Adventure Togs making it easy to source robust outdoor clothing
The team at Adventure Togs know a thing or two about outdoor clothing. The company, from Port Talbot, South Wales have been supplying schools and groups nationwide since 2003. “I can’t believe we will be celebrating our 20th Birthday next year’ says Catherine Graham, Managing Director. “I started the business when my own children were young as I found it difficult to find quality children’s waterproof clothing on the high street.” Adventure Togs now supplies local authorities across the UK, making it easy for schools to raise purchase orders for clothing on their admin systems, with payment on account. “We’ve practically helped shape how people look at the benefits to children of being outside. Schools all across the country trust Adventure Togs with their outdoor clothing. You’ll find our knees and elbows in sandpits, muddy pools, in ice and snow and beside the campfires burning away in the woods nationwide, 365 days a year.” In addition to the UK, suppliers come from Denmark and Sweden, countries known for their healthy approach to outdoor learning in the early years. The Adventure Togs range has been quality tested and they only stock the most robust of kids outdoor gear. They also stock a good range of craft wear and accessories and offer to source products for your specific requirements. Enquiries, however big or small are always welcome. Adventure Togs makes it easy for schools, and groups to find the right sort of clothing for children to learn and play in, from waterproof suits to wellies and sun hats to paint aprons. Adventure Togs is able to supply outdoor clothing for: Local Authority Schools Forest Schools Playgroups Nurseries Independent Schools Football Clubs, Charities, YMCA, Scouts, Guides, Children’s schemes They offer discounts and free delivery on bulk orders. Website: www.adventuretogs.co.uk Email: enquiries@adventuretogs.co.uk Tel: 01639 689183
Activity week at Tregoyd Mountain Riders
Provide your pupils with the opportunity to learn new skills including; learning to ride, caring for a pony, becoming more self-reliant and more responsible for own actions Fully catered residential riding experience tailored to suit the needs of your group. Tregoyd Mountain Riders is situated on the Black Mountains part of the Brecon Beacons National Park with direct access to the hill from our farm to ride across commons, tracks and bridleways. Our qualified and experienced ride escorts provide instruction and supervision for small groups riding our sure footed ponies: Full instruction given tailored to the individual (beginners and more experienced riders) Ponies and horses available to suit all sizes and abilities of riders Home cooked food chosen by you from our menu Evening activities provided Flexible bunkhouse accommodation for up to 40 pupils Separate staff accommodation in self- contained bungalow One free staff place for every 8 students Staff fully DBS checked (enhanced) and First aid trained Preview weekends available on request Trips of variable dates and length of stay can be arranged- Mid week, full week, and weekends all available and we are happy to arrange a bespoke booking to suit your requirements Visit our website www.tregoydriding.co.uk – schools page for more information Email: tregoydriding@btconnect.com Telephone; 01497 847351 to discuss your needs
Bringing outdoor learning and forest school training to the north west
More children in the north west are experiencing the benefits of the outdoors with new forest school and outdoor learning training for practitioners in the area. Branching Out Training, based at Upton Heath Church of England Primary School in Chester, have delivered training for 18 providers in the area since 2018 with over 2000 children set to benefit. Leader of Branching Out Training Sarah Pearson said: “When we set up our own forest school provision at Upton Heath Primary School 8 years ago, we really had no idea how successful our forest school would become. Forest school and outdoor learning is ingrained into the culture at Upton Heath. Our EYFS teachers are out making their observations alongside us, our teachers value and understand what we are trying to achieve, and when our children talk about what they love about school, Forest School is often mentioned.” The Branching Out provision was received so well by parents, pupils and staff at Upton Heath that it wasn’t long before Sarah was fulfilling requests for training from other schools in the area: “Setting up Branching Out Training was the natural progression, enabling us to offer accredited training for schools, pre-schools and nurseries so that they have the skills and qualifications to set up a forest school in their own provisions. As well as being training providers qualified to Level 4, we’re a primary school that has been through the process and we’re teachers too. That brings a unique perspective that education providers really appreciate. We can share our successes and also the potential pitfalls.” Branching Out Training have released the dates for their 2020 training. The 7 day Level 3 Forest School Leader spring course will take place from the 23rd April whilst the autumn course kicks off on the 24th September. The 2 day Level 2 Outdoor Learning Practitioner course takes place 4-5th June 2020. There is a free taster session on Thursday 2nd April, 1.30-3.30pm at Upton Heath for the Level 3 Forest School Leader and Level 2 Outdoor Learning Practitioner course. All courses are hosted in the mini woods at Upton Heath C of E Primary School and are in association with UK training network Cambium and accredited by Agored Cymru. The Outdoor Learning Practitioner course is also recognised by the Institute of Outdoor Learning. To find out more about the Level 2 Outdoor Learning Practitioner or Level 3 Forest School Leader training courses, please visit http://www.branchingouttraining.com/ or email: spearson@uptonheath.cheshire.sch.uk. You can also book online at cambiumonline.co.uk for the spring Level 3 training, autumn Level 3 training and summer Level 2 training.
