6 February 2026
Outdoor school residential trips for primary schools give children an incredible opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors and make lifelong memories together. At Rootd, we combine our purpose-built centre, highly trained staff, secure and comfortable accommodation, age-appropriate activities and inclusive mealtimes to offer schools a residential trip that is safe and manageable.
Outdoor residential school trips for primary schools are a chance for children to experience the freedom of the outdoors, find the adventure in nature and make lifelong memories with their friends.
But away from the familiarity of an indoor setting, we understand that teachers and parents may sometimes feel unsure about the environment their children are staying in and concerned about what safety measures are in place.
At Rootd, the safety of our visiting schools and groups always comes first, and you can feel reassured that this is reflected in every aspect of our trips – in every activity, every space and every interaction.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Full accreditation
We hold the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) accreditation, which means we’ve been assessed against a rigorous framework that evaluates the quality, safety and educational value of our school residentials, as well as our safeguarding procedures and emergency planning.
2. A purpose-built centre designed for safety
We’re based at Phasels Wood Activity Centre in Hertfordshire, which is a fully enclosed site. Entrances are barrier controlled and all key areas and access routes are covered by CCTV.
Not open to the public
The enclosed centre is used exclusively by schools and groups. It’s not open to the public, and the only people on site during your stay will be the fully vetted centre staff, Rootd team and visiting schools.
Camp exclusivity
Your school will have exclusive use of your pod or tent village while you’re on camp, so your child won’t be mixing with any other school groups. This includes the school having their own allocated times for dining, their own programme of activities and their own designated times for use of the shower blocks.
3. A highly trained, professional team
Our instructors deliver every activity with enthusiasm, expertise and professionalism. Most of our instructors work with us year-round, and we continually invest in their training so they can stay up to date on the latest guidance and legislation.
DBS-checked and qualified
Every staff member holds:
- An enhanced DBS check
- Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid
- NGB (National Governing Body) qualifications or has received in-house training
- Level 2 Safeguarding Children (a designated Level 3 Safeguarding Lead is always on site)
- Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
With you throughout your stay
Our instructors are with throughout your time on site, so they can get to know every child and make sure they feel happy and included.
Full supervision
Whether they’re taking part in activities or exploring the camp, children are supervised at all times, either by Rootd staff members or their teachers.
4. Safe and comfortable accommodation
Sleeping close to nature can be exciting for children, but we also make sure it’s as safe and manageable as possible so they can get the most out of their experience.
Safe movement after dark
Night toilets and motion sensor lighting mean that children can move safely around after dark, and no one needs to leave the camp at night.
Teachers are nearby
Whether you’re staying in the pod village or one of our bell tent villages, the teacher accommodation is positioned next to or opposite the children’s accommodation, so help is always close to hand. The teacher tipi, where teachers can relax in the evening when children are in bed, also has 360-degree views of the camp.
Rootd support throughout the night
A designated Rootd staff member stays on site overnight to support teachers in case of an emergency.
5. Safe and inclusive mealtimes
We cater for all dietary needs
Our kitchen caters for all dietary needs, including allergy friendly diets, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal. Schools provide us with their requirements in advance, so we can ensure every meal is suitable and safe.
No child goes hungry
If a child is a fussy eater, we always make sure they have enough to eat – no child will ever go hungry. For any specific concerns, we work with schools to put a plan in place.
6. Age-appropriate activities that challenge and engage
On a Rootd adventure, our activities are designed to challenge children and encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, but all within a carefully thought-out environment.
Age-appropriate programmes
Our activities are carefully designed to fit the age of the children, so every child feels comfortable and confident in what they’re doing.
Risk assessed
Every Rootd activity is fully risk assessed and designed with safety in mind.
7. Support for children
Even if your child is excited about their residential, they might still feel nervous about staying away from home. This is where our Rootd staff make all the difference.
They get to know every child
As they’re with you throughout your stay, our instructors have time to get to know the children and spot who might be feeling nervous, homesick or in need of a confidence boost. They then provide all the reassurance needed to help the child feel comforted and uplifted.
A busy programme of activities
Once they arrive on camp, children are often so busy taking part in all the activities that they don’t have time to think about home!
They’re in safe hands
From highly trained staff to carefully planned activities, everything we do at Rootd is focused on keeping children safe so they can have a great time and make the most of their outdoor adventure.
When children come on a Rootd residential, we want them to try new activities, grow in confidence and make some amazing memories together. And when their environment is safe, secure and manageable, there’s no holding them back!
To find out more about our Rootd residential trips for primary schools and secondary schools, get in touch.
Or read what schools are saying.