Dunsford Community Primary School

Dunsford Community Primary School

DunsfordExeter

EX6 7DD

Tel: 01647 252 548

Email:

Class 3 Residential to London

13th – 17th June 2016

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am pleased to be in a position to send home further information about our week of sightseeing, learning and culture in London this summer. I will be leading and organising the trip, and will be ably assisted by Mr Stewart, Mrs Cole, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Smith, Mrs Stone and possibly some other adults (depending on the number of children who wish to come).

We have arranged to stay in the grounds of Willow Tree Primary School, West London. This school is in a very quiet residential area, a short distance from Northolt tube station, which is on the Central Line. The school is large and is set in ample grounds, which are surrounded by high fences and security gates. We will sleep in ‘family’ tents on their field. Most packed lunches and evening meals will be provided by a school meals catering company (so the meals will be nutritionally balanced and all dietary requirements will be provided for).

The rationale for going on this residential experience is to experience the sights, bustle and wonders of London, whilst also having the opportunity to meet children from a very different school. I went to visit Willow Tree Primary School on Wednesday. It is a sprawling school with 779 children from Nursery to Y6; this in itself will be an eye-opener for children from our small village school! Many of the pupils there come from a different religious and/or ethnic background, so I am hoping that spending time with them will foster a better understanding of our country’s rich cultural diversity. During my visit, everyone was really friendly and the children were delightful. I can’t wait for them all to meet; I’m sure some strong friendships will develop.

The provisional programme for the week is as follows:

Day / Daytime / Evening
Monday / Meet at Exeter St David’s at approx. 8.30am
Travel to London by train
Settle in to our ‘campsite’
Joint activities with Willow Tree pupils / Activity tbc
Circle Time
Bedtime story
Tuesday / Discovery Day
Natural History Museum / Science Museum / The Lion King
Circle Time
Bedtime story
Wednesday / Culture Day
am British Museum and art gallery visit / Activity tbc
Circle Time
Bedtime story
Thursday / Sightseeing Day
to include Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade, the Houses of Parliament, the South Bank, the Millennium Bridge,London Eye trip, boat trip… / Activity tbc
Circle Time
Bedtime story
Friday / Religious Education Day
Visit to Neasden Temple or Mohammedi ParkMasjid Mosque
Travel back on the train, possibly from Reading
Arrive at Exeter St David’s at just after 4pm / -

As a Londoner, used to travelling on the underground and getting from place to place on public transport and on crowded pavements, I am aware of just how busy it can get in June. That is why I want to have such a high adult : child ratio. Needless to say, the safety of all members of the group will be our absolute top priority. The accompanying adults and children will be well briefed beforehand, and we will rehearse procedures and expectations though role play in the weeks leading up to the trip. I have led countless school trips before (including to central London) and do not anticipate there being any insurmountable difficulties.

We need to firm up numbers very soon, so that we can finalise costs. The cost for the week is likely to be just under £200 per child. Some financial assistance may be available for children who are eligible for free school meals. We plan to collect the money in instalments, starting with a £50 initial deposit. Please complete, sign and return the reply slip below by Wednesday 10th February with your initial deposit of £50 (cheques payable to ‘Devon County Council’ or banknotes only please).

I do hope that you are as excited about this trip as we are! We would dearly love all Y4, Y5 and Y6 children to be able to come. The powerpoint presentation from last night’s information evening will be on our website shortly. If you feel that you would like further information before making up your mind, please just come and speak to me.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Alphey

Headteacher

LONDON REPLY SLIP – PLEASE RETURN TO THE OFFICE by Wednesday 10th February

Name of child (ren):______

I give permission for my child(ren) to attend the London Residential in July 2016. I enclose a £50 deposit per child.

I understand that at this stage I am committing myself to paying the full cost of the voluntary contributions for this Residential (which will be less than £200 in total per child).

I would not like my child(ren) to attend this Residential, because ......

Signed: ...... Date:......

LONDON REPLY SLIP – PLEASE RETURN TO THE OFFICE by Wednesday 10th February

Name of child(ren):______

I give my permission for my child(ren) to attend the London Residential in July 2016. I enclose a £50 deposit per child.

I understand that at this stage I am committing myself to paying the full cost of the voluntary contributions for this Residential (which will be less than £200 in total per child).

I would not like my child(ren) to attend this Residential, because ......

Signed: ...... Date:......