A residential school visit to Rippledown
Your school has made an excellent choice in asking Rippledown to deliver your child’s outdoor learning experience. Since opening in 1977, Rippledown has welcomed over 40,000 primary school children from all parts of the South East England and Northern Europe.
It may well be the first time that your child has been away from family and home marking an important step in their development and in gaining a sense of independence. A residential visit to Rippledown is a unique experience providing your child with a sense of freedom and adventure, improving their self-confidence, motivation and personal abilities. In particular it strengthens their bond with their teachers and class mates leading to an even better school experience for the future. Above all, an outdoor learning trip is great fun!
Rippledown represents the cornerstone of the work of The Bay Trust a leading environmental education charity in Kent whose core mission is to inspire, encourage and enable youth, so that they are grounded with the attitudes, knowledge and skills for sustainable living in the 21st century.
A safe and enjoyable, residential trip
You can be assured that at Rippledown we recognise our responsibility to provide a safe and enjoyable, residential trip for all the children in our care. We understand that sending your child on a trip without you can be a bit daunting. Therefore, we have put together this page to help answer any questions you may have and talk you through the process.
If you have any further questions which are not answered here or in the materials sent home from school, we will be delighted to help you. Please use the parent’s contact form to ask a question or comment on your child’s Rippledown experience. Alternatively just give us a call during office hours on: 01304 364 854 and we’ll be more than happy to chat with you.
How it works
- Your school makes a provisional booking and invites pupils
- Parents and pupils accept the invitation
- School acknowledges a place on the trip
- School collects payments from parents and requests any medical, dietary and safety information pupils may need.
- School confirms the number of pupils and pays Rippledown
- Parents will receive a kit list well in advance of the trip. Don’t panic! Rippledown trips do not need any special equipment or clothes.
- You and your child pack their bag – then it’s off to school.
- School travels to Rippledown and has fun!
- You let us or your school know your feedback
FAQ’s for parents
This is my child’s first stay away from home, do I need to prepare them in anyway?
Assure your child they will be well looked after, and they will have a great time at Ripppledown.
Can I contact my child whilst they are away?
Yes! Parents may contact their child through the Rippledown Office 01304 364 854. Sometimes parent’s like to write a short letter during their child’s stay. This is always a lovely surprise for your child.
My child has specific dietary requirements – can you cater for them?
We are highly experienced in catering for all sorts of dietary requirements. Please let your school know of your child’s specific needs in the parents pack they send to you. We will provide excellent home cooked nutritious food that’s right for them.
My child requires medication
Medication can be stored securely at Rippledown. Your child’s teachers will be able to assist with any administering.
Does it matter if my child wets the bed?
Not at all. We are fully equipped to cater for wet beds and working closely with the school leaders will discreetly assist your child: providing a private place to change, a warm shower, clean bedding and freshly laundered pyjamas. Packing some extra night clothes with your child name on the label is a good idea if you think this might happen or even a pair of dry-night pants if your child is already using them.
Does my child need wet weather gear?
The centre provides wet weather gear for all children, however should you wish to send your child with their own equipment then that’s fine. Please ensure that all items are clearly labelled on the inside with your child’s first and last name.
Will my child need to bring any money?
They can bring pocket money for the Tuck Shop or to spend on excursions.
We recommend £5.
Does my child need any other equipment?
You don’t have to purchase anything, however you can buy one of our water bottles for a special price of £1.50. These are tough and reusable and will provide a happy reminder of the fun your child has had at Rippledown. This is optional though so please feel free to send your child with their own water bottle if they have one and don’t forget to label with their name.