schools’ pack - · pdf filethe health and safety of pupils on educational visits, ......

company values: people | safety | customers | community


Complete educational trip advice, guidance and resource package

Schools’ Pack

company values: people | safety | customers | community company values: people | safety | customers | community

0117 922 9005 | www.thekingsferry.co.uk

the classroomWhen planned and implemented well, learning outside the classroom contributes significantly to raising standards and improving pupils’ personal, social and emotional development.

The Kings Ferry coach hire company has an impressive track record of involvement in a wide range of learning outside the classroom activities for both primary and secondary school groups, including:

• Transporting students for participation in drama productions, concerts and other special events.

• Transporting students to clubs, musical groups and sporting activities held during break-times and before or after the end of the school day.

• Educational and fun visits organised within the school day.

• Residential visits that take place during the school week, a weekend or holiday.

So whether you need to transport your class to their weekly swimming lesson or you are planning a GCSE history trip to the British Museum The Kings Ferry can help.

At The Kings Ferry we believe that an educational visit can be the ultimate learning experience.

For over 40 years The Kings Ferry has helped teachers and group leaders plan and organise a huge variety of school trips.

As an award winning coach operator we will make sure that your trip really hits the mark. The Kings Ferry can provide a range of vehicles to suit your needs.

We will work with you to ensure your trip is well planned and that it meets your study requirements and budget. In addition we will always endeavour to go a little bit further to make your trip extra special!

So whatever the age and size of your group and wherever you want to go in the UK or Europe, get in touch and let The Kings Ferry take the hard work out of planning your next school trip.

Learning outside

What we do for schools

about us“Just to say a HUGE thank you for organising our London trip last Friday.Taking 2 coaches, 5 classes and a variety of parents was a big undertaking for me especially in these days of Risk Assessment and Health and Safety! Kings Ferry took away a big chunk of the worry; the coaches were spotless and drivers kindly! The Blue Guides which you hired for us were excellent. In 20 years of booking coaches for trips I have to say that I have never had a better company to deal with. We will definitely use you again!”Mary YearsleyActing Head of Lower SchoolSt Edmunds Junior School

“We have just come back from a ski trip visit to Zell Am See, Austria. This is the second time we have travelled with King’s Ferry and once again your professionalism and expertise made everything run smoothly.Our drivers ensured we were kept up to date during our trip there and back. Our next trip will be in 2014 and I look forward to seeing King’s Ferry’s name on our confirmation details!Thank you for making our trip!”Charlotte BallHetton School

“Thank you for a wonderful Olympic trip put on by The King’s Ferry. The whole school enjoyed it, staff and boys alike, and the sun eventually came out! Everything went like clockwork and the itinerary worked out very well for us, the guides were brilliant and gave very ‘age appropriate’ talks to the children, please pass on our thanks, and to the drivers too..”Anne Hill (Mrs)Secretary & Clerk to the GovernorsSolefield School

“All of The Kings Ferry drivers are always great and do their best to help us but today Paul went well out of his way to help both myself and the school staff with the 2 children in wheelchairs. His involvement today has enabled 2 disabled children who would never normally have the opportunity to visit the countryside and experience going in a river to have that chance and Paul’s help made a day that had a lot of difficult logistics that bit easier for everyone involved!”Tracy WattsDeputy Head of CentreWidehorizons Horton Kirby Centre

What they say

DISCLAIMER While the guidance in this booklet has been prepared with every care, The Kings Ferry strongly recommends teachers consult current guidance, and accepts no responsibility for errors resulting from changes in Government and Education Authority policy. This booklet does not assign any additional duties and responsibilities to The Kings Ferry other than those required by law.


Our comprehensive school’s pack is designed to help you with every aspect of organising your school trip, whether it be the venue, health and safety guidance or help with parent letters - not to mention safe and reliable transport.

the schools’ pack:

• Pre packaged transport and venue deals.

• Venue guide.

• Preferential school rates.

• CRB checked and knowledgeable drivers.

• Health and Safety declaration.

