Dear Families,
For many years, our Year 4 pupils have enjoyed taking part in an overnight residential visit, and it has consistently been a highlight of the school year.
Residential experiences provide children with a wealth of benefits. They help to build confidence and independence, strengthen friendships, encourage teamwork, and give children valuable opportunities to develop resilience and organisational skills away from home. It is always wonderful to see the growth in confidence that children demonstrate during and after the trip.
The Year 4 residential also provides an important stepping stone towards the Year 6 residential experience, helping children to build the resilience, confidence and practical skills needed for a longer stay away from home. It prepares them well for the two-night residential visit they will enjoy in their final year at Coleham.
We are delighted to confirm that this year’s Year 4 residential will take place at PGL Boreatton Park in Baschurch. This is an Activity Centre accredited by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.
Children will depart from school at 7:30am on Thursday 15th April 2027 and return at approximately 5:00pm on Friday 16th April 2027. Pupils will take part in seven activities over the two days, all designed to develop teamwork, problem-solving skills and confidence within a safe and supportive environment.
The total cost of the trip will be £210 per child, which includes transportation, accommodation, meals, x7 supervised activities with Activity Centre staff, evening entertainment, equipment and insurance. We would like to make families aware that the cost of the residential has increased again this year due to rising provider and transport costs. However, the school has taken the decision to subsidise this increase so that the cost to families remains at last year’s price of £210.
We fully appreciate that this is a significant cost for families and, with this in mind, we have created a payment schedule that allows the cost to be spread over six months. A deposit of £42.00 is required by 30th November 2026 to secure your child’s place. The remaining balance of £168.00 can be paid in six instalments of £28.00 due by Friday, 9th April 2027.
Please note that these instalments do not need to be paid on fixed dates. Families are welcome to make payments at any time over the six-month period, provided the full balance is made by 9th April 2027. Our aim is to make the payment process as manageable and flexible as possible.
If the cost of the trip is causing concern, please do get in touch with me in confidence. We are keen for every child to have the opportunity to attend and would be very happy to discuss alternative payment arrangements with families where needed.
If your child feels a little anxious about staying away from home, please be reassured that this is completely normal. Our staff will spend time preparing the children beforehand and providing support throughout the experience. If you have any specific concerns about your child attending, please speak with their class teacher so that we can work together to ensure they feel happy and confident about the visit.
We hope that all children will be able to attend and will therefore assume participation unless the class teacher is informed otherwise. Further information will be shared closer to the trip, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you or your child may have.
This residential visit is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn, grow and create lasting memories with their friends. We very much hope that every Year 4 pupil will be able to take part in this special experience.
Kind regards,
Miss Othen
School Business Manager