Essex Outdoors

e r u t advend base ning lreesiaderntial visits for schools

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Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

from

£139 per pupil

(minimum group size 25 pupils & staff)

Tel: 0844 854 2561

Working together to support outdoor learning First (Education & School Travel) and Essex Outdoors believe passionately in the power of outdoor education to inspire young people to enjoy and achieve goals in fun and exciting surroundings. We also recognise that parents face significant financial pressures when considering allowing their child to take part in planned school trips. By booking one of our low season travel-inclusive programmes we believe that we can provide an affordable alternative thus enabling more young people to take part and to benefit from these valuable opportunities.

Who are we?

First (Education & School Travel) is part of the FirstGroup of companies, the UK’s largest surface passenger transport company carrying 2.7 million passengers every day. We work alongside a range of partners to provide safe, reliable and value for money transport for schools and groups.

Essex Outdoors is Essex County Council’s Outdoor Education Service. As a traded service within the Schools, Children and Families directorate, our objective is to enrich Essex’s statutory education provision. As such the service are firmly committed to delivering outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex and also to the wider community.

Availability & How to Book These specially priced 2 night /3 day, travel-inclusive programmes are available between 1st October 2013 and 31st March 2014. To make a booking simply contact us with details of your chosen venue, size of your group and your preferred dates for running the trip. Arrival days are generally Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For more information call or email us to discuss your plans in more detail.

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

Low Season – Low Cost These specially priced programmes are designed to be delivered during less busy times of the academic year. There is a huge demand from schools throughout the UK to carry out their residential visits during spring and summer term periods and we find that a large number of groups miss out altogether when finding that they cannot have their desired dates at their chosen venue. In line with our commitment to increase the number of opportunities available to schools we have now brought together a range of programmes that can be delivered throughout the year and have worked hard to provide a great value, all-inclusive price to reflect this quieter time of year.

What’s Included?

By working together First (Education & School Travel) and Essex Outdoors can provide a great value residential package which includes safe & secure accommodation, nutritious meals, a range of fantastic activities and comfortable safety compliant coach travel to and from school. Every aspect required when planning a trip has been brought together into one place meaning that group leaders have added peace of mind in having to deal with just one contact.

Want Some More?

Trips are generally designed around a 2 night/3day format lunchtime to lunchtime. Additional days may be added to extend your visit where availability exists and additional costs can be discussed at the time of your enquiry.

Turnover To See Our Range Of Programmes

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

BRADWELL OUTDOORS:

Adventurous Outdoor Education 3 days/2 nights Address: Bradwell Outdoors, Waterside Road, Bradwell on Sea, Essex CM0 7QY

Bradwell Outdoors can deliver a programme of outdoor adventurous activities designed to develop individuals. The program will enable them to explore new activities and develop self-confidence and team-working skills. Our programmes are developed in conjunction with group leaders to ensure the maximum benefit and enjoyment to your pupils.

Description of the Centre: Bradwell Outdoors is a 50 bed purpose built residential centre situated in the quiet village of Bradwell Waterside overlooking the beautiful Blackwater estuary. Delivering high quality outdoor education for over 30 years Bradwell Outdoors is now recognised as leading provider of both land and water based activities.

A typical programme: A typical programme could include any of the activities below depending upon length of visit: Keelboat sailing in our Bradwell 22’s, Motorboat trip/crabbing, Canoeing, Trawling, Sea Fishing, All terrain bikes, High Ropes, Archery, Problem solving, Pioneering & Orienteering.

from just

ÂŁ139 per pupil

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

DANBURY OUTDOORS:

Environmental Challenge 3 days/2 nights

Address: Danbury Centre for Outdoor Learning, Well Lane, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AB Description of the Centre: Set in 70 acres of open grassland and mature woodland, the Centre provides the perfect setting for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the natural environment. Brand new log cabins can accommodate up to 110 and classrooms and indoors spaces are also available.

from just

ÂŁ125 per pupil

A fun and stimulating programme, aimed at challenging participants and developing teamwork skills, whilst also providing opportunities to discover and explore the natural environment.

A typical programme: Working as team, your group will have the opportunity to overcome the challenges posed by activities such as Problem Solving, Obstacle Course, Low Ropes and Climbing, before moving on to discover the natural environment via guided walks and a canoe journey. Day 3 will allow the group to develop further skills in Bushcraft and Orienteering, before culminating in a Scavenger Hunt!

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

DANBURY OUTDOORS:

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE 3 days/2 nights

An action-packed programme, introducing participants to new and exciting activities whilst developing personal and team skills.

The programme is flexible, and can be tailored to meet the needs of your group.

Address: Danbury Centre for Outdoor Learning, Well Lane, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AB Description of the Centre: Set in 70 acres of open grassland and mature woodland, the Centre provides the perfect setting for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the natural environment. Brand new log cabins can accommodate up to 110 and classrooms and indoors spaces are also available.

