For Teachers

We know that good preparation is key to a successful visit and we are here to help you make this as easy as possible. We are happy to help as much as we can at every step – from booking through to departure - so please feel free to contact us at any point. Please speak to Shirley Smith or Camille Caron regarding bookings or Myriam Caron, Centre Manager, for any other aspect of your stay.

Telephone: 00 44 (0)3000 410514 or 00 33 321 321 671

Email: hardelotbookings@kent.gov.uk

Planning your trip

Decide when you want to visit; check if we have availability and if we can accommodate your group.
Research the Opal Coast region and the things to do that are available in the area. Familiarise yourself with the centre facilities. How will you use these to meet the learning objectives of your group?
Call us, or fill in the form and we can tell you how much your trip will costs and if we have availability.
Start putting together your itinerary and contact us if you need assistance putting one together. We can suggest activities and make bookings locally.
Contact Kent County Council Outdoor Education Unit to approve your visit (Kent schools only).
Book your stay. When you are ready, visit our How to Book page to make your booking.
Arrange a Pre-Visit. We recommend that you arrange a Pre-Visit to the Centre to go through your itinerary and to carry out risk assessments.
Once you have booked your visit we need you to complete the pre-arrival information form for your group.
Please confirm your group’s meal and dietary requirements, details of your itinerary, special requirements, travel arrangements and final numbers 3-4 weeks before your visit.
Please let us have your complete list of students and staff along with an emergency contact number for the Group Leader.

Prepare for your trip

Book your travel

You can either arrange coach travel from the UK or use local French transport companies. Contact us for further information on this. Take a look at our Where We Are page to find out more about travel options for crossing the Channel.

What to bring

A first aid kit, including insect repellent in the summer.
At least one mobile phone for the group leaders.
Wet weather gear and suitable outdoor shoes.
Slippers, as shoes must be removed in the accommodation block.
Some euros as a contingency fund (if you need to go to a doctor or chemist, they will require upfront payment).
Each person should bring at least one towel, and their own toiletries.
The Centre is fitted with French plugs, so adaptors are needed for hair-dryers etc.

Promote your trip

Consent forms. Before you set off make sure you have received all relevant consent forms from parents and guardians including permission for the use of photographs by the centre.
Information Evening. We recommend that you host an information evening for parents whose children are taking part in this visit to Hardelot. It is an opportunity to provide parents with the information they need, answer any questions and show them where they are going.
Social Media. We want your stay at Hardelot to be an interactive experience so please link with us by sharing any blogs or newsletters you produce. Make use of Social Media! We are on Twitter @HardelotCentre and Instagram @HardelotCentre. This is a great way to let parents and the rest of the school community know what an amazing time you are having!

Overall Responsibilities

We expect group leaders to be responsible for and deal with disciplinary problems that arise within their group.
Teachers are responsible for administering any medication the pupils are currently taking. Please inform us in advance if any of your pupils have severe medical problems, or other, that we need to know about.
Please ensure that you and your staff respect the site and facilities by keeping it tidy, using bins, returning and tidying away equipment after use. Also please return classrooms to how you found them. Make and strip the beds (linen provided).

Teacher Testimonials

“An excellent visit - what a wonderful resource. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful. The pupils have enjoyed using all the facilities, made use of the space including rehearsing a full orchestra in the classroom. They have had a great weekend here at the centre. Food delicious and every need catered for including planning visits, coaches and games. It’s a pity there are not more such places for educational visits, such as this which has so much potential. This centre has gone from strength to strength having visited first in 1993 and we very much hope to return.”

Secondary Teacher

“We had an amazing trip. The Hardelot Centre was perfect for our primary school group. We spoke so much French and had a real taste of French life. Merci Myriam”

Primary School Teacher.