Why France? (Information for Parents)

FIRST FRENCH TRIP MEETING FOR PARENTS Friday 21st May – Monday 24th May 2021 Why France?  It’s our nearest foreign country  We learn French at Walmsley  A great opportunity to practise the French learnt in school.

Why ‘Le Château du Broutel’?  Only 1 hour from the port of Calais  Tried and trusted centre, purpose built and adapted for school parties and used by many schools in this area  Excellent choice of activities and very child friendly  As at Walmsley School, safety is the number 1 priority.  Very rigorous safety checks, all employees are CRB checked. Thorough & extensive risk assessments  Highly trained activity leaders who are English speaking  Lovely small town nearby, allowing a certain freedom but within safe boundaries. “Le marché” is on Sat morning when we walk into town.

Children may bring about £30-35 worth of Euros to spend if you wish.

Important considerations:  Travel insurance is through the Local Education Authority who carefully check all our documentation, risk assessments, etc.  Children (and parents) agree on the code of conduct to ensure safety at all times

 Small games, personal stereos, books, etc. are allowed for the journey but YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE anything valuable that could be lost or damaged! Children who have any electronic equipment must take full responsibility for these items at all times.  Jewellery must be removed for activities and risks being lost!!  DO NOT TAKE ANY THING EXPENSIVE OR PRECIOUS TO YOU!

 REMEMBER: No Mobile Phones/Digital cameras/Camcorders TRAVEL:  The coach + driver stay with us throughout the journey: SHARPES of NOTTINGHAM. NO CHEWING GUM rule !!  We set off approx 4.30am & stop for (packed) breakfast at a motorway services around 8am.  We arrive in Dover around midday to catch the 1pm ferry & we take our (packed) lunch to eat on the ferry. We always find a big dining area so that we can sit together. Crossing takes approx 90 minutes.  Once through customs, remaining journey is around 1 hour.

THE CHÂTEAU:  On arrival at the Château, we are warmly welcomed & the children have chance to stretch their legs as they are shown around the grounds by the activity group leaders with explanations about the boundaries. (…VERY SAFE!!)  Children take their luggage up to their rooms then come down with us to have evening meal around 5pm.  After tea, there is an organised scavenger hunt around the grounds of the Château.

ACCOMMODATION:  Each room is ensuite  Children may choose which friends to share with (4-8 to a room)  Teachers’ rooms are interspersed between children’s rooms  Children are always supervised during waking hours and we are available during the night should the need arise  There is a key code for our accommodation block and also for each room – which should not be shared with those in other rooms ACTIVITIES:  Nearer the time, we shall choose the six activities according to what the children on the trip would like to take part in. We always include kayaking and paddle boarding as they tend to be the favourites!  AND CROW’S NEST (crate stacking )  Children choose who they wish to be with in their activity groups then all children complete all the chosen activities with 2 on Sat afternoon and 4 on Sunday.

MEDICAL & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:  All dietary requirements are catered for. There is plenty of choice of food …and always plenty of fresh baguette & fruit!!  They can come and fill up their water bottles throughout the day: orange squash, blackcurrant and chilled water available.  Full medical details will be required. Tetanus injection; allergy info.  Asthma sufferers MUST carry their spray with them at all times (the Activity Leaders at the Château will insist on this!)  Come and talk to us if anything changes or if you have any particular concerns.

Dawn Hitchen.