Ringsfield Hall Eco Activity Centre Suffolk
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Ringsfield Hall, Ringsfield, Beccles, , NR34 8JR
MONTHS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Day Trip Destinations | Art and Design | Citizenship | Drama / Performing Arts | Environmental Studies | Geography | Music | PSHE | Bushcraft | Environment Centres | Ecology & Green Awareness | Outdoor Education | Storytelling | Team Building | Wildlife and Nature Reserves | Conservation
What we offer on a school trip
Our 14.5 acre site offers a wealth of habitats and places to explore, discover, learn and play.
With woodland, meadows, pasture, scrubland, garden and paddocks with animals, we offer imaginative and inspirational activities which encourage children’s connection with nature and understanding of their impact on the planet.
Many of the programmes are based on the Forest School model with campfires and dens to encourage a community feel. Activities can be bespoke or from our current range depending on the outcomes required and the group’s expressed needs. We have excellent programmes, such as Shipwrecked, based on team work, self-awareness and communication skills and a very well received Stone Age day, some looking at how the earth systems work, our impact upon it and how to become guardians for a sustainable future, along with more linked to English, Art, Geography, History, Science, RE, PSHE and SMSC. We also enjoy working with children who are disengaged from or struggling with mainstream education and those with special needs.
Our staff are strong believers in the potential of each child to become a safe, secure member of society. They relate to children with respect, empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard and allow them freedom and time to orientate themselves in the outdoors. Activities are often child led and encourage creativity, curiosity and resilience.
We have a straw bale classroom, games room, outdoor kitchen and an art barn and the fire pits have parachute canopies so weather is rarely an issue. There are also animals.
We also offer residential accommodation for 55 in our Victorian house. A new 4 day John Muir Award programme offers a rich, immersive experience learning about the planet and discovering, exploring, conserving and sharing in ways that fully engage children’s emotions, thinking and imagination in quite magical ways.
What makes us a great choice for education?
Our staff are strong believers in the potential of each child to become a safe, secure member of society. They relate to children with respect, empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard and allow them freedom and time to orientate themselves in the outdoors. The children’s wellbeing is of the utmost importance - physical, emotional and spiritual. Activities are often child led and encourage creativity, curiosity and resilience. Our aim is to create surprise, wonder, a thirst for knowledge and a love of the earth and allow as much freedom as possible in the richly varied grounds that are loved by so many people. The animals are often a source of joy and comfort for city children, who are encouraged to get close and join in on the feeding.
We aim to keep groups at a size that does not damage the grounds or reduce our ability to offer attention, and to have only one group on site at a time though occasionally at busy times two smaller groups may be asked if they mind sharing.
Accreditation and Awards
Yes we have the LOtC Quality Badge, and we're members of the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
What is typically included on our school trips?
We offer bespoke programmes that are mapped against a variety of subjects and curriculum outcomes for all Key Stages, from Early Years upwards, and tailored to the needs of each group. Activities can be offered according to themes, e.g. The Very Hungry Caterpillar for Early Years and Reception, or Bear Hunt, Gruffalo, Shipwrecked, and Journey Through The Forest for other age ranges.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
Additional materials and resources can be provided for different programmes, with session plans provided in advance.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Yes, but usually if commensurate with the activity at hand.
Risk Assessment Details
We have general and specific risk assessments for all activities, and for all aspects of the Hall and grounds, many of which are available on our website. We are signed up to Peninsula Safety Management system and have regular fires safety checks and drills. However, schools are very welcome to visit to assess the site and discuss programmes.
Pricing Information
Half Day (2.5 hrs) = £8 pp (min. £160)
Full Day (2 x 2.5 hrs) = £12 pp (min. £240)
Supervising adults are free.
Drinks /Refreshments provided on arrival.
Lunch is an additional £5 pp (incl. supervising adults), but groups are very welcome to bring packed lunches.
Clothing Requirements
General outdoor clothing and wellies or sturdy shoes. Specific kit-lists will be provided otherwise.
Available Facilities
There are 14.5 acres of woods and grounds to explore, including 2 campfire areas and multiple woods areas for den building or bushcraft; an Art and Nature Barn with resident teaching artist; a Games room with table tennis and table football; a Music Studio; a tree house and small obstacle course; football and volleyball pitches; loads of books; and lots of fresh country air. There are numerous locations to eat a packed lunch or have a picnic, but we also offer delicious freshly prepared food.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
We are committed to being as accessible as possible, but invite schools to visit the site or discuss needs in advance in order to assess the feasibility of outdoor activities.