Gateway Adventure school & team building
Gateway Adventure was created in 2007 and we will be shortly celebrating our 13th anniversary. We are passionate about the great outdoors and enthusiastically strive to convey this ethos to our clients. As well as the physical and mental rewards and stimulus that adventurous training provides, it also allows the individual to develop life skills and an appetite for challenge. Gateway’s aim is to enable our clients to enjoy, respect and understand the outdoor environment through motivation, challenge, and skills acquisition and development, leading to our clients achieving a positive experience and outcome. We also strive to build a close and trusted relationships with everybody we come into contact with, whether clients, landowners or National Governing Bodies. You can be sure that, whatever your needs, you will receive a service that is professional, personal and tailored to your requirements. Gateway Adventure’s activity days are all about having a good time, but there is an important learning element to all the enjoyable activities we deliver to participants. Our aim is for all of our participants is, primarily, the development of life skills which are transferable to adult life. All our activities are tailored to the relevant age group, involving a mutually agreed programme of activities. Our activities are delivered on or off site, at the school or a suitable off site venue depending on the activity and client requirements. We offer different programmes and packages to suit your budget and objectives. These include On-Site School Activity Days, 2 & 3 Day School site (playing field) camping, 2 to 5 day Off-Site Residential, Prefect Training Days and staff Team Building Inset and Enrichment days. Gateway Adventure are also a D of E Approved Activity Provider for all levels of expedition and residential training and assessment. “Gateway Adventure are an integral part in our success. Without their expertise, experience, support, care and resources we would not be achieving the current levels of pupils completing the DOFE at all levels.” Glenn Hancock, D of E Award Manager Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College Steve Harris – Managing Director, Gateway Adventure. http://gatewayadventure.co.uk
NSSport – a passion for health and fitness
NSSport is a company that works towards developing school sports to ensure that children have positive experiences, pursue interests and develop a passion for health and fitness. We are fully commited to shifting participation attitudes towards sport and physical activity and work with primary schools to deliver personalised programmes that are designed to meet the needs of each school we work with through:- • PPA: delivering fully inclusive physical education (PE) lessons that meet national standards and Ofsted measures. We can plan and cater for your schools needs and support each learner in their journey through primary school sport. • After School Sports: supporting your school with after school sport provision with our qualified coaches to ensure children enjoy positive experiences and learn new skills. These sessions are designed to engage and challenge abilities and understanding within the sport. • INSET Days: providing quality childcare options whilst teachers are on INSET. We will ensure your teacher training sessions allow working parents to maintain their normal daily routine in the knowledge that their children are in safe hands with us. • Sports Days: organising and delivering a bespoke sports day service to ensure you have a stress free – but action packed – day. One that children, parents and staff will all remember. • Lunchtime Sport: providing an add-on to your PPA contract to deliver an inclusive lunchtime activity on a ‘level playing field’ for all. • Holiday Activities: providing active, affordable and exciting childcare during the holiday periods. Our knowledge allows us to care for your child in a fun, age appropriate and friendly environment whilst maintaining physical, social and emotional development. • Breakfast Clubs: enriching your school’s offering through a hassle-free, specialised service managed and delivered by our staff. • After School Care: providing childcare at the end of the school day to further enrich your school offering. Our after school care programme providse a safe and familiar environment for pupils to take part in a large selection of games and activities. • Active Playgrounds: supporting breaks and lunchtime play that is proven to improve behaviour and increase activity levels. We introduce techniques that are structured to ensure children keep active which helps the wellbeing for your school. • Sport Team Development Days: arranging opportunities for learners to compete in a variety of sports, thus improving self-esteem and allowing learners to thrive in a competitive sporting environment. You can be confident that NSSport will help you achieve your goals. Find out more about NSSport here
