Off site visits
The environment and community outside the school provide a valuable resource for the children’s learning and it is important that children learn through first-hand experience whenever possible.
The school therefore arranges educational visits connected with children’s studies. These are usually half or whole day outings, but for older children a residential stay for a longer period is organised annually during the course of a year – currently we go to a 3D Adventure Centre on the Isle of Wight. The children are given the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of outdoor pursuits including abseiling, climbing and archery.
All activities taking place outside the immediate school boundary are designated as “off-site”. A number of these take place with some regularity, eg, cross country running on The Marsh, visits to the Church for special services and swimming at a local pool. Parents are asked to sign a composite form when their child starts school permitting them to undertake such activities throughout their school career at Breamore.
Other off-site visits require parents to sign a form on each occasion giving permission for their child to be involved. Children will not be allowed to go on such visits unless a signed form has been returned.
A copy of the insurance provisions applicable on all such visits is available in the Reception Area of the school.
“Trips are a good way to learn – they are always worthwhile!” Huw Year 5
“They are really nice and interesting and educational. I liked going to the Aquarium, castles and Pavilion.” Thomas Year 4
Transport for Visits:
Sometimes children are transported on visits using a mini bus or occasionally public transport is used. Quite often we hire a coach and ask for contributions from parents to cover the costs, or we are grateful for the assistance of parents in transporting groups of children by private car. Third party insurance usually covers parents for this purpose, but before offering your help, we ask you to check with your insurance company that your cover is adequate. There is a special form which parents are required to complete before they can convey children, other than their own, by car.
Breamore Primary School seeks to maximise opportunities for learning through use of a creative curriculum. As part of this we try to make full use of educational visits. In the recent past some of these have included geographical surveys in Southampton and Fordingbridge, historical studies of Rockbourne Roman Villa, scientific studies at farms, and religious studies of local churches. Visits have also supported the arts and cultural development of the child and they have included Southampton Art Gallery, the ballet, musical performances and sharing Remembrance Day with the Hampshire Regiment at Southampton’s Cenotaph.
CHARGES:
The School Policy is to ask parents to make voluntary monetary contributions to cover the cost of off-site visits. We have been delighted to receive great support from parents in the implementation of this Policy. However, in the event of insufficient contributions being received, a visit may have to be cancelled. Financial support from the PTA in the form of a subsidy occasionally enables some of the more costly visits to go ahead. If on occasions parents or carers feel unable to make any contribution, we ask that they speak to the Headteacher.
In certain, limited circumstances, the School may ask for a small contribution towards the costs of materials used in such things as cookery and craft.
The Governors and Headteacher have a detailed Policy Statement in relation to charges, which is available in the Reception Area.
“Trips are fun, interesting and adventurous. I liked walking the miz-maze and going to the Lifeboat Station.” Chay Year 4
