Glenmanor Primary School and

Nursery Class

Information for Parents and Pupils

Kilbowie Outdoor Centre

2 – 6 November 2015

Information for Parents and Pupils

Contents

Page 1 Letter from Mrs Barrington, Head Teacher Page 2 Information for Parents (Extracted from Kilbowie Website) Page 5 Information for Pupils (Extracted from Kilbowie Website) Page 7 Things to be aware of at Kilbowie (Information provided by Kilbowie Outdoor Centre) Page 8 Equipment List for Five-Day Residential Stay (Information provided by Kilbowie Outdoor Centre) Page 10 Insurance, Medical and Consent Forms (Information provided by Kilbowie Outdoor Centre) Page 11 Administration of Medicines

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Letter From Mrs Barrington, Head Teacher 21 May 2015 Dear Parents/Carers, I am delighted to confirm that our P7 outdoor residential excursion to Kilbowie Outdoor Centre will take place on the following dates ~

Monday 2 to Friday 6 November 2015 inclusive. This booklet contains all the information both you and your child need to prepare for Kilbowie. You will also receive a green booklet, which contains the consent form and administration of medicines form and a orange payment card. All Parents/Carers should complete and sign the consent section for your child. The administration of medicines section should only be completed if applicable. Please return this booklet to school by Friday 5 June 2015. If you have completed the administration of medicines form, please ensure that all the required information is provided and that a contact number has been given. You are also asked to complete a personal profile and a “Plan for Complex Health Care Needs” may need to be drawn up in consultation with you if your child’s condition requires specific care or action by staff, or where there are symptoms indicating an impending episode. If an illness develops between the forms being handed to the school and your child going to Kilbowie, please ensure that you hand in a signed letter containing administration of medicine details along with the medicine itself. To assist us with the preparation for Kilbowie, please check that there is enough medicine to last until your child returns home and that your child’s medicine is handed in to Mrs Chalmers by Friday 30 October 2015 if possible. We are attending Kilbowie with Chryston Cluster schools; Auchinloch, Chryston and Gartcosh. Chryston Primary School has been allocated as the lead school and their role will be to co-ordinate the room and activity group arrangements for the four schools. Room groups consist of 4 pupils who share a dormitory with 2 sets of bunkbeds and ensuite facilities. Pupils from the same school share dorms. Activity groups consist of 8 pupils in total with at least 2 pupils from the same school. Kilbowie Outdoor Centre encourages schools to mix their pupils in the activity groups to enhance the experience of working with others and to strengthen connections between schools. Glenmanor staff will try to ensure that each pupil has a least one friend in their room group and activity group and this will be discussed with pupils beforehand. The primaries will work together to collate and return this information to Kilbowie by the due date. The total cost for the residential excursion is £122. The total cost for pupils in receipt of free school meals/clothing grants is £42. Please note - Kilbowie Outdoor Centre have advised that this cost may be subject to change in August 2015. We will update you if this is the case. The cost of the excursion can be paid in full or by instalments, using the blue payment card from now onwards. All outstanding balances must be paid to the school office by Friday 30 October 2015. A Kilbowie Information Evening for Parents and Pupils will be held in Glenmanor Hall on Tuesday 16 June from 6-7pm. Our current P7 pupils will lead this event. Further information about this event will follow shortly. If you have any questions or concerns about Kilbowie, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Yours sincerely, NBarrington Nicola Barrington Head Teacher

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Information For Parents About Kilbowie Outdoor Centre Opportunity Every North Lanarkshire Primary 7 pupil is given the opportunity to go to Kilbowie for an outdoor education and residential experience. In addition, schools attend Kilbowie in their cluster groups to assist with the transition from primary to secondary school. Location Kilbowie Outdoor Centre lies opposite the Island of Kerrera, a couple of kilometres from Oban town centre. It is now owned by North Lanarkshire Council but was formerly a residential hostel for children from the islands who attended school in Oban. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours with a comfort break at the “Green Welly Stop” in Tyndrum. Accommodation The centre can accommodate 112 pupils in rooms of 4 beds (2 sets of bunk beds) with single rooms for visiting staff. There is a new extension, built to cater for less mobile children. Wheelchair bound or less mobile children can use the small stair lifts within the centre. The bedrooms have all been refurbished. There are three pupil bedrooms with one teacher's bedroom on each corridor. Each corridor also has a bathroom with two showers, washbasins and two toilets. More showers are located in the changing rooms on the ground floor, where children keep their outdoor clothing. Outdoor Clothing and Equipment All Kilbowie equipment is modern and is replaced on a regular basis. Activity elements are inspected by qualified engineers on an annual basis and by Kilbowie staff on a weekly basis. Kilbowie Centre will provide waterproofs, a fleece, gloves, mitts, balaclava, wellies and a rucksack. Please see “Equipment List for Five-Day Residential Stay”. Medical Issues Parents must notify the school of any medical conditions, special diets or allergies that may affect your child’s participation in an activity. The school will then ensure that Kilbowie staff are made aware of any individual requirements/issues. Please provide as much information as possible on medical issues. Additional support staff or doctor’s advice may be required in certain cases. All Kilbowie staff are qualified first aiders. Accidents requiring medical treatment are rare, but if an accident happens, Kilbowie staff will arrange for any injured person requiring professional medical attention to go to the nearby A & E Department. Kilbowie Centre is only minutes away from Oban/Lorne and the Island's Hospital should a visit be necessary. Sunburn Exposure to suns rays is inevitable when outdoors, with the potential risk of short or long-term damage to health at any time of the year. Staff and pupils are strongly advised to protect themselves from the sun. Sunscreen with a factor of 30+ should be included with your child's equipment.

