Education Days
We offer a variety of structured educational activity days for 3-11 year olds, set around environmental and science topics that are closely linked to the guidance for Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum.
We aim to give all our visitors the opportunity to value, enjoy and understand more about their environment, and this runs throughout our activities, linking in with PHSE and Citizenship Education. We also support schools working towards the Healthy Schools Standard and Sustainable Schools.
Arranging a Session
To arrange a visit to the centre please call us on 0113 2430815. We will then send you a booking form and all the other information you need.
Our booking system works two terms ahead. For example, booking for the Autumn term opens at the start of the preceding Spring term. Our summer term is very popular and books up within the first week of the preceding September, so book early to avoid disappointment!
We can take one class per day (up to 35 children) - but if you have a very large Foundation unit you may need to book two sessions - please phone to discuss.
We don't make a specific charge for sessions for schools in Leeds and Wakefield, but operate on a donations system. For schools outside of this area we charge £250 for a day.
Sessions normally run from 10:00am to 2:30pm, or in two hour blocks for foundation stage (nursery) sessions. The session will be set up and run by the project team, but schools are expected to provide supervision and support.
Is it Safe?
BTCV works to a Health and Safety Procedure on Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Other Vulnerable Groups. As a matter of policy we can only work with other organisations if they have an equivalent code or policy for the protection of child safety and welfare. All activities we run have been fully assessed for safety with risk assessments carried out, and copies of all relevant risk assessments will be sent with your booking forms. For more information about our policies visit our Safety Policies page. We have been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.
Planning your visit
Supervision - we teach in small groups, so you will need to divide your class into small groups before your visit - 3 groups for KS1 and KS2, 4 groups for Reception, and 5 groups for nursery. You will need to bring at least one adult per small group who will be responsible for supervising their group throughout the day - these may be members of school staff or parents. Skelton staff and volunteers should be discounted when working out supervision ratios. Please bring a copy of the class list and accompanying adults' names for fire safety purposes.
Clothing - please ensure children bring suitable clothing or footwear for all weather conditions (eg wellies, waterproofs, sun hats, warm coats) as many activities are outside. If possible bring indoor shoes for working inside the centre.
Lunch - children need to bring packed lunches, and all visiting groups get to enter our Waste Free Lunch competition!
Preliminary visits - we strongly recommend that you arrange a preliminary visit when you book your trip if you haven't been here before. This will allow you to have a good look around, find out exactly what the day involves, carry out your own safety assessment and ask any questions and let us know about any special requirements you may have.
Pre-visit and follow-up activities - take a look at our Links page for some great ideas for activities you can do with your class before or after you visit us.
Evaluation
At the end of your visit we will give you an evaluation form to complete. This helps us ensure that we continue to provide high quality visits for schools that are suitable for their needs. To view the evaluation form in advance, click here (pdf document, 121k).
