Visiting Earth School

This guide includes information about your school visit to Earth Trust such as pricing, what to bring and how to get here, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Please read the Earth School Terms & Conditions before booking. If you have any further questions please contact the team via [email protected] or call us on 01865 407792.

What are the timings for a visit?

Our full day sessions start at 10am. Before heading out we recommend the group has a snack and a toilet break. We aim to have lunch around 12pm for approximately 30-40mins, with the workshop finishing at 2-2.30pm (depending on what time you need to be back at school).

How many children can I bring?

We can facilitate groups of 90+ pupils depending on the session you require. Please contact the Education team to discuss large groups further. During the visit we allocate one Earth School Tutor per 30 pupils.

Can I come for a pre-site visit?

We welcome teachers or TAs to come for a pre-site visit, please contact the Education team to arrange a time.

Pricing & Payments

EYFS & Primary School £10 per child

(Minimum charge: £250)

Secondary School £11 per child

(Mininum charge: £275)

 

*All prices are subject to VAT  (which schools can claim back)

We will invoice your school for the number of pupils in attendance after the visit. Please let us know if there are any special requirements you have for invoices.

Earth Trust will send an invoice to your school at the end of the month, via email to the email address on your booking form.

If you require invoices to be sent to a different email address please provide this on your booking form.

If you have any questions please contact the team via [email protected] or call us on 01865 407792.

What if the weather is really bad?

Your day will be a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee perfect weather! Here is a suggested list of things for pupils to bring:

  • Outdoor clothes which can get wet or muddy. If possible we recommend a change of clothes if the weather looks particularly wet.
  • Warm clothes, gloves and woolly hat in cold weather, sun hat and sun cream if hot.
  • We recommend long trousers, no matter the weather, to protect from brambles and nettles.
  • Waterproof jacket (and trousers if you have them).
  • Wellington boots for wet weather.
  • Strong shoes, boots or trainers if the weather is dry.

In extreme heat we can supply extra water and will head for the shade where possible. Unless the weather conditions are dangerous, an element of all of our workshops will be outside. However, for very cold weather we can provide indoor activities for part of the day.

Group organisation and ratios

To save time on the day we have found that it is often easier if you arrange pupils into smaller work groups before the visit and let them know what these are before they arrive. For younger groups it is often good to provide each group with a specific adult to focus them on the activities and lend a hand. There is no charge for accompanying adults.

Mobility & access

I have a child with a medical condition and/or mobility problems, can they take part in all activities?

We are a fully inclusive site and work with a number of groups with mobility problems. Please discuss any specific needs with our team so adjustments can be made to your trip.

How do you deal with allergies?

Please make the team aware (on your booking form) of any allergies (food, insect stings, etc) before your visit.

The Earth Trust is not a nut free zone, our gardens and nature reserve contain nut trees including walnut and hazelnut and we cannot guarantee the indoor spaces are nut free. Some workshops will have a food element such as campfire cooking on history or survival days. If there are any dietary requirements please let us know as soon as possible (on your booking form).

Will we have access to toilets?

Your group will have access to our indoor toilets which include a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities.

Where do we eat lunch?

We have plenty of space for eating lunch. Your group will have access to either outdoor space in the Earth Trust Centre garden or inside space. We always aim to have lunch at 12pm for 30-40 minutes.

Do you have coach parking?

We have facilities for coach parking and turning – coach drivers are reminded not to leave their engines running while they wait.

Is there wifi?

Yes, however the signal in the Learning Barn is weak. Please ask for the password at the start of your visit.

Do you have a risk assessment?

All activities and workshops are risk assessed. These will be sent to you with the confirmation of your visit. If you would like to see the risk assessment for your workshop before booking please get in touch.

Are your staff first aid trained?

All Earth Trust leaders are qualified first aiders (2 day outdoor course) and will be carrying a first aid kit and an emergency action plan, which includes our lost child procedure. The emergency action plan will be made available to you at the beginning of your visit.

Please make sure that you have all medicines, such as epi-pens and inhalers, needed for your groups.

Can we buy tea and coffee?

Tea and coffee is provided free of charge for staff and helpers at lunchtime.

Directions

Our address: Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QZ

Please make sure that your driver follows the brown signs to Earth Trust and does not go through Little Wittenham village – this will avoid difficult corners for large coaches. (Schools need to provide their own transport to and from Earth Trust.)