• Legal compliance.

• Letter templates for parents.

The Schools’ Pack

Demelza HouseTrip to Chessington World of Adventures


different...and betterAwarded Best British Coach Operator/Best Large Coach Operator of the Year on seventeen separate occasions, The Kings Ferry’s pedigree speaks for itself!

With many other accolades to our name including numerous consumer certificates, we have no intention of resting on our laurels.

Your choice of coach hire should not simply be a matter of price comparison. You may well be offered a price for an ‘executive’ coach. However, interpretation of ‘executive’ can vary dramatically from operator to operator! With many operators having no hesitation about providing low specification, ageing vehicles for school visits.

At The Kings Ferry, we do not regard school pupils as second-class citizens; you will always receive a modern, air conditioned coach, fully-equipped for touring with a toilet facility if required.

Our drivers are the pride of ourcompany. They are well-trained,uniformed and are provided with top quality back-up at our base atGillingham – purpose-built to be one of the most modern coach centres in the UK. Routes are fully prepared, and driver records meticulously maintained and monitored to the complete satisfaction of the authorities.

Awards• Crowned ‘Best British Coach

Operator’ many times.

• Route One ‘Operator Excellence Awards’, ‘Coach Operator Innovation of the Year’ (for land yachts) ‘Large Coach Operator of the Year’ (for 31+ seat vehicles).

• 37 awards in total since 1992 including Coach Industry Awards and South Eastern Coach Operator Association.

Why we are

A fewthings you shouldknow

guidance saysEverything you need to know to safeguard the health and safety of pupils on educational visits, are addressed in the latest guidance.

• On any school trip with a large number of children we recommend a trained first aider is in attendance with a portable first aid kit and any necessary asthma pumps. (Our coaches will also have a first aid kit on board as standard). We recommend that teachers have ensured parents have authorised teachers to administer first aid and provide anaesthetic in case of emergency.

• Getting the head teacher’s approval for all visits.

• Ensuring parents have full information and provide consent.

• Ensuring staff are relevantly qualified.• Compile and maintain a full passenger

listing.• Ensure the correct ratio of staff to

pupils.• Make sure all special needs of pupils

are noted.• Log details of pupils before and

during the trip.• Log travel timings.• Keep a log of emergency contact

numbers.• Time of arrival at the final destination

must be logged with your school, and a copy prepared to carry with you during the trip.

• Maintain discipline of pupils during trip.

• Ensure safety rules for travelling on coaches are adhered to, including the use of seat belts.

• Checking the details of outside agencies, such as ourselves.

Specifically to transport companies, you should be in a position to verify:• Driver competence.• The transport provider’s

understanding of European drivers’ hours.

• The transport provider’s breakdown contingency and insurances.

• Policy for comfort stops en route.• The safety equipment aboard the

coach, including first-aid kit.

It is the operator’s responsibility to maintain:• Good repute.• A current operator’s licence. • Seat belts to current standards. • Insurances.• And, for packages including

accommodation, a ‘bonding’ arrangement to protect your money.

For trips involving: caving, climbing, trekking and waters ports, you should ensure the tour operator is licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, or has similar qualifications to run the tour.

For many teachers, organising a school trip is often a very demanding task, but with ‘The School’s Pack’ from The Kings Ferry, we’ve got it covered!

As you will know, the Department for Education and Employment has now produced guidelines for teachers organising school trips. These health and safety measures place responsibility on teachers to check every aspect of your pupils’ journey, including the competence of your chosen travel partners. At The Kings Ferry, we take our responsibilities in this partnership very seriously indeed.

