Year 5 Residential Trip

Year 5 Residential Trip 2026 – Morfa Bay

Our Year 5 residential trip is always one of the most memorable experiences of a child’s time at Ashcombe Primary School. For many years, our pupils have enjoyed an exciting and confidence boosting stay at Morfa Bay, a centre we know and trust for its excellent staff, safe environment, and wide range of adventurous activities.

A Chance to Grow and Shine

A residential visit offers children so much more than a few days away from home. It gives them the chance to:

Build independence and develop responsibility
Strengthen friendships and learn to work as part of a team
Try new activities and discover hidden strengths
Build resilience, confidence, and problem solving skills
Create memories that last long after they return home

These experiences play a valuable role in supporting personal development both inside and outside the classroom.

An Exciting Range of Activities

At Morfa Bay, children have the opportunity to take part in a variety of age appropriate, exhilarating outdoor adventures. From team challenges and nature based activities to confidence building sessions led by experienced instructors, there truly is something for everyone.

Information for Parents

In the lead up to the trip, we will share key details including:

Kit lists
Travel arrangements
Activities programme
Safety information
Parent information meeting

We want all families to feel fully informed and confident about the visit.

Photos While We’re Away

During the trip, we will upload photos on the Ashcombe Primary School Facebook page and right here on this page (subject to internet access), so you can follow along with the children’s adventures and see what they’ve been up to each day.

Parent FAQs - Year 5 Morfa Bay Residential 2026

When is the trip?

The Year 5 residential runs from Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May.

What time should my child arrive on the morning of departure?

Children must arrive at 8.00am and check in at The Alexander Hall (entrance opposite Reception classes).

Once your child has checked in, please make your way outside to prepare for our departure.

8.20am - Farewells & boarding

8.30am - Coach departs

Where do we drop luggage?

All luggage must be dropped by the coaches in the main driveway for loading on the morning of departure.

What luggage should my child bring?

One main bag/case containing everything on the kit list
A sleeping bag and pillow in a named black bag
A labelled bin bag for dirty items for the return journey

A copy of the full kit list is available below

Should I pack for my child?

Please pack with your child so they know where everything is and can repack themselves. Avoid very small bags—ensure everything fits comfortably.

Can my child bring snacks?

Yes, a small amount of snacks for the coach journey.
⚠️ No fizzy drinks.
⚠️ No nuts or nut products, including peanut butter and chocolate spread.

School provide a packed lunch for the children on Monday, but please send them with a drink.

Please do not give your child a lot of snacks - they will be very well fed throughout the day at Morfa Bay

What meals will be provided?

Children have pre‑ordered all meals.

Staff at Morfa Bay are experienced with dietary needs and fussy eaters; alternatives will always be available.
Lots of children try new foods at Morfa Bay and end up loving them!

What happens with medication?

Hand medication (including travel sickness tablets) to your child’s allocated adult at check‑in.
Asthma inhalers:

Children must carry one
A second inhaler must be handed to the group leader

Medical updates or concerns (bed‑wetting, sleepwalking, night terrors) must be shared with staff. Pull‑ups must be sent to school the week before in a sealed, named bag.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Children will find out their dormitory groups upon arrival at Morfa Bay.

What will the children be doing?

A full programme of activities will be available on the morning of departure and posted to the school website. Activities include a wide range of outdoor and team challenges suitable for Year 5.

Will there be updates during the week?

The team will try to post daily updates on Facebook and the school website, but this depends on staff capacity and Wi‑Fi signal at Morfa Bay. Photo permission is required

Is homesickness normal?

Yes—feeling homesick is completely normal. Staff support children until they settle, helping build resilience, confidence, and self‑esteem.

What if my child becomes ill during the trip?

If staff feel your child needs to be collected, a parent or family member must be available to come to Morfa Bay.

Is my child allowed to bring technology?

No. Children must not bring:

Mobile phones
Smart watches with messaging
Cameras or any device that can take photos
If found, items will be confiscated until return.

Children may bring books, colouring pads, card games, etc.

How much pocket money can my child bring?

Up to £10 in pound coins, sent to the office in a sealed, named envelope. Group leaders will look after the money and manage “withdrawals.”

Will the children be sharing the site with another school?

Yes, another school will be on-site this year, but:

Accommodation will be separate
Mealtimes may be shared
The experience will not be affected

Can I contact my child during the trip?

No. There is a strict policy of no contact between staff and parents during the residential, even if they know each other personally.

Who do I contact if I have a question before the trip?

Please email the school office at office@ashcombeprimary.co.uk where the team will be happy to help.