THORP PERROW

SCHOOL VISITS INFORMATION PACK Why aren’t wellies part of school uniform? Well, at Thorp Perrow, we think they should be.

We believe that in a world where children spend increasing amounts of time indoors, learning outside the classroom can support the development of healthy and active lifestyles - offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being.

The natural world is something that children of all ages can discover, and our outdoor classroom offers endless learning opportunities from EYFS through to KS3 and beyond.

The range of learning environments available lend themselves naturally to a cross-curricular approach in subject areas such as Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, Art, Design and Technology, Music and PE.

We are passionate about nature and the environment, and we want to inspire the next generation to love the world around them as much as we do.

School Visits to Thorp Perrow

We welcome and encourage school visits to Thorp Perrow, and offer services to make your day as effective and well-organised as possible.

School children are charged at £4 per child (under 4s are free) and one adult for every ten children is admitted free. Additional adults are charged at the group entry rate of £7.50

Entry to the Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre is included in the cost of your visit, and you are welcome to attend one of the captivating flying displays held throughout the day. We can also arrange for the wonderful staff to talk to your group about specific animals if you wish. To assist you with preparation for your visit, we provide every group with a free activity pack, which contains a range of ideas for study in the classroom before your visit, things to do on the day, and ideas for applying your new- found knowledge and skills in your school setting. We also have access to a wide range of educational resources, so if there is a specific topic or area you wish to focus on, please let us know and we will endeavour to find age- appropriate resources for you.

We have a basic completed risk assessment available for your use, and offer the opportunity for one member of staff per ~30 children to visit prior to your trip. This gives the chance to look around, tweak the risk assessment for specific activities, and see the Education Garden.

You are more than welcome to eat your packed lunches anywhere in our grounds (providing you are responsible with removing litter), however our beautiful tearoom is open all day serving hot and cold drinks, lunches, cakes and treats. The tearoom offers a dedicated children’s menu, from which you can pre-order should you wish, and there are several highchairs available for very young children.

We offer the adults in your party a free takeaway tea or coffee and a pack of ginger biscuits.

Disabled visitors are most welcome. The majority of the Arboretum is wheelchair accessible, and we have mobility scooters available for hire. Carers are admitted free of charge.

We are happy for you to use anything you find on the floor as part of your visit but ask that you do not damage any of the plants or trees. The Education Garden

As part of your visit, school groups are now being offered exclusive use of our Education Garden. This is a space which was designed and created by a group of ex-military personnel as part of their rehabilitation through the Help for Heroes scheme.

The garden is a wonderful area, offering you a dedicated space away from other visitors, which you are free to use as you wish (providing it is left in a good condition for the next group).

Resources available in the Education Garden include  A sheltered area perfect for picnicing etc  A storytelling chair and seats  Identification guides for minibeasts, birds, leaves etc  Raised beds ideal for planting or digging  A pond for pond dipping (we plan to improve this resource)  Trapdoors and minibeast hotels  Some basic gardening tools

How to Book

Please complete and return a school group booking form. You will find one enclosed or can download one from our website. This form should give you all the information you need, however if there is something further you wish to discuss (such as resources for a specific topic of study) then please do not hesitate to get in touch:

Web: thorpperrow.com E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 01677 425323

The Small Print: We do not have a set ‘maximum capacity’, and try to accommodate all booking requests, however on occasion we may have to reject an application. We treat group bookings on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, on receipt of the booking form.

You will be charged for the number of individuals present on the day of the visit. Payment must be made in full on the day. Cheques should be made payable to Thorp Perrow Arboretum Ltd. A receipted invoice is available on request.

Thorp Perrow Season Tickets and other discounted entry cards are not accepted as part of a group booking.