Opening Times

09:00-17:30 Monday to Friday
Term time (half-term holidays by arrangement)

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

We offer a diverse range of farm tours, talks and hands-on activities to educational groups of all ages and abilities. All educational visits to our farm are enjoyable, thought-provoking and completely free of charge!

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Each schedule is specifically tailored to address the objectives of the group leader. Visitors may opt for a broad farm experience or a narrow, project-specific focus. We can contribute to many areas of the Curriculum at all Key Stages, particularly science, nutrition, geography, land management, environmental studies, business studies, citizenship and maths.

What are the activities?

Meeting and feeding the animals; visiting and learning about all areas of the farm and business; PowerPoint presentations; classroom activities.

What is the age range of the activities?

We cater for all ages from Year R up to A-level plus adult education.

Sample programme of the activities:

Year 1: Visit free-range hens and collect eggs; share apples and carrots with pigs and piglets; bottle-feed buffalo calves; explore the walled garden and plant salads in pots.
Year 13: PowerPoint presentation tailored to objectives; visit science labs and compost site; visit pigs and hens; watch buffalo being milked and bottle-feed calves; visit farm shop.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

There is no minimum group size; we have previously welcomed a group of 4 SEN pupils. We can accommodate up to 90, in separate coaches, with enough notice. Groups of up to 30 can be booked at short notice and smaller groups move around more quickly so can enjoy more activities. We recommend you use Local Authority guidelines for the pupil to teacher ratio. Visits are free of charge as the Laverstoke Foundation is a charity.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

All group leaders must attend a pre-visit, which includes a short tour of the farm. The visit schedule is discussed and our visitors’ risk assessment is read and signed.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Lead teachers attend the pre-visit, which takes approximately 90 min and includes a drive around the farm. Written advice and guidelines for the visit are given.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

The education centre has two large classrooms with toilet facilities and water fountain. Packed lunches are needed for school visits although we can cater for adult groups by prior arrangement. We have a farm shop selling our produce but no pocket-money toys.

Is specific clothing required?

Visitors will be walking through muddy fields and farmyards. Wellies or outdoor shoes are essential and clothing must be suitable for the weather on the day of the visit.

Do you have first aid on site?

We carry a first aid kit but ask schools to provide their own first aider.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

We are happy for our visitors to take photos. Please contact us for further details.

Additional information.

Visit our educational website at www.lpec.co.uk for more information, news and resources.