A typical programme: This exciting 3 day/2 night residential will provide your group with the opportunity to try a range of challenging activities, including: Archery, Bushcraft, Climbing, High Ropes, Mountain Biking, Obstacle Course and much more, all under the supervision of our fully qualified staff!

from just

ÂŁ139 per pupil

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

MAES Y LADE OUTDOORS:

ADVENTURE-BASED LEARNING 3 days/2 nights Address: Maes y Lade Centre for Outdoor Learning, Tregoyd, Brecon, Powys LD30SS Description of the Centre: Maes y Lade is a purpose built centre with two residential buildings. The main building has 24 student beds and three staff beds. The Farmhouse has 14 student beds and three staff beds. All the activities take place off site in the natural and historical environments, where participants can appreciate their surroundings.

from just

ÂŁ139

Maes y Lade Outdoors is situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the foot of the Black Mountains. We believe the remote location, and a staff team dedicated to customer satisfaction, will allow participants to focus on their experience and have life-long memories.

A typical programme: Maes y Lade can provide a high impact adventurous activity programme, with links to the National Curriculum across the Key Stages. Activities include: Caving, Climbing, Canoeing, Gorge Scrambling and Hill Walking.

per pupil

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

MERSEA OUTDOORS:

ISLAND ADVENTURE 3 days/2 nights An action-packed programme, introducing participants to new and exciting activities whilst having fun! The programme is flexible, and can be tailored to meet the needs of your group, and/or to satisfy your National Curriculum or P.E. requirements.

A typical programme: This exciting 3-day/2-night residential will provide your group with the opportunity to try a range of challenging activities, including: Adventure Course, Archery, Climbing, High Ropes, Mountain Biking, Power Boating and much more, all under the supervision of our fully qualified staff!

Address: Mersea Centre for Outdoor Learning, Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex CO5 8SX Description of the Centre: Situated on a 65-acre site on the River Blackwater, Mersea can accommodate up to 104 guests in log cabins, and further 44 in our brand new residential unit. The centre also has a purpose-built training room, swimming pool, and bigscreen cinema! Its coastal location also makes the centre ideal for environmental and shore based studies.

from just

ÂŁ139 per pupil

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

Providing a Quality School Travel Service First (Education & School Travel) In addition to our travel-inclusive residential programmes we also provide UK schools with great value, safe, and reliable travel services throughout the academic year.

Travel Safely By Road Or Rail Whether you are looking to mobilise a whole year group or just looking to provide sports teams with their travel to match venues we can provide the vehicles and the service best suited for the job. We can even provide your group with cost-effective rail travel throughout the UK.

For a competitive group travel quotation call one of our advisors on: 0844 854 2561 or email your enquiry to school.travel@firstgroup.com

Further information Preliminary visits To ensure that the programme and its content accurately reflects the aims and objectives of your trip, we actively encourage group leaders to visit the site and meet with staff prior to the trip commencing. This pre-trip planning visit provides group leaders with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the site and its facilities and to discuss programme content, timings and routines.

You can also request site specific information including: • • • •

Risk Assessments relevant to your visit Fire safety and security arrangements Accommodation and accessibility Dining arrangements and sample menus

All activities offered by our partners at Essex Outdoors are delivered by staff who are trained in accordance with both Essex County Council and national governing body (NGB) guidelines.

All centres listed within this brochure have also been inspected and approved by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Scheme (AALS) formerly AALA. Furthermore, all Essex Outdoors staff have undergone Criminal Records Bureau checks, and have attended child protection and/or safeguarding training.

Qualified First Aiders are always on-site and where residential accommodation is provided a duty member of staff is on site 24 hours a day.

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

FAQ’s What’s included in the price?

The costs include coach travel to and from your chosen centre, 2 nights accommodation, all meals (from evening meal day one to packed lunch day three) plus your chosen activity programme.

How are the prices worked out?

Our fully inclusive programmes are advertised as ‘from’ £139 per participant. Our commitment is to keep the cost as low as possible to encourage greater participation and inclusion. The final per participant price will depend on the size of your group and the distance you intend to travel to your chosen centre.

Who makes all the arrangements for our trip?

The team at First Education manage all aspects of the booking process with the group leader and arrange the different package elements with our partners at Essex Outdoors.

First Education will also arrange a mutually convenient time for group leaders to carry out a preliminary visit to the centre ahead of the trip.

How do we make payment?

First Education provides a straightforward, flexible, 3 stage invoicing and payment process.

We do our utmost to make this aspect of trip planning as hassle free as possible.

What equipment do we need to bring?

None. Essex Outdoors will provide all specialist/technical equipment. Participants will need to bring suitable clothing, footwear, toiletries and any prescribed medication that they may require. A dietary and medical information form is provided for completion by the group leader prior to the trip taking place.

How many staff do we need to bring?

You must bring at least one leader/responsible person for every ten young people participating in activities.

Do you provide bedding?

Essex Outdoors provide all bedding for staff taking part in the trip. Pupils should bring their own sleeping bag and pillowcase or a duvet cover, bottom sheet and pillowcase.

Are my group insured on your site and on their journey?

Both FirstGroup and Essex Outdoors are covered by public liability insurance, any additional cover should be arranged by each individual group. We suggest that all groups purchase their own cancellation insurance.

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561

First (Education & School Travel) Our School Travel team specialises in arranging bespoke tours and residential visits for groups in addition to providing a cost effective travel-only service. We work in partnership with a wide range of respected and established education and outdoor activity providers to ensure that our programmes are delivered to the highest possible standard and with great attention to detail.

Please send all correspondence to: First Travel Solutions (Education & School Travel) Unit 20 Time Technology Park, Blackburn Road, Simonstone, Lancashire BB12 7NQ

Email: school.travel@firstgroup.com

Tel: 0844 854 2561