Parent Letter for Essex Country Parks Visit

To:

Dear Parent

Thank you for agreeing to assist a group of children at your child’s forthcoming field trip. We hope you enjoy seeing your child interact with his or her peers away from the school environment and have the opportunity to see them experience the benefits that learning outside the classroom can bring.

Country Parks Education prides itself in hands-on experiences, which support the National Curriculum. All the activities in your child’s visit will be practical and need very little equipment. We believe that this teaching style suits our ‘outdoor classroom’ and is the most beneficial to young learners. To achieve the best results on the day, it is important that we have active involvement from everyone participating. Rangers will rely on you to support the group of children you are assigned to. Getting stuck into activities alongside the children, and responding positively to the experiences you share, will encourage those who more hesitant and enable everyone to get the most from the day. This is also your chance to play and we want you to have as much fun as the children… so don your wellies too!

The following information may help you prepare for the day:

• On arrival the children will be able to put their lunch bags and boots/shoes away. Most sites do not have lockable storage. If you are bringing personal valuables you will need to keep them with you, so we suggest you travel lightly to keep your hands free.
• Children will have the opportunity to go to the toilet before the group sets out into the Park.
• Some schools will bring their fruit snack with them, to eat before the day’s activities. Please do not give children snacks during the activities as it poses a hygiene risk.
• There will be a Health & Safety briefing to include: how to behave with loose dogs, hygiene, getting lost, respect for staff and the environment. Please help the children stay attentive and take note yourself.
• Discipline of the children is the responsibility of the Lead Teacher and any cause for concern should be directed to them.
• Please be aware of the entire group’s safety throughout the day, regardless of which adult they are assigned to.

Please remember that the children are ambassadors of the school and that members of the public will also be visiting the site. You can help by modelling the behaviour we ask of the children. Please do not talk over the Ranger or use a mobile phone during teaching sessions. The Rangers will often address the adults within the group, to give important instructions for the activities or ideas on how the activity can be developed or used at home.

We hope you enjoy sharing this day with your child and are inspired to make more use of your local open spaces. The Country Parks team want all generations to experience the benefits of being outside and enjoy the beautiful countryside of our county.

If you would like to know more about Essex’ open spaces, including free holiday activities, go to You can also follow ‘visitparks’ on Facebook. If you wish to find out more about nature or outdoor activities, is an excellent resource.

Yours sincerely

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