Berkshire pupils urged to raise school funds in fun run
An opportunity to boost school funds and get fit in the process has arisen for pupils in the Berkshire area. Since 2016, Greenham Trust’s annual 10k and family fun runs event, Step Up 4 Good has encouraged more than 1,800 people to get active. Having donated £58m, it has helped fund projects for many schools and charitable organisations across West Berkshire and North Hampshire, including The Rosemary Appeal, Brighter Futures, Parenting Special Children, Parkinson’s, MS Therapy and many more. Step Up 4 Good 2019 will take place this October at one of the UK’s most prestigious racing venues, Newbury Racecourse. Priding itself as one of the most unique running events in West Berkshire, Step Up 4 Good accommodates runners of all ages and abilities and educates the next generation for a healthier future. Organiser Chris Sumner of Racesolutions, who has already hosted the Royal Berkshire 10k and Endure24 events this year, said: “We are passionate about producing exceptional running races that inspire people to run, our aim is to offer every runner, no matter their age, speed or goal, a sense of achievement, and lots of fun.” Activating pupils’ community spirit Inspiring children to feel the benefits of leading a more active lifestyle, Greenham Trust is inviting primary and secondary schools to ‘step up’ and take part in this year’s runs. Pupils are also being encouraged to get involved and use the race as a fundraising opportunity, where they can raise money for their own school projects or select one from The Good Exchange platform. Teachers, governors, group leaders and parents can simply download the Step Up 4 Good ‘Schools Toolkit’ online. It includes all the essential information and a step-by-step planning guide to help make the organisation process really easy. As well as working in partnership with West Berkshire Council, to support the West Berkshire’s Let’s Get Active Fund, Greenham Trust is offering local state schools the chance to win £500 for a school project of their choice. Schools who register ten or more runners in any race will automatically be entered into a prize draw, when referencing their school name upon entry. Kate Flowerdew, Headteacher at Spurcroft Primary School in Thatcham and winner of the 2018 schools prize draw explains how the £500 has made a difference: “The money given to us was used to purchase thermoplastic footprints for the school playground to complete the active walk around the perimeter of the school. We like to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage all children to get involved with sports at school and within the local community, so the money has given pupils more opportunities for physical and personal development.” Libby Bucknell, Headteacher at Robert Sandilands Primary School in Newbury also winner of the school’s prize draw explains how delighted her school were to receive the cheque at Step Up 4 Good 2017: “The whole community can now benefit from the fact that the pupils will get more opportunities for physical and personal development. We could never afford to complete this project without the help of Greenham Trust.” In 2018, pupils from St Nicolas C of E Junior School, Willows Primary School, Speenhamland Primary School, Curridge Primary School, St John the Evangelist Infant and Nursery, John Rankin School and Horris Hill School all raised funds for their own school projects via The Good Exchange. New for 2019, Step Up 4 Good have introduced The Para-Mile. It is open to children under 15 with a disability or impairment, and gives children the opportunity to run, jog or walk the course for free. Take part and get involved Set to be bigger and better, Step Up 4 Good 2019 promises to provide fantastic indoor facilities, licensed bar and plenty of entertainment for both runners and spectators to enjoy as it relocates to Newbury Racecourse. Chris Boulton, chief executive of Greenham Trust encourages everyone to step up: “We would like to see a lot more children from Newbury and beyond getting more active and involved in what is to be West Berkshire’s most popular event on the running calendar.” Come along to an exciting family day packed with entertainment, competitions, delicious food outlets and a buzzing race village with lots to see and do. One lucky member of the public will have the opportunity to win a Golden Ticket and allocate a total of £5,000 funding from Greenham Trust to one local charitable project or split the total across a number of charitable projects on The Good Exchange. Seasoned professional, complete beginner, old or young, it really doesn’t matter. Step Up 4 Good is about more than just running, it’s about challenging ourselves, celebrating our community and raising money for the many worthy local community projects. If running really isn’t your thing, Step Up 4 Good offers a number of volunteering opportunities for anyone who wants to join in without putting on their trainers. Register today for Step Up 4 Good 2019 on Sunday 13 October at Newbury Racecourse and boost your school funds! To sign up, enquire about volunteering and for event details, visit www.stepup4good.co.uk/activate
