First Federation Trust
Year 6 Residential Trip – June 2023
We are pleased to inform you that we have provisionally booked our Residential Visit to YHA Adventure Okehampton from Monday 26th to 30th June 2023 and have places available for all our current Year 6 children.
The cost of living has been increasing across the UK since early 2021. In May 2022, the annual rate of inflation was the highest it has been since 1982, affecting the affordability of goods and services for households.
At Gatehouse we researched many primary school residential facilities to ensure we have obtained value for money. Last year’s cohort, and in previous years, gave us the feedback that a week’s residential is the preferred option compared to a shorter trip.
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with some details of the planned residential, giving you enough notice to start planning your payments, if your child is interested in attending.
Why take children on a Residential?
The purpose of the residential trip is to provide children with experiences that will increase their confidence, help develop a new level of independence and give them an education beyond the classroom.
Where are we going?
YHA Adventure Okehampton
https://groups.yha.org.uk/school-trips/
What will the children do?
The children will have opportunities to experience a range of outdoor and adventurous activities, which will encourage them to work together and challenge themselves, both physically and mentally. These activities are led by fully trained and experienced instructors from the Centre and the children will be supported by school staff from Gatehouse.
Parents Information Meeting
We will be holding a Parents’ Information Meeting next term and this will give you the opportunity to learn a little more about the activities the children will be undertaking, the venue they will be staying at and any other questions you may have.
How much will it cost?
The cost is £330.00, which includes transport to and from the centre, accommodation, all meals, hire of equipment and tuition from Centre staff.
We suggest a payment plan of monthly payments (October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May ) for 9 months or please view parentpay for a payment plan. You are of course, welcome to make payments as often as you like or can make a payment in one lump sum if that is preferable. Any time prior to the trip payments can be made to the school office by cash or cheque or you can pay online via the school payment system. All cash payments must be brought in by an adult and a receipt will be given. Unless full payment is received prior to the trip, due date for full payment is the 31st May 2023, if not received your child will be unable to attend.
If you foresee any problems with the payments for this visit, please do come and see Mrs Rowsell, in the office, or myself.
If you would like your child to go on the trip, a consent form and the payment plan will be visible on parentpay for you to complete and confirm your child wishes to attend, if you do experience difficulties with parentpay please do call the ladies in the office who can help and assist.
A deposit is due by Monday 30th September of £50.00.
Parents who can provide evidence that they are in receipt of the free school meals benefit are exempt from paying the cost of board and lodgings, the price quoted would be reduced for those families. If you feel you are eligible please apply via https://www.devon.gov.uk/supportforschools/services-and-contacts/free-school-meals
This is a wonderful opportunity for our children to experience a variety of activities they may not have before and also to work together with their school friends and staff.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Jason Stephens
Head of School
