Farm opens its gates to local schools

As part of a joint project by two leading farming and educational charities, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and FACE (Farming and Countryside) Education), called Visit My Farm – Little Gate Farm will help local schools unlock the potential that outdoor learning offers children.

Hannah Briars, Education Office at Little Gate Farm said: “Outdoor learning and school trips are vital for children in a number of ways. It connects them with nature and introduces pupils to the many leisure activities that the countryside can offer.

“It increases their enjoyment and attitude to learning, develops work skills, confidence and independence in a wide range of environments and improves academic achievement

“We feel strongly that outdoor countryside visits can enrich a child’s learning experiences and that these opportunities should be available to students of every ability level. The variety of activities and resources available at our farm, allow us to reinforce and link to many aspects of the school curriculum in a creative way, making learning exciting.

“In addition to offering half and full day visits, we are unique in that we can offer our own tailored six week educational curriculum in animal care and farming, with learning outcomes linked to the national curriculum, from early years to key stage 1-2.

“We are also able to offer ASDAN Short courses and ARTS Award programs, including Discovery and Explorer levels.”

“There is so much for pupils to see and do on our 46 acre farm. Pupils can learn about all the different habitats around the farm and woodland and identify the creatures that lives there.

“They can learn about all the different farm animals, including sheep, goats, alpacas, chickens, turkeys and more, why we have them and where our food comes from. But the fun part is that they can get hands on with the animals and learn how we handle, care and feed them. Pupils may also have the opportunity to cook and make woodland and animal crafts - there is never a dull moment on the farm.”

If schools would like to find out more about visiting Little Gate Care Farm then please email [email protected], call 01797 260125 / 07811 464202, or visit www.littlegatecarefarm.co.uk.