Football and education: Our motivation for success
As the first academic year of PeterDeen reaches a conclusion, Aberdeenshire’s Head of Education Vincent Docherty and his brother Tony, assistant manager at Aberdeen Football Club (AFC), are getting together with Steven Sweeney from AFC’s Community Trust to congratulate scholars and look to the future. In short, more football, more education and more passion for helping local young people to succeed. As Vincent, who played in the same team as his brother, at Stirling Albion, earlier in their careers explains: “In football, you have to find ways to motivate players to perform at their best, and it’s the same thing we’re constantly striving to do in education.” PeterDeen, the brain-child of Avril Nicol, Communities and Partnerships Manager, herself a Dons fanatic, is the first example of a Scottish Premiership club working closely with a League 1 club and a local authority to deliver an alternative learning programme for secondary school pupils. Its success has already been recognised at a national level with the SPFL Trust’s Community Project of the Year Award. Aberdeenshire Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) team works to deliver learning opportunities with and for young people across the region, engaging them in them in a variety of youth projects as well as supporting those who may be finding engaging in school difficult. Avril leads the team and developed her idea of delivering an innovative, alternative curriculum with Vincent and staff at Peterhead Academy, then approached AFC’s Community Trust to see if they would be interested in supporting its delivery as a partner. Vincent added: “The involvement of local football clubs has been a real hook for the young people we are trying to help achieve better outcomes for themselves. Every young person is entitled to a curriculum that meets their needs and the confidence, the sense of purpose and achievement this programme has given our PeterDeen scholars so far has been incredible.” The 18 S3 pupils who have taken part this year have enjoyed two days per week of specialist coaching delivered by AFC, two days of studying core subjects at school such as Maths and English, and one day per week with CLD’s Work With Young People team. Peterhead FC were able to provide training facilities this year and Peterhead’s Score Group stepped in with sponsorship as well as training opportunities. The programme has proven to be a resounding success with attendance rates from participating pupils going from below 40% to beyond 90%. It is now hoped this can be replicated in other areas, with plans for FraserDeen commencing in Fraserburgh this August. Councillor Gillian Owen, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee said: “What a fantastic year for these young people! The project delivers a curriculum through which students are encouraged to celebrate their own achievements and develop as independent, responsible and creative individuals with a lifelong interest in learning and self-development. We are so looking forward to many more young people benefitting from similar opportunities.” Steven Sweeney, Operations Manager from AFC Community Trust commented: “Thank you to Aberdeenshire Council and Peterhead Academy for their fantastic support of the PeterDeen Scholarship. “Our partnership has seen the attendance of some young people go from under 40 to over 90%, exclusions have reduced by over 80% and behaviour referrals have halved, and the young people have successfully achieved a number of awards and accreditations. “We are delighted to work alongside Peterhead FC, the theme of football clubs working together to support local communities is a powerful one which we are very proud of. “In 2019/20 we are excited to expand the PeterDeen Scholarship and roll out models in Fraserburgh and Aberdeen City based on its unprecedented success.” Martin Johnston from Peterhead Football Club added: “We are also pleased to have played a role in the inaugural year of what is a ground-breaking project. Congratulations to all stakeholders and of course the participants for making this possible.” Conrad Ritchie is Managing Director of Score International Limited. He said: “We are very pleased with the positive progress within the PeterDeen programme. Well done to the pupils involved and their achievements so far. We are delighted to be involved in this project and are confident that the programme will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Surprising benefits of outdoor adventure for children
