Food and farming, woodland tasks, mini beasts, farm animals are just some of the topics that can be factored in on a school visit to Thurleigh Farm Centre. We welcome school, nursery and toddler group visits throughout the year and can tailor your day to meet specific topics within the curriculum. The spring is always a great time to meet baby animals – help to bottle feed the lambs from late February. In May through to July we can look at bug habitats and mini beasts. Where does our food come from is a great topic to explore in the summer and also around harvest time. In October our groups help to carve pumpkins and visiting Santa is a must in December.
Most school visits follow a set format in that on arrival you are met by the farm staff and the children are
offered a glass of squash and a biscuit. We allow you time to settle before giving a brief introduction about the day ahead. A member of the education team will then guide you around the farm introducing you to the animals. We encourage lots of sensory activity through helping to feed the animals and stroking them. The visit also includes a tractor trailer ride. We aim to get you back to the centre for lunchtime and there then follows a period of free play before having to head back to school.
Safety and your enjoyment is of paramount importance. We have several hand washing facilities around the farm. Ahead of the visit, teachers are very welcome to conduct their risk assessments. We are very happy to tailor the day to suit individual requirements and spend time with you planning this. For example we have some schools that visit for a “reward” day which entails spending part of the visit with the quad bikes. We can also assist when the majority of pupils are away on a residential trip and you are seeking an activity day for those children staying behind at school. This type of day is popular with year 5 and 6 pupils.
The majority of groups bring their own pack lunches, but the tea room is available for drinks and snacks. Alternatively we can provide hot or cold lunches. Please contact us for a sample menu.
Educational visits are extremely rewarding. We are members of the National Association of Farms for Schools to help make sure your children get the most out of their visit.
To book a visit contact the farm on 01234 771597 or email office@thurleighfarmcentre.co.uk
