East Birmingham Family Support Services

Seven children attending a Support Services centre were helped financially, in order to ensure that the whole group could spend a weekend away at Bockleton. Most had never been out of Birmingham and most did not have access to a garden, living in flats.

Teachers agreed that all the children worked as a team and encouraged and supported each other. They all gained new skills and mixed with children that in other environments they may never have done. The weekend was a huge success and allowed the children to escape the harsh realities of their everyday lives and to be themselves. The were able to experience outdoor activities, they were introduced to new ideas and pushed themselves to new boundaries.

Posted: 06-11-2007 13:56:38

Littlemoss High School, Droylsden, Tameside

By providing about third of total expenses, city dwelling boys in Y7 were able to experience the countryside and stay overnight in a Youth Hostel near Hadrian’s Wall. School policy was total inclusion so the trip would not have gone ahead without money from The Invited Guest Trust.

Teachers:

"The pupils enjoyed being in a rural, clean environment which is obviously a contrast to where they live."

"They learnt a lot about being co-operative, living together in a Youth Hostel. They also helped each other finding out the answers to the tasks."

Posted: 06-11-2007 13:56:38

St John's Primary School, Huntingdon, Cambs

All six classes from St John's, which is located in an area with a high deprivation index, spent a day visiting the Fenland countryside at a Cambridgeshire Environmental Education Service centre, to provide first hand experience of a rural locality.

"The school would not have been able to fund the full cost of the visits to Upware Centre, including travel, tuition, equipment and materials. The Countrywide UK Trust provided half the cost and made it possible for all children to benefit from the experience."

Posted: 06-11-2007 13:56:38

Oakefield Primary School, Crewe

Paying two thirds of the cost enabled nine children who receive free school meals to join the residential two nights away to Pettypool Trust in Northwich.

Mrs S Taylor, class teacher:

"Pettypool Centre is an ideal outdoor environment for children aged 6-7 years as it provides an extended choice of outdoor activities within a safe and secure environment. All the children live in Crewe in an area of family stress and many do not have the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of the countryside. We met one of our objectives - to experience and learn about the countryside first hand. (With all the activities) the children really did have a fantastic time. For many it was the first experience of this sort and will be remembered for a very long time. Thank you for your support."

Posted: 06-11-2007 13:57:47

Edleston Primary School, Crewe

Transport for the first residential trip for many years for 35 children at Key Stage 2 to Pettypool Trust in Northwich. The School is situated in a high deprivation area with many Muslim and East European children who need encouraging to participate.

Ms Cathy Mallowney, class teacher:

"The children had a fantastic time despite the horrendous weather orienteering through the woods, rock climbing and crate stacking, abseiling, zip wire and team building games which put to the test their listening and team player skills. Many skills were learnt including how to work as a team, how to live independently and how to get on with others. The children really enjoyed sleeping in their own cabins."

Posted: 06-11-2007 13:58:48

Somerville Primary School, Birmingham

Three Y6 pupils could attend a weekend away at Bockleton Outdoor Centre

Lynn Pilsbury, Phase 2 Leader and EVC:

"All three Y6 children come from low income families and would not otherwise have been able to participate. They all gained enormous benefit from their experience at Bockleton Study Centre. For the first time ever they were able to spend two nights away from home and they had the chance to take part in some exciting adventurous activities - abseiling, tunnelling, orienteering, horse riding and using the low-ropes course. These are things that the children will remember for the rest of their lives and, as a member of staff, it is wonderful for me to see how they gain in confidence as the weekend progresses."

Posted: 06-11-2007 14:00:02