The Lincolnsfields Childrens Residential Centre

Although there may be other users/visitors on site we only ever have in residence one group at a time hence each school/youth group will have sole use of the accommodation block.

The entire site is securely closed off overnight whist the group in residence will have their own keys to lock the Residential Centre’s gates at their own discretion. The Main Office is located next door to the Residential Centre’s gates and is open 9am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday.

The Residential Centre can be booked on either a catered or a self-catered basis. A programme of activities can be organized by us and tailored to your group or the group may use us as a base for their own programme. In general our bookings are Monday – Wednesday, Wednesday – Friday, Monday – Friday or Friday – Sunday (self-catered and self-programme only). We can sometimes accommodate bookings of a different length so please come to us to discuss your needs.

Some Centre staff are based on-site, including overnight in case of an emergency. Contact numbers will be made available to groups.

All of our activities are very much hands on as we feel work sheets can get in the way of the learning experience when out of the classroom. The topics generally cover aspects of key stage 1 and 2.

The Centre has operated as a Residential facility for over 30 years with many of the staff as long term employees. This in itself shows a dedication in what we believe, offer and how we deliver our facility and the activities which in turn covers a variety of educational and social aspects.

For further information please refer to our websites http://www.lincolnsfields.co.uk or http://www.fortiesexperience.co.uk

The environment is safe for all round outdoor environmental learning. Children can get to grips with the minibeasts that live in the wood, create their own dens, learn how to make their own colour palettes and maybe sing around a campfire in the evening. Please refer to our website for other activities.

We also offer our Children at War Experience where the children come to the Centre in the role of an evacuee. For 3 days they can experience a snapshot of what life might have been like during wartime Britain. During this time they will see and have a hands-on experience of artifacts from that time.

• We have held the LOtC quality badge since 2014

Our Residential Centre accommodates up to 80 children and 7 accompanying staff with a minimum of 25. For our environmental/self-catered programmes we can take up to the full capacity. For our Children at War programme we take 25 – 55 children. Please discuss with us if your number requirement is different.

Visitors are encouraged to take photographs/video/audio of their own children subject to their organization’s policy. We ask though that photographs/video are not taken of others not connected to the group. There are no copyright restrictions on any of the material exhibited.

We would not be responsible for any photographic/audio equipment belonging to the school or its pupils.

By prior arrangement we welcome pre-visits as this enables the organizers to acquaint themselves to the site prior to arrival where we can discuss individual needs along with any risk assessments required. Alternatively we can provide risk assessments for all activities but advise they may need to be amended to suit each group’s individual purpose/requirements.

Upon arrival we will discuss the necessary action in case of an evacuation. An evacuation drill is usually carried out during the first day of the visit.

For information regarding a residential visit please contact Nicola Carlow Project Coordinator on: 01923 233841 or email: Nicola.Carlow@lincolnsfields.co.uk

Prices vary on the type of visit and are per person. Prices quoted exclude vat.

• 3 Day Catered – £96 p/p
• 3 Day CAW – £115 p/p
• 5 Day Catered – £145 p/p
• Weekend Self Catered – £52 p/p

For the above visits teachers are free of charge.

Most activities are included in the price although some incur an extra charge. Please enquire for details.

For Monday – Friday catered bookings the minimum number of persons to be paid for is 25. For self-catering bookings the minimum number is 30.

Many of the Lincolnsfields Centre staff are first aid trained. However our policy requires groups to bring their own qualified person to cover any eventuality. This should then cover the group for any incident such as on the coach, overnight or if they have left the Centre for an off-base experience.

Within the Residential Centre there is the dormitory block which along with the sleeping and toilet facilities has a common room with tv/dvd small games and a football table. The block is connected by a covered walkway to the Dining Room where all meals are served.

Off the walkway are 3 classrooms which are multi-purpose. One in particular can be used for art projects. There are further toilets next to the dining room.

The catered option includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and biscuits for supper. Dietary requirements can be catered for with prior discussion. Please note that if on a Children at War experience a packed lunch would need to be brought along as it becomes a discussion topic for the visit.

Wifi is available to visiting groups.

There is a 4 acre area of woodland and a field on the site which can be accessed by all groups for various activities either led by the centre staff or the teachers.

Due to our proximity to London many groups travel down to us to use the accommodation as a base before venturing into the city.

The whole centre is accessible as single story on the ground level. This includes disabled toilet and shower facilities complete with emergency cords. Some activities may have to be adapted depending on the need.

Thank you for our wonderful 3 days at the Lincolnsfields Centre. The class really enjoyed the Children at War experience. All your staff and volunteers made the time we spent with you really special and their enthusiasm and knowledge was brilliant to witness. The accommodation and food was excellent and I can?t thank you enough for the allowance you made to ensure we had a smooth time away from school. We didn?t want to go home on the last day! Bishops Down Primary School

Thank you for making our residential a memorable experience Milwards Primary School

Thank you for our wonderful week, delicious food and fun activities St Annes

Despite being located in a pleasant country setting, our site is easily accessible from London. Nearby motorways mean the journey is straightforward from anywhere in the UK. We are only 2 miles from the M1 and 4 miles from the M25.

Watford Junction mainline train station (5 minutes away by car) and Bushey Station (a 20 minute walk) provides a 20 minute direct rail network into London Euston.

Children’s accommodation is in dormitories:

• 5 bunks in 2 rooms, sleeps up to 10 persons
• 6 bunks in 5 rooms, sleeps up to 12 persons

Staff rooms:

• 7 individual staff rooms each containing a bed, bedside cabinet, wardrobe, table and chair

The staff accommodation is split onto either side of the accommodation block allowing ease of separation of boys and girls. (Each has their own toilet facilities)

There are separate boys and girls toilets, sink and shower blocks located in the middle of the accommodation.