Ufton Court Educational Trust

Ufton Court Educational Trust received £18,000 to help build one of seven log cabins which will provide accommodations for up to 32 local children to experience outdoor environmental education programmes.

Ufton Court is an educational centre for children and young people. It is run by the Ufton Court Educational Trust, a registered charity established in 2006, which aims to provide an inspirational historical home offering innovative and challenging experiences to young people.

The Charity has identified 1,843 disadvantaged children in West Berkshire who would benefit from repeated visits to Ufton Court that not only provide experiences of a new rural environment but also will raise aspirations and self confidence that can have a profound impact on their lives.

Director of Ufton Court Education Trust Mary Riall said: “The grant from the Greenham Common Trust will help us to make Ufton Adventure a reality, with the first timber cabin being built this year thanks to the grant received. The project aims to raise the aspirations and improve life opportunities for disadvantaged young people and could never happen without the support of groups such as the Greenham Common Trust.”
Ufton Court has run several pilot projects before they build the cabins. Here are some quotes from young people who have been on the camps:

“I have taken away from the experience ... more confidence, believing in myself and carrying on.” Liam 15 years

They seemed to walk and talk with a confidence gained from being away from home for the first time, facing and meeting challenges, and having the experience of ‘doing it for themselves’ (Grant Strudley, teacher)

I learned that I should not be scared to try new things, get to know new people and be able to talk to them (Leila, age 14)

Case study: (names have been changed to protect identities

In November 2005, during Year 4, Jade’s father died and she went through a very difficult period when she found it hard to cope with every day things. Later, she described herself as feeling “cut-off from everything, different to everyone else, withdrawn and very sad.” These feelings led to loss of confidence both at home and school.

In Years 5 and 6, Jade was given the opportunity to go on a residential trip to Rhos-Y-Gwaliau in North Wales, but didn’t go. She was worried about being away from mum for a whole week and the distance involved if she was homesick and needed to return home. The £195 cost, although reduced from £300, was prohibitive for her mum. In Year 6, Jade was also given the chance to spend two nights at Ufton Court during Easter holidays. The number of nights away, low cost and proximity to home made Ufton Court a more attractive opportunity than Rhos-Y-Gwaliau.

The experience was transforming, with mum describing Jade as much more confident after being away. Jade repeated the experience during the summer holidays, just before starting secondary school. She recognises the difference that her visits to Ufton Court have made to her – confidence, independence, new friends and the opportunity to experience new things. She also understands that the camp made her “face the world” and believe in herself enough to think about the future. At her secondary school, Jade talks about university, a career in journalism or teaching, and takes every opportunity that comes her way. Without opportunities like Ufton Court, Jade says, “[I] would never have come this far or achieved as much as I have.”

For more information on Ufton Court please visit www.uftoncourt.co.uk