Information for parents
Accommodation
Our accommodation block consists of 2 bedroom wings,
with 2 teachers’ rooms off the small entrance hall. The rooms
are all equipped with 2 or 4 bunk beds, a washbasin, wardrobe,
table and chair. The block is centrally heated and is fully
equipped with fire doors, alarms, lockable external doors and
security closing systems on all windows. Showers and toilets are
communal, divided into boys and girls facilities. There are also
facilities designed for disabled visitors.
Groups are expected to make their own bed on arrival: duvets,
pillows and mattress covers are provided, as are sheets, duvet
covers and pillow cases. Please note that towels are not provided.
Electric wall sockets are French (adaptors are needed for English
electrical equipment).
Meals
We can cater for special diets (vegetarian, allergies, halal
etc) if we are informed in advance. Except for such requests, one
meal choice for each evening meal is made by the group leader for
the whole group, and no alternative will be provided. The evening
meal is a four course French meal, and it is considered part of the
educational experience that new dishes are tried – and enjoyed!
See the type of meals we offer
Education
A group residential visit is in itself an educational
experience: it encourages personal development, independence,
self-confidence, social skills and team spirit. The Hardelot Centre
experience also increases your child’s confidence in understanding
and speaking French in real-life situations with the on-site French
staff and during visits to shops, markets, visitor centres etc.
Other areas of the curriculum may also be explored, such as
history, environment, numeracy, food technology, art and sport.
We aim to encourage learning in a setting that is both secure
and fun.
Checklist
We have provided a checklist of
items that your child should bring. It is recommended that valuable
items (e.g. electronic games, expensive cameras, mobile phones) are
not brought: the Hardelot Centre cannot accept responsibility for
any loss or damage.
Pocket money can normally be left with group leaders for
distribution when required. There is a small shop on site where
children can buy a limited range of souvenirs (postcards, pens) and
refreshments.
Group leaders can store passports, money etc. in our safe.
Security
Fire alarms, extinguishers, electrical installations etc are
checked by statutory French authorities on a regular basis and the
site is regularly health and safety checked, monitored and risk
assessed by the managing staff.
All the centre staff are CRB checked (or the French equivalent).
The manager is bilingual. Instructions for emergency and health and
safety procedures are explained thoroughly to groups in English on
arrival, and they are posted widely around the site. Some of
the site staff are first aid trained. The centre has full public
liability insurance.
The centre has a telephone line, which may be used in an
emergency. The group leader will have this number, but please be
aware that centre staff cannot take messages for visitors and your
child will not be able to phone out, unless it is urgent.