Whatever you want to know, we’ve probably got it covered here!
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to ask us a question or drop us an email to schools@wildsheffield.com
Can I bring my class for an Outdoor Learning workshop to Ecclesall Woods or Greno Woods?
Not at the moment, we shouldn’t be gathering in large groups outside of school at this time. However if you want to provisionally book ahead, no deposit required, we will work within government guidelines and work with you to reduce risks and deliver the workshop as soon as is possible.
Can the Wildlife Trust come to our school to deliver an Outdoor Learning workshop?
Yes, in principle. Not all our topics can be done at your school but many can. They would be totally outdoors to minimise COVID-19 risks. It also depends on the kind of green spaces you have at school. Our workshops largely are about exploring nature, so resources like open green space, trees, access to sticks and leaves will be useful. We can discuss your individual resources and advise if your chosen workshop can be done. (We could link to a version of the info on the document ‘Adapting sessions for delivery in schools’ in the Adapting for COVID 19 folder)
We don’t have green space at school, just a playground, can the Wildlife Trust deliver Outdoor Learning sessions at our school?
We would have to come for a quick visit to assess the situation. It could be that there are hidden gems, for example walls or planters where we could look for mini-beasts. It would also depend on the session, if you wanted to do the ‘Outdoor Adventure’ workshop, making dens and lighting tiny fires, this would likely be possible. Let us know your thoughts and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Workshop in our local park/woodland/greenspace?
Yes in principle. We would need permission from the local authority, and it would have to be deemed a suitable place for your workshop by us as well. Some workshops wouldn’t be possible, such as Electricity, The Stone Age, or workshops involving fire-lighting practice, but the more nature-based workshops such as Natural Art, Habitats Studies and Exploring Seasons could work well.
Can I book a session for 2020/21?
Yes of course. If the situation is still uncertain at that time then it can be considered a provisional booking with no penalties should it be unable to proceed due to government guidance or a COVID-19 outbreak.
We’re keeping class sizes small, can you take half the class then swap?
Yes for the hour long free session we could entertain 2 classes in a day for example, 9:30-10:30am, 11-12pm, 12:45-1:45pm, 2:00-3:00pm
This is also possible for a purchased two hour session. Let us know how your classes are structured and we will figure out the best solution.
Our classes are very small, is that okay?
We understand you may have small classes to maintain social distancing, that is okay with us. If you are enjoying our free 1 hour taster session it makes no difference what the class size is. If you are purchasing a session, minimum charges apply, and are equivalent to the cost of 20 children attending. Contact us for a quote based on your circumstances, we may be able to adapt sessions to compensate for this.
Can we hire you for the full day?
Yes. If you want more than 1 class to have the free taster session we can do that for up to 4 groups in a day. If you are booking a curriculum based workshop we can deliver to 2 classes in a day, or 1 class all day depending what subject you choose
What if I book a session and government restrictions don’t allow the trip to go ahead. Will any charges apply?
No charges will apply if restrictions change to prevent the trip happening.
What if we have to cancel at short notice because of a COVID-19 issue?
We would try to reschedule for another time, and you will not be charged for your workshop until you have attended it.
What procedures have you got in place for social distancing?
We risk assess all our activities and sessions to make every effort to keep 2m distancing between groups and avoid contamination between groups. Changes to activities involve minimal sharing of resources, protocol to clean resources for use, and hand gel and frequent hand washing as standard. This risk assessment will be approved and can be collaborated on between us so that everyone is happy to continue
Can we do the Electricity workshop at Eon power plant?
Not at the moment, sorry. Let us know if you want to book a provisional future date
Can we do the Electricity workshop at our school?
Not at the moment because it involves some indoor time and at the moment our staff will only be working outside with classes. This will change as restrictions are lifted as let us know if you want to make a provisional booking
Can we do the Life on the Farm workshop at Our Cow Molly?
Not at the moment, sorry. Let us know if you want to book a provisional future date though.
We hope we have been able to answer all your questions, but if you have a question not listed here, please contact our outdoor learning team at schools@wildsheffield.com and we would be more than happy to discuss further.
Date last updated: 9 June 2020