Parent Zone

Welcome, Parents & Guardians

Information for school residentials

We know and understand that many children (and parents) can be nervous about being away from home. So, we have put together this Parent Zone with lots of helpful information to help you best prepare for your child’s residential and to give you a little insight into what your children will be doing while they stay with us.

Our mission

School residentials are one of the most exciting parts of the school year, with children often talking about their school camp for years to come. At First Wave Adventures, we make it our mission to ensure every child has the best possible experience with us, so creating memories which are full of adventures, friendships, and laughter.

Whilst we are passionate about the outdoors and adventure, our aim is to go beyond the fun of the surf… we believe a school residential should consider every waking moment (whilst of course offering comfy surroundings for those moments less active!). We never underestimate the power of a friendly face or a helping hand. We know how important a good breakfast is. We appreciate how important clean facilities are. We ensure no aspect of a residential is overlooked and commit to treating every child as a valued paying guest.

For children on an outdoor residential, it is a chance to break away from the everyday and experience the great outdoors in all its glory. We strive to offer children a chance to learn new life skills, show inner confidence they thought they never had, make new friends, hear new stories, challenge their fears, and laugh like they have never done before.

OUR STAFF

Whilst we’re a jolly friendly bunch of individuals, our team are also competent, responsible, and safety-focused. All front line staff at First Wave Adventures are DBS-checked and undergo rigorous employment screening and induction.

The senior management team have been working with schools and children for over 15 years in different capacities.

Downloads

Here you’ll find some useful documents, to help prepare your children for their school camp.

Code of Conduct

In preparation for your group’s visit to Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre (POEC), we would ask you to share the following information with the parents/guardians of all children within your group to help ensure children are fully aware of the importance of behavioural expectations.

Kit List

Everything they'll need to bring for their stay at Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre!

Frequently Asked Questions

So, what will my child be doing?
For school residential bookings, every school will be provided with a dedicated timetable to include daytime activities, evening entertainment, and meal times. Your child’s timetable will resemble the one as displayed on our activity packages page, although it cannot be confirmed until the day of arrival. School Activity Day trippers will also get a timetable.
What should my child bring?
Check out our suggestions on the Kit List above, although your child’s school may suggest an alternative list.
What is the acommodation?
Our accommodation partner is based in the centre of Newquay and provides safe, clean and child-friendly rooms for the First Wave Adventures groups.
Accommodation Highlights
- School-Friendly
- Relaxed, Safe, & Friendly Environment
- Walking Distance To The Beach
- Private, En-Suite Rooms Available
- Full Board Options
What is the menu like? Will there be a choice of meals?
Your school will be issued with our menu. However, please rest assured all meals are designed with children in mind and all dietary requests are passed on to us via the school.
My child has a food allergy. Can you accommodate?
Of course. We treat all food allergies and intolerances very seriously. Your school will be asked to collect all relevant details for the entire group in order to pass on to our catering team.
My child cannot swim very well. Will they be able to take part in water-based activities?
All children taking part in activities in the water will be wearing a buoyancy aid. We can adapt all activities accordingly, ensuring your child’s safety is first in our thoughts.
Who allocates who stays with whom?
Your school will be charged with the accommodation allocation.
Can my child bring his phone to call me in case of an emergency?
We strongly advise against bringing any screens and/or valuables. We offer a fantastic opportunity to engage with the outdoors and take a break from screens. Your school will have a policy in place as a means of parental contact in an emergency.
Can my child bring their iPad to watch a film at night?
As above, we strongly advise against any screens and/or valuables.
Can my child bring a soft toy or comforter?
Soft toys are often taken on school residentials, but please be aware that items are exposed to being damaged or lost on such trips; we strongly advise against bringing a particularly special toy.
My child is nervous about staying overnight on a school residential. Is there anyone I can talk to?
We must always point parents (and children) to their teacher. Both pre-stay and whilst in residence, teaching staff will assume ultimate responsibility for your child. However, our centre staff are experienced with working with children and will happily listen to any concerns that a child may have when nervous or worried. A safeguarding policy is enforced to ensure all interaction is safe for all parties.
My child has a wetsuit. Can we pack it?
Please ask your school first, but we will not have an objection, although please bear in mind that wetsuits will be left to dry and stored with our own wetsuits. Your child will not be allowed to dry their wetsuit in/near their accommodation.
How much is a school residential with First Wave Adventures?
Your school will inform you of the cost of your school residential.
My child has left something at your centre. Can I get it back?
Yes, of course. We hold left items for 28 days. You can arrange to collect from our centre or we can return by post, passing on the cost of P&P.