This booklet was compiled using the DfEE’s own guidance, answering the questions you will need to ask us before booking your trip. We hope we have covered all the major points, but if there are any other questions in your mind – or you would like to ask more general questions about planning school transport – please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What the DfEE

A health and safety guide

0117 922 9005 | www.thekingsferry.co.uk 0117 922 9005 | www.thekingsferry.co.uk

seat allocationIt makes a great deal of sense to allocate each pupil a seat which becomes their responsibility. In our experience this minimises any potential for vandalism.

teacher/escort seatingWe recommend teachers or escorts are positioned near all emergency exits generally at the rear and the middle of the coach, this helps maintain discipline.

toiletsWe are happy to issue the toilet key to your nominated teacher for issue to any pupil requiring the toilet.

seat beltsSeat belts are mandatory and must be worn at all times.

tollsRoad tolls and coach parking fees may NOT be included in the hire charge for your coach.

refreshmentsIf pupils are expected to bring a packed lunch, please ask parents to avoid chewing gum or chocolate.

Hot and cold drinks are available at 60p on request. No glass bottles are permitted on the coaches.

entertainmentAll Kings Ferry vehicles are fitted with DVD player. Any DVD must be chosen and supplied by the school to ensure it is appropriate for the age group.


saving you moneyWe work with some venues directly to bring you cost effective packages as we know schools funds are not limitless. We can offer you discounts* when booking the following attractions as part of a trip package withThe Kings Ferry.

• THORPE PARK• LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort• Alton Towers Resort• SEA LIFE London Aquarium• Madame Tussauds• The London Dungeon• EDF London Eye• Chessington World of

Adventures Resort

We know you are always busy so why not let The Kings Ferry do all the hard work for you! We are offering these fantastic travel and entrance fee packages to the most popular theme parks for primary and secondary

schools, colleges, universities and youth groups.

We also provide complimentary entry tickets for each school for the teachers to visit prior to the trip for risk assessment purposes. Maximum of 2 tickets for each confirmed booking.

Your package checklist:

• All inclusive package• Theme park/attraction entrance• Letter templates for schools to

send to parents• Key Stage educational workshops

Coach travel:• Helpful and friendly drivers• Seat belts• Toilets• CRB Checked drivers

Great package deals:

Wookey HoleBritain’s most spectacular caves and legendary home of the infamous Witch of Wookey. Wander through the prehistoric valley of the Dinosaurs featuring King Kong and relax in our magical fairy garden. Book with The Kings Ferry for a reduced entry rate.www.wookey.co.ukcontact: the Kings ferry

cheddar GorgeExplore Britain’s biggest gorge from the dramatic cliffs rising 450ft to the stunning stalactite caverns. This world-famous site is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, reveals many fascinating stories of our prehistoric ancestors, and is an international centre for caving and rock climbing.Save on your ticket prices when you book with The Kings Ferrywww.cheddargorge.co.ukcontact: the Kings ferry


Package

from £10*

prices


* All prices are per person and include return travel and entry ticket. Time restrictions apply. Please call to find out more package prices.

Battlefield Tours

Quality guided

The Kings Ferry works with some of the largest schools tour operators to the battlefields of France, Belgium and the UK. Our partners offer a wide range of tours for schools and colleges.

As the leading history and battlefield tours company, with almost 40 years’ experience operating Battlefield and Education tours and over 25 years in running School Travel, Holts Tours prides itself in being the specialist in educational travel.

They offer educational school visits, trips and tours in Europe and

around the UK for school student groups. Their range of trips covers art, culture and language tours, as well as battlefields and history.

Visit the website to learn more about their tours, including the Centenary of the First World War, breaks in Europe and further afield, as well as an extensive programme of UK-based outings. All can vary in length and can be personalised to your group’s needs.

contact Holts toursTel: 01293 865 001Fax: 01293 863 312www.holts.co.uk/schools

Call Kings Ferry to book your coach and entrance tickets! 01634 377577

Visit Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and THORPE PARK with your school to experience exciting workshops, team

building activities and thrilling rides and attractions.

