Schools FAQs
The following FAQs should help you get the most from your visit.
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Do you have a risk assessment?
- Yes, we have a general risk assessment and one for educational activities. Both are available to download from the Schools - Health & Safety page.
- The HSE Code of Practice for Teachers which gives advice on how to avoid ill health on farms is also available to download from the Schools - Health & Safety page.
- The journey to the Rare Breeds Centre offers the perfect opportunity to remind the children of key health and safety issues.
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Can I make a pre-visit?
- Yes, we allow 2 adults per school booking to visit our centre for a familiarisation visit. Simply call us on 01233 861493 and tell us the names of the people visiting and the date of the visit.
- Pre-visits are self-guided.
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Do you have educational activities, or do we just do our own thing?
- The choice is yours. Schools are welcome to visit the farm and do their own thing but we also offer educational activities.
- For Nurseries and Pre-Schools we offer an Animal Faces Craft Activity.
- For School Reception and Key Stage 1 classes we offer Animal Talks, Pond Life (April – September) and Bug Hunting (April – September).
- The educational activities must be pre-booked, incur an additional charge and availability is limited.
- These activities have been developed by CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Access Scheme) trained staff and all staff are DBS checked.
- Teachers are responsible for the supervision and good behaviour of their group throughout their visit and for ensuring the correct ratio of adults to children.
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How long do the educational activities last?
- All activities last 20 minutes but allow 30 minutes per session.
- Please be on time. If you are late for your session it cannot be extended.
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Do you offer worksheets/educational resources we can use?
- Yes. Worksheets and trails sheets, which can be used before, during and after your visit are available to download here.
- Remember to bring clipboards/pencils if you are going to use them.
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Do you have Trailer rides?
- School groups can pre-book trailer rides for their visit. These will incur an additional fee and availability may be limited.
- Children must be supervised at all times during the trailer ride.
- Trailer rides can accommodate one wheelchair per ride.
- The trailer has a 24-adult or 26-child capacity without a wheelchair, and a 22-adult or 24-child capacity when a person in a wheelchair is onboard.
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What attractions are available at the Rare Breeds Centre?
The following attractions are available:
- 'Meet the Animals' sessions in the Children's Barn
- Indoor Soft Play Area (for under 10s)
- Woodland Walks
- Butterfly tunnel (open May to October)
- Aviary
- Wildlife & Discovery Garden
- The Mysterious Marsh Venture Trail
- Aerial runways
- Hill Fort and Assault Course
- Tube Maze
- Pig Racing (April – October)
- Outdoor Play Area
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What if it rains?
- We are an outdoor site so you should come prepared for wet weather. You'll need wellies!
- We allocate each group a section of the barn with picnic tables. Lunches/bags (no valuables) can be left here, and you can use the tables for lunch if the weather is wet. These areas are still open to the general public and will be shared with other groups.
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Do we need special clothing?
- Clothing should be appropriate for a day out on a farm – sensible footwear, a waterproof in case it rains plus sunscreen and sunhats in summer. Don't forget your wellies if it is wet.
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Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes, our Granary Restaurant is available every day we are open! Keep warm and enjoy some delicious food indoors, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for hot drinks and snacks. Hot food is served from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Trailer, opposite the Discovery Zone, is open year-round for tasty snacks and drinks until 4:00 pm. The Cabin, located within 'Sammy's Play Park' is open seasonally - April through November. You can also enjoy picnic areas across the site - with our Benson Barn providing an undercover eating area.
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How accessible is the Rare Breeds Centre?
- Accessible minibuses can use the accessible parking bays outside the Admissions gate/Gift Shop.
- We have accessible toilets.
- Wheelchair access around the main farmyard is good but some paths in the woods can be difficult to negotiate with a wheelchair.
- Trailer rides can accommodate one wheelchair per ride.
- The trailer has a 24-adult or 26-child capacity without a wheelchair, and a 22-adult or 24-child capacity when a person in a wheelchair is onboard.
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Is there a gift shop?
- Yes! We have a Gift Shop where you’ll find cuddly toy animals, toy tractors, keyrings and lots more to take home as a memory of your day on the farm!