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Activities Our pupils grow up in surroundings that protect them. At Kilbowie, they will learn about risk and how to look after themselves and others in all sorts of ways. They will participate in exciting, adventurous and usually challenging activities and learn from qualified, experienced instructors how risk can be managed and reduced. The challenge level is set so that pupils will succeed but only with effort, a different sort of effort than required in the classroom. Often pupils who find school learning difficult will discover new ways of learning at Kilbowie. All pupils gain confidence, something that is essential for learning to take place effectively. Kilbowie is ideally located for a variety of shoreline or land-based study and outdoor activities. Glenmanor staff accompany the activity groups to support pupils as appropriate. Pupils are encouraged to venture outside of their comfort zone and attempt whatever they feel able to do. It may be necessary for Glenmanor staff to provide pastoral support to pupils during activity sessions. Activity groups are usually composed of 8 - 10 children to 1 instructor. The centre, located next to the sea, is an ideal venue for watersports such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing. There is also a dry ski slope, ropes course and a tree climb. Minibuses are used to travel to climbing, gorge walking and other off-site places. During their stay the pupils are encouraged to explore and 'immerse' themselves in this new and unfamiliar environment. A safari session gets them "up close and personal" with birds, animals and much more. Throughout the week, each Instructor tries to encourage each child to develop their self-reliance, responsibility, respect and determination in order to achieve their full potential. Evening activities take place mostly in the centre grounds, with 2 instructors on duty who are assisted by school staff. A logbook is provided for the children to record their experiences. Teamwork An important aspect of the Kilbowie approach to learning is teamwork. The activities require all group members to support each other, often in the most unexpected ways. A visit to Kilbowie is often your child’s first stay away from home. As a result, Kilbowie strives to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where pupils feel secure. Challenge By Choice Whenever an instructor makes a choice for a pupil, it can have the effect of taking away a pupil’s decision-making powers and also the potential learning opportunities that may result. Challenge by choice allows each pupil the opportunity to explore new territory, deal with fear and accept support from others. While challenge presents an opportunity for change and success, there is also the possibility of pushing too far and setting back the opportunities for growth. Therefore, each pupil is encouraged set their own challenges within a safe and supportive environment with highly skilled instructors.

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Jewellery and Valuables Kilbowie is not liable for loss or damage to personal items. Jewellery, valuables, CD/MP3 players, mobile phones, expensive cameras and expensive designer clothes should not be taken to Kilbowie. Lost Property Kilbowie cannot be held responsible for lost property. Please ensure that ALL ITEMS are clearly marked with the child’s name. Unclaimed clothing is taken back to the lead school, St Bartholomew’s Primary, from where it can be claimed. All items of value that are found after a group departs are kept for a few weeks before disposal. Some Frequently Asked Questions By Parents About Kilbowie Outdoor Centre Q Do adventure activities still take place in the rain? A If it rains, activities still go ahead. All pupils will be issued with waterproofs on arrival.

Q What are the Instructors like? A Kilbowie has a team of 11 highly qualified permanent instructors, committed to ensuring

that courses provided are safe, enjoyable and tailored to pupil’s needs. Kilbowie also use a number of highly trained freelance instructors. Instructors are chosen for their interpersonal skills, their love of the outdoors, their sense of responsibility and their ability to relate to children and adults alike. They are all first aid qualified and highly trained in all of the activities they do.

Q How much money shall my child take to the Centre? A Children should bring no more than £5 for the tuck shop in £1 coins or smaller change in a

purse/wallet with the child’s name clearly labelled. Children can also bring a further £5 to spend on souvenirs at the “Green Welly” pit stop on the way home from Kilbowie.

