Our popular science, history and literacy days are set in Skelton Grange’s beautiful nature reserve and award-winning eco-building.
These first-hand experiences for children, supported by our knowledgeable and experienced team, can really enrich their learning and support you to meet Foundation Stage guidance and the Primary National Curriculum.
We also offer Wild in the Woods days and half-term long Green Gym programmes focused on confidence building, resilience, problem-solving – and fun!
Really enjoyed the day and children still raving about it! Staff commented on how wonderful it was to hear certain children so animated and taking a lead in aspects of the day, which would normally never happen. Teaching was top quality as always, very inclusive approach
Windmill Primary School
To arrange a visit to Skelton Grange – please call us on 0113 2430815.
We will then send you a booking form and all the other information you need.
Numbers and timings?
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 us to discuss. Sessions normally run from 10am to 2.30pm, or we can offer half day sessions for foundation groups. The session will be set up and run by the project team, but schools are expected to provide supervision and support.
What does it cost?
We ask that you make a voluntary contribution or donation of £7.50 per pupil.
Skelton Grange is part of The Conservation Volunteers charity, who work to create healthier and happier communities for everyone. We work really hard to raise most of the costs which pay staff to plan and lead school sessions, train volunteers and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for children. We rely on teachers asking for voluntary contributions to support the running costs of the centre and nature reserve, ensuring these opportunities can be available to schools in future.
Is it safe?
The Conservation Volunteers 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 are available on request. We have been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.
Planning your visit
One of the real benefits of visiting Skelton Grange is that we teach in small groups, so you will need to divide your class into 3 groups of approximately 8-10 children before your visit. 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 & lunch
Please ensure adults and children bring suitable clothing or footwear for all weather conditions (eg wellies, waterproofs, sun hats, warm coats) as most activities are outside. We generally ask children to take off their outdoor shoes when inside. Everyone needs to bring packed lunches, and all visiting groups get to enter our waste-free Lunch competition! If you want a fruit or milk break too, please let us know beforehand so we can build that into our planning.
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.
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 your needs.
We also offer professional development training
Our full-day or twilight courses for school staff and childminders can be delivered either in your own setting or at Skelton Grange. Current courses include Raising Standards by Teaching Numeracy & Literacy Outside; Making the Most of the School Grounds; Environmental Games; Nature Play for Early Years or for Childminders. Open courses are detailed on our courses and events page, but many schools prefer to arrange sessions for their own staff or with partner schools.