In association with

LEGO, the LEGO logo and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group.



attractions guideat-Bristol science centreAt-Bristol is a state-of-the-art, interactive science centre, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery for pupils of all ages in an incredible journey through the workings of the world around us. There is always something new to discover with At-Bristol’s programme of special exhibitions, from animation to flight and illusions to water!0845 345 1235www.at-bristol.org.uk

Bristol Zoo GardensA visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens is an adventure into an exciting animal kingdom, all set within 12 acres of beautiful gardens. Visitors will come face to face with over 400 species of exotic, endangered and adorable animals from the four corners of the globe.0117 974 7300www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Bristol aquariumThe spectacular Bristol Aquarium in Bristol’s historic Harbourside area takes you on a spectacular undersea safari showcasing native and tropical marine and freshwater creatures from around the world in naturally-themed habitats.0117 929 8929www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Brunel’s ss Great BritainRescued from rust and wreckage in 1970, and since lovingly restored to her Victorian hey-day, a visit to the ss Great Britain allows you to step back in time and explore true stories from the opulent First-Class to the cramped and quarrelsome Steerage. 0117 926 0680www.ssgreatbritain.org

avon valley adventure and Wildlife parkA great value day out for pupils of any age, with its beautiful river-based park, large adventure playground, huge indoor play barn (with three drop slides), large outdoor drops slide and one-and-a-quarter-mile nature trail walk with a children’s assault course.0117 986 4929www.avonvalleycountrypark.com

WWt slimbridge Wetlands centreWWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre has an astounding array of wildlife, from water voles to waders, hares to dragonflies, and is home to the world’s largest collection of swans, geese, ducks and flamingos.01453 891900www.wwt.org.uk

Venues and

Bristol museum and art Gallery19 galleries over 3 floors reveal fascinating cultures, ancient civilisations, human invention and creativity, as well as showcasing our beautiful and fragile natural world. With thousands of amazing objects on display, one visit just isn’t enough!0117 922 3571

noah’s ark Zoo farmLooking for somewhere you can have fun all day in all weather? There’s plenty to do at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol with 12 exciting adventure play areas, an indoor Animal Village, covered Animal Show Pens exhibition rooms and a popular gift shop. Daily events include the Animal Show, Meet the Reptiles and regular bumpy tractor rides across the farm.01275 852606www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

spike islandSpike Island is a place for the production and exhibition of contemporary art and design, situated on the southern end of Bristol’s historic docks in a former Brooke Bond tea packing factory. Spike Island forms a major part of an exciting hub of creative and cultural activity amongst Bristol’s Harbourside community.0117 929 2266www.spikeisland.org.uk

Wherever you wish to take your students, The Kings Ferry is the only way to travel this academic year.

Call one of our friendly reservations team now to find out more.

A Kings Ferry Olympic Tour can be tailored to a variety of curriculum subjects including History, Sport, Architecture, Archeology, and Urban Regeneration.

Many of our Tours will give a real insight into the history of East London.

Experience the legacy of London

Already visited the Olympic Park before the Games?

our suggested toursChoose from one of

Going for GoldThree-part Olympic Tour to help students learn more about the history of the Games in the UK. Tour includes visits to White City (1908), Wembley (1948) and Stratford (2012). Students looking for a career in the sports arena or studying Sport/Sports Science will also find this trip of particular interest.

soldiers and Weaponry Royal Woolwich Arsenal Barracks / Firepower Museum. This Tour can be tailored to include visits to The Barracks built between 1776 and 1802, the site of the shooting events of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Groups can also visit The Firepower Museum contains a substantial collection of British armoury dating back from the 17th c. to present day. Groups can enjoy a short walk around Woolwich and a trip on the Woolwich Free Ferry (when available).

Henry and HorsesHistorical Greenwich & Greenwich Park See the sites of the 2012 equestrian events and spend several hours in historic Greenwich. Why not include a visit to the Maritime Museum (free entry),Greenwich Observatory and Cutty Sark. Start your students’ Tour with a river boat cruise from central London or visit the church where Henry VIII was baptized. Groups also have the option of visiting Greenwich University.

southend and cycling Hadleigh Farm / East Coast. Visit the ruins of Hadleigh castle made famous by John Constable and site of the Olympic mountain biking events. This trip can also incorporate a trip to the east coast, or Essex villages. Greater focus can also be placed on the work of John Constable for older students.

