We are delighted to announce our all-inclusive 2 night / 3 day Key Stage 2 residentials based at the fabulous Grinton Lodge in Swaledale, North Yorkshire.

These all-inclusive packages are delivered throughout the academic year and include all the necessary aspects that make up a successful school trip.We include return coach travel, accommodation, meals and activities.

Take a look at the new brochure&nbsp;<a href="https://admin.firsttravelsolutions.com/sites/default/files/public/2024-02/FEST%20Grinton%20Lodge%20Mailer%20Jan%202024%20WEB.pdf">Grinton Lodge Key Stage 2 residential 2024/2025</a>

Grinton Lodge is a 19th-century former shooting lodge that has been a youth hostel since 1948. It is a Grade II listed building, situated above the village of Grinton, in beautiful Swaledale, just 9 miles from the market town of Richmond, North Yorkshire. Facilities are of a high standard and great for groups of up to 70 pupils.

We offer TWO superb all-inclusive package themes at Grinton Lodge. Choose from our ever-popular Discovery Programme Package or the spectacular Alex Rider Mission Briefing Package.

These two great residential options will inspire your pupils and provide an opportunity to explore incredible surroundings, whichever theme you choose. Both packages are delivered in formal partnership with the team at Grinton Lodge.

All your coach travel, accommodation and meals are included within this brilliant package as well as your chosen activity theme. Call us on 0203 467 2002 or email school.travel@firstbus.co.uk&nbsp;for more details.

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Try low season –

To be more inclusive our focus has always been about providing schools with great value for money, and now more than ever we are doing our utmost to provide opportunities that will be more accessible to more of your pupils.

Consider breaking away from the traditional April – September months when school trip costs can be prohibitive for many families and join the many schools who are reaping the benefits and seeing more of their pupils take part, by running your trip outside of the main season.

Our general low season months are&nbsp;October, November, December, January, February, and March&nbsp;– where we can offer great value all-inclusive residential packages to schools and organised groups

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Our new KEY STAGE 2 Grinton Lodge Discovery Package - North Yorkshire

Fest News

If you are a supplier of FTS, you will no doubt be aware of PSVAR.&nbsp; But if you need a refresher, here’s our handy guide.

When providing vehicles for FTS rail replacement services, operators have a responsibility to provide a PSVAR-compliant vehicle.

• As part of the drivers' first user check, they should ensure that the lifting equipment is in good working order and that the securing straps are on the vehicle.

• Drivers need to be fully trained and competent in the use of the lifting equipment and the use of the securing system relevant to the type of vehicle; this training must also be documented.

• If you use casual, part-time, or agency staff, these staff will require the same PSVAR training as your regular staff.

If you are supplying a standard coach, you will need a Mid Term Exemption Certificate (MTE) and a copy of the certificate must be carried on the vehicle/with the driver when operating on rail replacement services.&nbsp; If the DVSA does a spot check, you could be liable for a fine.

Remember that an MTE certificate only covers standard coaches (not wheelchair compliant) so if a PSVAR vehicle turns up for duty with defective lifting equipment then an MTE certificate will not cover this and will be classed as a PSVAR failure and will be taken off duty.

If you have any questions or queries, then please do contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.

Supplier Compliance

Article

First Travel Solutions, a leading name in transport services, proudly announces their recent recognition as the recipient of the highly acclaimed Best Transport Provider award along with the Silver Runners up award for Sustainable Travel, at the BETA British Youth Travel Awards in November.

The annual BETA British Youth Travel Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the youth, student, and educational travel sector. This esteemed accolade acknowledges First Travel Solutions' unwavering commitment to providing exceptional transport services to the educational travel industry.

"We are absolutely delighted to have won the Best Transport Provider award," expressed Richard Kirk, Commercial Director at First Travel Solutions. "We truly value our links to the educational travel sector and remain committed to further improvements. With new technologies now becoming available, our managed transport services are more popular than ever, and we are grateful to the industry for the trust and business they place with us."

First Travel Solutions has consistently demonstrated its dedication to enhancing the travel experience by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and a customer-centric approach. Their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has garnered widespread recognition within the industry.

"This award is a testament to our entire team's hard work and dedication," added Richard Kirk, Commercial Director "We are honoured to be acknowledged for our contributions to the sector and are excited about the future as we continue to innovate and elevate the standards of transport services for educational travel."

The Best Transport Provider award reaffirms First Travel Solutions' position as a trailblazer in the transportation sector, reinforcing its pledge to deliver top-notch services while embracing technological advancements.

Our new KEY STAGE 2 Grinton Lodge Discovery Package - North Yorkshire

Contact FEST