Guidelines

Most of our guidelines are common sense, but please read the notes carefully and ensure all supervising adults and children are briefed beforehand as appropriate.

Supervision of school children is the responsibility of the school. Schools must provide the minimum number of adults to satisfy HSE guidelines:

• One adult to every six pupils in school years 1 - 3 (under fives should have a higher ratio)
• One adult to every ten to fifteen pupils in school years 4 - 6
• One adult to every fifteen to twenty pupils in school year 7 onwards

We recommend having more adults for adventurous activities.

Pre-visit Information
Teachers are strongly advised to visit the Estates before bringing their children. This visit allows teachers to conduct their own risk assessment. Pre-visit information includes advice on clothing, routes to be taken and copies of relevant risk assessments completed by estate staff.

Hygiene
All visitors must wash their hands immediately after contact with animals. Younger pupils need to be supervised. Children should be discouraged from putting hands on their faces and fingers in their mouths.

Allergies
Staff and pupils who suffer from asthma or hay fever should carry their medication with them in case of emergency. This is particularly important during the summer.

General Rules

• No smoking by teachers or leaders
• Be aware of vehicle movements  
• Leaders should go round corners first and should not let children run ahead
• Children must be supervised near animals and are not allowed to enter pens
• Food should only be eaten during designated lunch breaks at a picnic site and after washing hands
• Do not let children climb on bales, machinery, gates, walls or fences
• Please take your rubbish home as bins are not provided
• Please do not enter fields without supervision - the crop may have been treated or there may be grazing animals

Further information is available from the Health and Safety Executive "Avoiding Ill Health on Open Farms" - HSE publication giving advice to teachers with a teachers' supplement.