royals and rowingEton Dorney/Windsor. Visit historic Windsor and see the Eton Dorney rowing facility (subject to access from Eton College). Take a tour of Windsor Castle, historic Windsor and/or Eton. Visit the brand new Whitewater Canoe Centre purpose built for the Games. Nearby visit historic Waltham Abbey one of the best preserved Norman abbeys and reputed burial site of King Harold. Boat trips on River Lea an option.

olympic venues experienceThis Tour includes visits to the Olympic Park, Stratford, Royal Docks, ExCel Centre & Greenwich Park. This Tour can be tailored for any age group. Older students can be given a real insight into the history of east London, urban regeneration and architecture.


Now that the Games are over there are probably even more reasons for your students to experience one of our Tours. Trips can be tailored to any age of student and your group will be guided by an experienced Blue Badge Guide.

* Our Blue Badge Guides have worked closely with the Olympic authorities pre, post and during London 2012 - ensuring your students benefit from their extensive inside knowledge and understanding.

PLEASE NOTEThe above Tour examples are intended to give an insight into some of the different attractions you may wish to include in your visit. Please be aware that Tours are tailor made and are age appropriate to meet the needs of your students. Tours are subject to venues being open to the public or reasonably accessible externally on the required dates. Please note that many of the attractions used within the Tour examples given will charge their own admission fees.


by fitting ‘In-Between’Get value for money

Our drivers

Graham was excellent throughout the trip

......thank you to Nick our driver who was amazing! Absolutely lovely guy....

Carl.....he is a marvellous driver

Nick was a real asset....

All of The Kings Ferry drivers are always great

Les was a highly skilled driver with a manner ideally suited to a school group.

Thank you to you and your drivers for such an excellent service.........

The drivers were both brilliant yesterday...

Chris your coach driver was amazing, he was undoubtedly the best driver we have ever had.

Peter could not have performed better

..the driver was very professional and made our trip...

He was brilliant & great to work with....

“

“


All The Kings Ferry drivers go through a rigorous selection procedure to ensure only those with exceptional customer service skills join our successful team.

Choosing drivers with the right personality ensures our customers receive the kind of care and attention to detail they deserve.

From years of experience we know that our knowledgeable, professional, safe and friendly drivers will make your journey a pleasurable one.

Here are just a few examples of the great comments we receive about our drivers each and every day...

‘In-Between’ Hire Checklist:

North Somerset or South Gloucestershire based?

Can we pick you up from 0900 onwards?

Can we drop you off by 1515?

Need a modern, high spec vehicle?

With a professional CRB checked driver?

Need a competitive price, and value for money?

=An ‘In-Between’

from The Kings Ferry

What is an ‘in-Between’ hire?The Kings Ferry is known for its daily commuter services into North Bristol.

Our daily commuter coaches run early morning services into the Filton area - and then return commuters back to the Weston, Clevedon and Portishead at the end of their busy working day.

Schools based in the South West who want to hire a coach for an educational trip within the North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area may be able to utilise one of The Kings Ferry’s commuter coaches ‘in-between’ our daily outbound and return commuter journeys.

As our commuter coaches are already in the area your school will benefit from an attractive hire package - providing the timing of your trip compliments our scheduled Commuter Timetable.

Our commuters demand the highest quality vehicles to help ensure that their daily journeys to and from work are as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

This means that your students will be able to take advantage of travelling on one of The Kings Ferry’s modern, air conditioned vehicles, most with toilet facilities.

make the difference


ContactThe Kings FerryIf you need: managed, cost-effective,hassle free, safe and environmentallyefficient coach travel.

The Travel Centre, Eastcourt Lane,Gillingham, Kent ME8 6HWTel: 0117 922 9005Fax: 0845 257 9889Email: [email protected]

/TheKingsFerry

@TheKingsFerry

also available from the Kings ferry

www.vipcoachhire.co.uk www.coachhireconnections.com

schools’ pack - · pdf filethe health and safety of pupils on educational visits, ......

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