Our education offer
At Staunton Farm, we offer a range of education experiences to suit different groups, ages, and needs. Whether you’re looking for a fully guided visit, a qualification-based programme, or a more flexible day on the farm, we have something to support your learners.
Guided school visits
Our guided visits are designed to bring learning to life through hands-on, engaging experiences.
Led by our experienced education team, sessions can include:
- Meeting and learning about our animals
- Exploring habitats and the natural environment
- Practical, curriculum-linked activities
Each visit can be tailored to suit your group, with links to key subjects such as science, geography, and animal care. Learning goes beyond simply seeing the animals or enjoying the surroundings, we use a range of real, hands-on resources to help learners understand the natural world and bring learning to life.
Early Years: Observe and explore
Animals and us
Meet, observe and help feed a variety of friendly farm animals. Discover what animals need to stay healthy and happy, and explore the similarities and differences between us and them.
Sensory explorers
Use your senses to explore the farm or gardens. Touch, see, listen and smell your way through nature as you investigate different colours, textures, sounds and scents discovering the world around you through play.
The story of plants
Explore the gardens and discover a variety of flowers, trees and plants. Compare their similarities and differences, and learn what plants need to grow and thrive.
Minibeast safari
Go on a bug hunt to discover our tiny woodland friends using pots and magnifying glasses. Learn about their habitats and adaptations before meeting some of their larger exotic cousins.
Key Stage 1: Identify and compare
Animals and us
Identify common animals and explore their habitats, diets and life cycles. Compare animals with humans and discover what all living things need to survive.
The story of plants
Explore different flowers, trees and plants around the gardens. Identify the basic parts of a plant and discover what plants need to grow, survive and reproduce.
Minibeast safari
Search for minibeasts in a variety of habitats using pots and magnifying glasses. Investigate how they move, what they eat and the environments they call home. Compare our local minibeasts with their larger exotic counterparts from our reptile house.
Pond dipping
Use pond nets and trays to explore the watery world beneath the surface. Identify pond creatures and discover how they are adapted to survive in their habitat.
Key Stage 2: Investigate, classify and understand adaptations
Animals and us
Investigate how animals are adapted to survive in different environments. Explore diets, movement and life cycles before comparing animal and human needs.
Trip to the tropics
Step into our tropical glasshouse and discover how plants and animals are adapted to life in a rainforest environment. Investigate climate, habitats and biodiversity while meeting exotic plant species.
The story of plants
Investigate the functions of roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Discover how plants reproduce, transport water and nutrients, and adapt to different environments.
Minibeast safari
Explore a variety of microhabitats and investigate the fascinating world of invertebrates. Classify minibeasts using observable features and compare their adaptations for survival.
Pond dipping
Use pond nets and buckets to delve into the watery world. See how animals have changed to survive here.
Key Stage 3: Nature and wellbeing
Animal wellbeing
Improve health and wellbeing by meeting, feeding and getting close to some of our animals. This can be doing practical tasks such as poo picking, topping up hay and cleaning shelters, or simply having a cuddle with an animal and some space to be.
AQA Unit Awards
Work towards gaining certificates with the AQA Unit Award Scheme. All sessions are bespoke and tailored to the students' specific interests. Learn how to weigh poultry, clean a rabbit's accommodation or handle a reptile!
Key Stage 4: Accreditation and wellbeing
Animal wellbeing
Improve health and wellbeing by meeting, feeding and getting close to some of our animals. This can be doing practical tasks such as poo picking, topping up hay and cleaning shelters, or simply having a cuddle with an animal and some space to be.
AQA Unit Awards
Work towards gaining certificates with the AQA Unit Award Scheme. All sessions are bespoke and tailored to the students' specific interests. Learn how to weigh poultry, clean a rabbit's accommodation or handle a reptile!
BTEC Animal Care
We offer structured sessions to support students studying animal care qualifications, including the BTEC Tech Award in Animal Care Level 1/2.
Our sessions combine hands-on practical experience with key theory, helping students link classroom learning to real-life animal care.
Students will have:
- Real-life handling experiences
- Opportunities to observe animal behaviour, welfare and accommodation
- Practical application of classroom learning, such as health checks and care routines
We will reinforce key areas of learning including:
- Animal needs and welfare
- Behaviour and influencing factors
- Health, disease and prevention
- The role of animals in society
Students can develop their skills in a working farm environment, helping to build confidence and deepen understanding in line with course requirements. This course is through moderated coursework and an externally assessed examination
Wellbeing sessions
Our farm provides a calm, supportive environment that is ideal for wellbeing-focused visits.
We offer sessions designed to:
- Support emotional wellbeing
- Build confidence and independence
- Provide a safe space for engagement with nature
Activities may include gentle animal interaction, outdoor exploration, and sensory-based experiences, tailored to meet the needs of each group.
Group and self-guided visits
For groups who prefer a more flexible experience, we offer self-guided visits to explore the farm at your own pace.
These visits allow you to:
- Access the farm and see a range of animals
- Spend time in our gardens and play areas
- Use the space for your own learning or group activities
- Enjoy a relaxed, informal visit
We can also provide guidance or suggested activities to support your day if needed.
Plan your visit
We welcome schools, colleges, and groups throughout the year.
To discuss your visit, request further information, or receive pricing details, please contact our Education Team via [email protected]