Schools Education - Wakehurst Place

INFORMATION ON VISITS

Unassisted Visits

Groups in full-time education on an unassisted visit to the Gardens can enter, by prior arrangement, free of charge. All bookings must be made 7 days in advance so that a voucher can be posted out.

Either e-mail us on schoolswp@kew.org or call 01444 894055 for a booking form.

Health and safety requirements:

Please be aware of the following:

• this is working garden and as such has large horticultural machines operating in the garden.
• adequate numbers of adults to pupils are required
• unattended horticultural equipment can be dangerous to children
• warning and "no entry" signs need to be observed
• there are several areas of deep water
• due to the toxic or irritant properties of some plants, they should not be touched or eaten
• medication (e.g. for asthma) to be carried at all times
• make good use of hand washing facilities in the toilets before eating
• some leaves have sharp tips or edges

Adult to Pupil Ratios on both Unassisted and Assisted Visits:

We recommend pupils are accompanied by adults in the following ratios:

SENS - 1:1
Reception - 1:2
Key Stage 1 - 1:5
Key Stage 2 - 1:8
Key Stage 3 - 1:10
Key Stage 4 - 1:10

We require a minimum supervision ratio of 1 adult to 10 pupils.

Assisted Visits

For years 1-11, for groups of up to 30 students, the cost is £150 for a Wakehurst teacher for a day, lasting between 10.00am and 2.30-3.00pm.

For years 12 and 13 the maximum groups size is 20 students to one Wakehurst teacher for a day, lasting between 10.00am and 4.00pm. For some topics a maximum of 15 students may be appropriate.

Depending on the age of the students and the topics to be covered, schools can have a half day (of 2½ hours) at a minimum charge of £100 for one Wakehurst teacher.

Departure times may be determined by the distance to be travelled back to school, and the school bus commitments of the coach firms.

Every school has different goals and expectations of what they want from a visit to Wakehurst Place. It is because of this that we strongly recommend a planning visit to Wakehurst during which you will have the opportunity to discuss your visit with the Wakehurst Teacher that will be with you on the day.

Planning Visits

The free pre-visit planning session is essential for teachers leading a group, in order that the following can be discussed:

Selection of modules and assignments:

• party and group size - organisation and timetabling
• equipment and resources required
• levels of support from Wakehurst staff and volunteers
• location(s) and trail routes(s)
• use of the Study Centre and Mansion
• suitable clothing
• provision required for any student with special needs
• health and safety issues both general and in relation to selected modules
• risk assessments are available on pre visit planning visits

A Typical Day

Groups range from individual classes of approximately 30 to whole year groups of 120.   The children are split into easily managed groups and take part in different activities usually following a rotational timetable of three activities in a day. One of these is often a volunteer led trail which aims to complement the other activities. Activities are usually around 45 minutes plus time allowed to move to the location of the next activity.

What happens if it rains?

For younger children all programmes have indoor back up activities. Many activities (including pond dipping) can be moved inside, and for others alternatives are provided and can be discussed at the planning visit. For older students, the programme happens outside wherever possible, but there is usually flexibility for rearranging the timing or location of the different sessions to avoid the worst of the weather.

Lunch

Our Volunteers will take you to your lunchtime location. This will be somewhere suitable to let the children "blow off a little steam". Supervision over this period will be your responsibility. Lunch is usually eaten outside if at all possible. Waterproof mats are provided for the children to sit on. On wet days lunch moves inside the Mansion or the Study Centre. Please remember to make sure that children bring plenty of drinks if the weather is hot.

Clothing

Sensible shoes/trainers are needed, especially for older students working from the Study Centre. You will need to be prepared for all types of weather and a waterproof jacket or anorak is essential. On hot summer days, please ensure that sun protection is available for your pupils.

Bags

Students do not have to carry their bags around with them all day. On arrival students will leave their bags and lunch packs in the Mansion or the Study Centre.

Personal Hygiene

When working with soil, leaf litter and pond water it is important to remember to cover cuts and then wash hands (especially before eating). We will supply special gel to disinfect hands prior to lunch.

Medical or Special Needs

Please let us know if any of your students have allergies etc. and also if your group has any students who may have special requirements or behavioural problems.

We are always willing to adjust the programme to suit the needs of our students.

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