, please remove all jewellery. Remember, it is only two nights!

FAQ’s - Kit Do not go and buy new clothes as they are likely to get wet/muddy! All safety equipment will be provided by the Centre. Things to consider: Layered tops e.g. vest, t-shirt, jumper Warm trousers (not jeans or shorts) Include spare items such as socks and underwear. Nightwear Outdoor shoes, Waterproof coat, Hat and gloves Hand towel Sun-cream?????

Any other questions?

'Nothing is truly learnt until it is experienced fully' "Young people of all ages benefit from real life 'hands on' experiences; when they can see, hear, touch and explore the world around them and have opportunities to experience challenge and adventure.” (Council for Learning Outside the Classroom) 'Nothing is truly learnt until it is experienced fully' John Keats