These days, it can be easy for children to get into the habit of staying indoors. Yes, there are many home comforts, computer games, watching TV and hot chocolates are always a good idea! But there are so many advantages to being outdoors, experiencing the wonders of nature. Outdoor adventure and education expert, Kingswood, shares the best benefits being outdoors can bring you and your children. Encourages team building There’s no I in team…or outdoors! Improve your child’s team building skills by getting them together with a group of friends to complete some fun tasks. They could do some orienteering, play sports or even build a fort using nature’s tools. Doing things as a team really creates a sense of community and improves friendships. It grows your imagination Imagine all the people, sharing all the world. Wise words! Getting out into the world can create a whole new one for yourself. Just think of all the amazing things your child could do and see if they put their imagination to the test. Improves your physical health The excitement of running around outdoors and taking part in outdoor adventure activities is a great way to exercise and what’s more, it won’t feel like a workout because everyone will be having too much fun! It increases productivity Being outside increases our energy levels. Theories show that by taking a break from being in front of a screen and going on a short walk, allows our eyes to have time for a rest and our mind have time to regroup. So when we come back to doing work, we feel more motivated to get it done. That homework won’t seem like such a big task after all! Sparks inspiration Humans have always been inspired by nature to create beautiful things. Some of the world’s greatest pieces of art and literature (here’s looking at you, Van Gogh) were influenced by the great outdoors. So if you’re in need of some motivation, whether that be at home or school, let wildlife take the wheel! It does your mental health wonders Tom Madders, campaigns director at Young Minds, the children and young people mental health charity and Kingswood charity partner, said: “Children and young people today can face a wide range of pressures, including stress about exams, worries about body image, and the pressures associated with around-the-clock social media. Spending time outdoors, learning new skills, being with friends, taking time out from your daily routine, and having space to talk about how you’re feeling can have real benefits for mental health.” For more information visit www.kingswood.co.uk or www.youngminds.org.uk
North Devon’s professional outdoor centre
Skern Lodge has been using the outdoors for adventure activities and people development since 1976 and are committed to the highest standards in all aspects of their business. Situated on the north Devon coast in 22 acres of their own grounds, they are in the perfect location. School groups use Skern Lodge for a variety of reasons, especially its talent for creating a course that suits your requirements. No two courses at Skern Lodge are the same. With a wide variety of exciting, adventurous outdoor activities on offer and an experienced and dedicated staff team to deliver a tailored programme, it’s easy to see why they were awarded the best outdoor activity and sporting experience in the Southwest. The centre has been providing multi-activity experiences for schools for more than 40 years. Its friendly office staff are on hand to help you at all stages of your booking and in preparation for your course. Their aim – excellence in courses and services – is made easier to achieve because the full Skern staff team is on site with you at the Lodge. On your arrival, one of their staff team is allocated to be your Course Director, co-ordinating all aspects of your course with you. You have available at Skern, the full management team to ensure everything runs smoothly and to help with any problems. There is plenty of space on site for games in free-time, boundaries are clear, accommodation is easy to supervise and there is 24-hour duty cover. The residential experience at Skern Lodge develops young people’s personal and social skills and can be great fun! Team building, problem solving, communication, working and living together, combined with the range of exciting activities, gives young people the best experience they can have; skills not only invaluable in the classroom, playground and on the sports field, but also in later life at work. At Skern Lodge they pride themselves in not only providing you with an experience that you will remember for life, but also paying attention to the domestic arrangements so you will be warm, dry and well fed. You won’t find many places where the food is as good. Their domestic team are outstanding, providing superb meals and services with care and good humour. To arrange your Skern residential experience follow the link to their website. www.skernlodge.co.uk