St Bernadette’s 19th -21st May 2025 Borwick Hall, Carnforth
Borwick Hall is a 16th-century manor house in the tiny village of Borwick in Lancashire. It is a Grade 1 listed building; some parts of the building date all the way back to the 14th century. In the Second World War, Borwick Hall was used as a military base. The grounds of the estate are extensive and it lies alongside the Lancaster Canal.
We know how daunting it can be letting your child go on a residential visit, so we do everything we can to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Our policies and procedures and those of Borwick Hall are designed to make sure the highest safety standards are upheld at all times:
–Regular checks on equipment before and after every activity session by qualified professionals.
–Qualified First-Aiders both amongst school staff and onsite 24/7.
–Safe practices adhered to by staff and reiterated to pupils.
–Planned activities, fully risk-assessed and agreed by the Local Education Authority.
Borwick Hall is a warm, supportive environment for pupils so they quickly feel at home. All activities are progressive, allowing children to join in at whatever level they’re comfortable with.
We have found the best way to help children manage with being away from home is to keep them busy- they will enjoy a full itinerary.
What to take:
• Spending money is not essential, though there is a shop which stocks souvenirs, drinks and snacks. No more than £5.00 to be sent in small change in a purse or wallet.
• Camera if you wish, but please use a disposable one, labelled with your name.
• Important –towels, spare trainers, plastic bags.
• Don’t need make up, hair straighteners, lipsticks!
• Don’t wear your best clothes! You may get wet and muddy- we are surrounded by fields.
• Children are responsible for their money, camera and other belongings.
• No mobile phones or devices.
Medication:
• All medication is to be fully labelled and prescribed.
• It should be in date.
• A medical form should have been completed.
• No child should have any medication in their bag.
• A designated adult will be responsible for medication.
• School staff are qualified First-Aiders (as are Borwick Hall staff).
Pupils have responsibility
• To follow instructions of the leader and other supervisors.
• Not to take unnecessary risks.
• Dress and behave sensibly and responsibly.
Discipline
Inappropriate behaviour that compromises the safety of self or others:
• Leader phones designated officer
• Designated officer phones parent to inform and arrange transport
• Designated officer meets with parent to arrange ‘hand-over’
• All children are expected to behave in a safe and mature manner.
• Behaviour reflects on the schools and parents.
• Other schools will be present/ on-site.
• Any inappropriate behaviour – asked to leave.
• This does not mean it won’t be fun; it ensures everybody is safe and we can all have an enjoyable school trip.
Parents can help
• Reinforce behaviour expectations.
• Talk to your child about clothing – agree what’s to be worn for each type of activity (e.g. water-based activities, walking/ hiking or orienteering, climbing/ rope-based activities).
• Organise and identify the clothing with your child present.
• Include plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing.
• Discuss how clothing can be managed each day, to keep personal possessions neat and cared for.
Risk Assessment
• Walk at all times within the buildings
• Wear indoor slippers/shoes within the buildings
• Access rooms at appointed times only
• Keep your room neat & tidy, with clothing tidied into bags.
• ROOM INSPECTIONS will be carried out!
• Movement between activity sites in supervised groups only.
• School have carried out a risk assessment for the journey and time spent at Borwick Hall.
• Your child will learn and develop team building skills in a safe environment.
• School are familiar with Borwick Hall.
• Aware of the activities and safety procedures.
• Fully checked and run by Lancashire.
• Children will be safe if they listen and follow instructions from staff.
• Children do take part in adventurous activities…they are fully risk assessed and run by qualified instructors.
Our itinerary
• Leave school by coach at approximately 9.30am on Mon 19th May.
• Arrive at Borwick Hall at about 11am.
• Children will need to take a packed lunch which will be eaten at Borwick Hall.
• Arrive back at school at approximately 2.30pm (traffic-dependent) on Wednesday 21st May.
Timings
• A typical day will start at 8.30am for breakfast.
• At 9.15am (ish) we will meet the tutors and have a briefing on the programme for the day.
• There will be a full day of activities.
• At 4.30pm there will be free time for showers and chat.
• Our evening meal will be between 5pm- 6pm.
• In the evening there will be even more activities!
