FAMILIES ON THE FARM

Sleepover Information Pack

Thank-you for booking on the Families on the Farm sleepover at Magdalen Farm.  We hope that everyone enjoys their stay and that you find the following information useful.

This programme is being supported by The Big Lottery Community Fund from 2019 to 2023.

Eligilbility –

This is a group activity event and is open to families who have a child with a learning difficulty or disability - evidence may be required.  Each family is allowed 1 activity day and 1 sleepover per 6 month period (January to early August or mid August to December).

What’s included

We will send you a programme about a week before your visit with details of arrival and departure times and the activities the group will enjoy.  All your activities are led by qualified staff and are adapted to suit the needs of the group as a whole.

Accommodation is provided in our Courtyard Centre.  Your family will be allocated a bedroom dependent on the size of your family group.  Each bedroom has adult sized single bunk beds with a washbasin, Magdalen will provide your bed linen but we ask that you make your own beds.  Bathroom facilities are shared and close to the bedrooms.  The bedrooms are located in one part of the building with additional break out spaces available.

Breakfast, lunch and a 2 course hot evening meal are included as a part of the package.  Meals follow a seasonal menu and are prepared on site using as much fresh produce from our own farms as possible or local sources.  Please feel free to bring your own food if necessary to suit your family.  Please note that Magdalen has a NO NUTS policy.

What you need to tell us about

It is really important to let us know in advance any of the following:

·         Special dietary requirements

·         Any medical issues

·         Any behaviour issues

·         Wheelchair requirements

If any of the information you provided on booking has changed then please contact us.

Facilities on site

We understand that everyone has different needs and we will do our best to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable stay.  If you have any particular requests please contact us in advance.  We are happy to offer:

·         Disabled parking close to the Centre is available otherwise visitor car parking is located at the top of the drive.

·         Disabled toileting facilities - Gold Standard “Changing Place” – a hoist can be supplied but please bring your own sling

·         3 All Terrain Wheelchairs are available for those who are less mobile/wheelchair users.  These will be allocated on a 1^st come 1^st served booking basis. 

·         1km of easy access pathways are available so if you have your own wheelchairs you can still access the majority of the farm.

·         Break out space – a quiet zone will be provided if time out is required – please ask a member of staff.

What to bring with you

All Magdalen activities are outside regardless of the time of year you visit Magdalen, therefore we recommend plenty of layers of warm, comfortable old clothing. Here is a suggested lit kit of items to bring with you:

• A good waterproof jacket *– large enough to fit over several layers of clothing
• Waterproof over trousers *
• Wellington boots * or walking boots with thick socks
• Water bottle labelled with a name
• Warm hat and gloves in the winter
• Sun hat and suntan lotion in the summer
• Thick socks (including a long thick pair to wear with Wellingtons)
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Outdoor shoes such as trainers or walking boots (designated to only be worn outside the building)
• Indoor shoes such as slippers or trainers (designated to only be worn inside the building)
• Warm coat (If waterproof jacket is a thin material)
• Towel and wash kit
• Sun cream and sun hat
• Camera

·         A game or book for quiet time e.g. top trumps or board games to share

·         Three spare plastic bags to take home dirty laundry, muddy waterproofs and muddy wellies

·         Teddy bear!

 * Spares available from Magdalen

Please note that we accept no responsibility for property left with us or left in the centre or farm.  All visitors should ensure they have adequate insurance cover in place either under their own household policies or group policy to provide cover for personal liability and possessions.

Please ensure all your personal items are clearly labelled.

What we expect from you

We understand that visiting us can be quite daunting for some people however we want to ensure that everyone is safe and happy during their visit.  This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy time together and with others but we ask that families stay together and actively engage as far as possible in the activities.

You are responsible for the behaviour and wellbeing of your group.  Magdalen reserves the right to terminate activities if there is inadequate supervision or poor discipline.

Communication is vital and we ask that all adults listen to instructions given by Magdalen staff.   We welcome any comments but ask that you respect our staff and their instructions.

To note

There may be other groups at Magdalen Farm during your visit – we ask all groups to respect each others privacy.

There is a no smoking/vaping policy in all the buildings and farm areas however there is a designated smoking/vaping hut available at the back of the Disabled/staff car parking area.

No dogs are allowed on our working farm.

Mobile phone coverage is limited in the area – please ask a member of staff for wifi codes.

Photographs and Social Media

If you wish to take photographs during your visit then please ask the rest of the group for their consent and respect their response.  Should you wish to not be included in any photographs that are taken for promotional purposes and for the benefit of the funder then please inform Magdalen on arrival.

Cancellation

If you are unable to make the event for whatever reason please telephone us on 01460 30144 (emails may not be received in time).  All payments made are non-refundable.