Q Food is very important - what's Kilbowie’s like? A It's excellent. The seasonal menus are very carefully planned with lots of vegetables,

salads and fruit. All meals are home cooked. Kilbowie also cater for special diets as long as they have advance warning and there is always a vegetarian option. Meals are served in two sittings in the dining room.

Q Is there a Tuck shop? A Yes, but in line with Kilbowie’s healthy living policy, they do not sell fizzy drinks or crisps

and if anyone is thirsty, they have bottled water and cartons of still juice. Q Has Kilbowie Centre been inspected, and if so, by whom? A Kilbowie have regular inspections as part of the terms of licensing under the Adventure

Activities Licensing Regulations 1996. A license ensures that the centre is managed and run in a safe and appropriate manner and that the activities are provided by trained and competent staff. Kilbowie is inspected annually and so far Kilbowie been awarded a license with either an excellent or good report. Kilbowie works very closely with Environmental Health Officers to ensure the safe operation of the Centre. The Fire Brigade also carries out an annual inspection.

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Information For Pupils About Kilbowie Outdoor Centre Responsibility, Respect and Effort Responsibility You are responsible for your own actions. Respect Please respect the centre, respect the pupils and respect the environment. Effort If you put in the effort, you will get more out of what you do. Your Kilbowie Kit

Your Dormitory

Your Daily Routine

07.30 Wake Up Call 08.30 Breakfast (2 Sittings) 09.30 Morning Activity 12.30 Lunch Time 13.30 Afternoon Activity 16.30 Return And Clean Up 17.30 Evening Meal (2 Sittings) 18.30 Evening Activity Programme 21.00 Supper 22.00 Bed Time 22.30 Lights Out

Each corridor is named after a Scottish island. The corridors are named LISMORE, COLL, TIREE, MULL, IONA, BARRA, UIST, SKYE, and KERRERA. Each corridor has three dormitories and a teacher’s room. All the dormitories in Kilbowie have four bunks. It’s your responsibility to look after your room, keep it tidy and leave it the way you find it. Use the drawers and hangers provided! You also have to make your own bed!

You will be given your kit on your first day at Kilbowie and your kit has to be kept in your changing room when you are not wearing it. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to look after it and hang it up properly. RESPECT the equipment; look after it, and it will look after you!

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Frequently Asked Questions By Pupils Q Is there a TV in the dormitories? A No, however there is a TV in the lounge but Kilbowie staff will try and keep

you very busy so the TV is not on very often.

Q How many people share a bedroom? A There is a maximum of four people to a room. Q Who makes my bed in the mornings? A It is your responsibility to make your own bed and keep the room tidy.

Q Do I have any free time? A The instructors will keep you very busy with activities, however you may have

some free time every day.

Q Can I wear my football strip to Kilbowie? A No. As with schools, North Lanarkshire Council does not allow football colours

to be worn. Q Will I have any jobs to do at Kilbowie? A At each meal time there is a table monitor and a duty table. Your duties will

be explained at lunchtime on your first day at Kilbowie.

Q What happens if I break something at Kilbowie? A Accidents can happen, however you have to be RESPONSIBLE and RESPECT the

property. If you break something, tell an adult right away. Q I'm scared of heights, do I have to go climbing? A You won’t be forced to do anything at Kilbowie, however you will be

encouraged to try new things. If you put the EFFORT in you will get more enjoyment back.

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Things To Be Aware Of At Kilbowie

1. Kilbowie is a non-smoking establishment. Drinking, solvent or drug abuse are not allowed. Please do not bring aerosol deodorants or hair spray.

2. Please do not interfere with the fire alarm system, unless there is a reason to do so. Be aware of your emergency exits.

3. Responsible and trustworthy behaviour is required at all times. We think pupils already know the difference between good and bad, and right and wrong. It is important from a safety point of view that we can rely on you to do as we ask.

4. Bedrooms are the one place where individuals can get a bit of peace and quiet, a place to use as personal space. You should not go into anyone else’s bedroom or invite others to your room.

5. Food and drink should not be consumed in bedrooms, as the effects of spillage are not desirable.

6. Keep your rooms tidy and keep quiet after you are in bed.

7. Walk when coming down stairs. Jumping, running or sliding down the banister could lead to injury.

8. When indoors always wear slippers, trainers or light footwear. Please do not run when inside.

9. Use the waste paper bins for litter.

10. You should stay within the grounds of Kilbowie unless you are taking part in an organised activity. Please do not interfere with any of the activity equipment stored in the grounds.

11. Be aware of the shoreline; stay away unless a responsible adult is in charge of you. The water is deep at most points and you would have to swim if you fell in.

