New Green Life Skills placements for 13-16s
From November Bath City Farm is running placement scheme for young people (aged 13 – 16) who are not attending school regularly or are at risk of exclusion. For more information click on education/youth activities 

School Visits: information for teachers.
At Bath City Farm we offer a range of educational opportunities to suit different ages and abilities. We are a 37 acre site with a number of different animals you can meet and a diverse range of wildlife habitats to explore.

 
Booking a visit
In the first instance, please telephone the farm to discuss your visit. When you contact the Farm you will be invited for a preliminary visit.  This is an important time to discuss learning objectives and expected outcomes.  It is also a chance to look at health & safety issues.  It is advisable to meet at least two weeks before the actual visit.

You are welcome to come to the farm for an unsupervised visit but please could you let us know when you are coming. Toilets are available in the main building.

Supervised school visits
The site is accessed from Kelston View. Drive through the car park down to the farm building. There is a level tarmac surface directly in front of the Farm building where you can drop off pupils. The coach or minibus can then park up a level in the main car park. You will be greeted at the building when you arrive.  There are toilet facilities in the building and pupils will be able to leave any bags here. Pupils will also be able to change into their wellies or boots. Before leaving the building there will be a brief introduction to the Farm, its history and a health and safety talk.  The group can then proceed to the area of the farm that the activity will take place.

One off visits
For a one hour session children will split into smaller groups. They will get the chance to meet all the farm animals, feed them and touch them. They will learn about food production, animal welfare and other rlated subjects. For sessions lasting more than an hour we also have a wildlife pond, sensory garden and woodland to explore and can run seasonal activities such as bug hunts and seed gathering. We have a range of equipment that can be used including magnified bug hunters, pond dipping nets and moth catchers. Please tell us if there are any specific activities you would like to focus on.

Additional activities could include:

• Ask the farmer: questions and answers session from the group.
• A themed walk: this can vary according to group interests and the season, e.g. focussing on trees and woodland, conservation or wildlife.
• Learning more about the animals: – explaining more about the animals on the farm and how they are kept
• Green energy: the farm is totally powered by solar energy.
  Horticultural activities
  Copse and ancient beech woodland for tree/ habitat studies
• Many good views of the landscape/city and animals for sketching & photography (art/ studies)
• Wild flower and grasses for scientific or art studies
• Compost area for scientific studies

Cost per child
£2.50 an hour (minimum charge £20 per hour per group)
£3.50 for 2 hour session (minimum charge £28 per 2 hour session)
There is a 20% discount for schools within a 2 mile radius.

Regular Visits
These weekly or fortnightly sessions will last for approximately two hours. The sessions are ideal for smaller groups and particularly benefit children with behavioural or learning needs. Activities are catered towards the group’s age range and need. They can include activities such has pond dipping, woodwork, photography, gardening and cleaning out the animals.
Having the chance to spend quality time outdoors on a regular basis can greatly improve the children’s behaviour. They also get the chance to bond with the animals and help to care for them.
Cost per child - £5.00 for the two hour session (minimum charge £40).
There is a 20% discount for schools within a 2 mile radius.

 
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to the farm.  If the weather is good you can enjoy the picnic area that has wonderful views over the city.  If it is wet or cold, lunch can be eaten in the farm building.

We will ensure…

• All members of farm staff working with school groups are CRB checked
• At least two member of farm staff will be available to lead a session for one off visits.
• A health and safety talk is given before the start of each session.

We ask you to…

• Ensure all visiting groups are accompanied by the recommended ratio of supervising adults to children (where applicable).
• Have a preliminary visit before the actual visit takes place, to ensure that all health and safety requirements are met.
• Fill in an evaluation form after each visit. The leader is asked to complete it and return it to the farm for monitoring purposes.
• Arrive prepared for the day in terms of possible activities and weather.

Please get in touch with Matt or Claire.