12. We share part of our grounds with the offices of Argyll and Bute Council. You should not go near these buildings.

13. Be aware of traffic. Vehicles enter our grounds at all times and they may not be looking out for children.

14. If anything goes on to the roof or into the water, do not attempt to get it back yourself. Tell someone.

15. Listen to all instructions. If you do not understand or are not sure, then please ask.

16. Chewing gum is not allowed at Kilbowie.

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Equipment List For Five-Day Residential Stay

Please put your name on all clothes and belongings General Items Swimwear Personal clothing for informal evening wear Two towels (one bath size) Nightwear Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, etc) Changes of underwear and socks (2 changes per day) Indoor shoes/slippers Drinking water bottle Pen/pencil/crayons Clothing Required For Activities Old clothing is best as many of the activities can leave you wet and muddy Two lightweight jumpers/fleeces (at least) One heavy jumper/fleece Two casual shirts Four or more t-shirts Two or more pairs of tracksuit pants or jogging trousers or trousers with loose-fitting

legs Two pairs of trainers Three pairs of long thick socks, e.g. walking socks or football-type socks Shorts/sun tops/sunhat (in the event of a fine spell) One large plastic bag/pillow case for wet and dirty clothing

Optional Items Wellingtons or walking boots Single-use camera Music CDs (for disco) Sun cream/insect repellent (May – September) Lip salve Please DO NOT bring Your own hairdryer or other electrical equipment ~ these can be a fire hazard Your mobile phone Any aerosol sprays ~ this includes deodorant and hairspray

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Frequently Asked Clothing Questions Q Do I need to buy walking boots? A No. Please do not buy anything new. Kilbowie provides all the outdoor equipment you

will need. Personal clothing will get wet and muddy and could be damaged on activities. Bring older clothes for activities!

Q Why do I need swimwear if we are not going to the pool? A Swimwear should be worn under clothes and wetsuits when there is a chance of

getting wet. Q Can I wear a football top? A No, as with schools, North Lanarkshire Council does not allow football colours to be

worn. Activities Activities may include the following:

Climbing/Abseiling

Canoeing/Kayaking

Mountain Biking

Gorge Walking

Skiing

Orienteering

Hill Walking

Tree Climbing

Ropes Course

Night Line

Coasteering

Contacting Us Principal Officer Drhue Forbes Address Kilbowie Outdoor Centre

North Lanarkshire Council Gallanach Oban PA34 4PF

Phone 01631 563287 Fax 01631 565979 Email Kilbowie@ea.n-lanark.sch.uk

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Insurance, Medical And Consent Forms

Insurance – Personal Effects

Please note that the personal effects of people attending courses at Kilbowie Residential

Education Outdoor Centre are not covered by insurance in respect of loss, damage or

theft, either whilst involved in activities, travelling or in residence.

We would therefore advise anyone concerned about the above to make their own

insurance arrangements.

Public Liability and Employer’s Liability Insurance

The Council is covered by its Public Liability and Employer’s Liability Policies against

claims resulting from fault of the Council or negligence on the part of one of its

employees, full time or part-time employees of North Lanarkshire Council and all

activities approved by North Lanarkshire Council.

Medicine and Consent Forms

Please ensure that all the required information is on the administration of medicines

section of the consent and administration of medicines form. Check that the medicine

has been packed and that there is enough to last until returning home. A personal

profile should be provided where the condition requires specific care or action by staff,

i.e. Aspergers Syndrome, Autism, ADHD etc or where there are symptoms indicating an

impending episode. Please also indicate if your child may require any additional support

for any reason i.e. physical or emotional.

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21 May 2015 Dear Parent,

Administration of Medicines The administration of prescribed medicines is a matter within the discretion of the head of establishment. In order to assist the staff involved in the observation of safe practices, I should be grateful for your full co-operation as follows: • Inform me of any medicine required to be taken by your child during the residential

excursion. • Attend a meeting with me, if required, to discuss the details. • Assist with the administration of the medicine in particularly complex cases. • Complete the parental request form and pass to me with the medicine. • Obtain a separate supply of medicine, properly labeled from the pharmacist. • Ensure that the medicine container is clearly labeled with ~

the name of the child the name of the medicine the dosage and time

• Put the medicine in a clear plastic bag and ensure that this is also clearly labeled with the child’s name.

• Ensure that there is enough medicine to last until your child returns from the residential

excursion. • If your child suffers from asthma, it is essential that you inform me of any restrictions

that need to be applied to his/her activities and the medication that has been prescribed for routine and emergency treatment.

• If you child suffers from epileptic attacks, diabetes or anaphylactic shock, it is essential

that you inform me of the appropriate emergency treatment which should be given. Please note that oral information will not be acted upon and that the only pain relieving non-prescribed medicine that may be given to pupils is paracetamol. Thank you for your assistance with this matter. Yours sincerely, NBarrington Nicola Barrington Head Teacher