Families on the Farm

Timings may be subject to change

10.00  Arrive

Welcome and safety talk.  Paperwork.

10.30  Farming jobs and animal feeding

We will do some work on the farm involving tools and muscles!  It may be digging, it may be wheel-barrowing, it will definitely involve energy!

We will feed our chickens and ducks before collecting their eggs, which will be graded using our “Egganator” machine. We will also give the pigs their morning feed, stopping along the way to visit the horses.

12.30 Lunch

Lunch menu will very according to the seasons. All dietary requirements can be catered for with notice.

1.15    Dependant on the season and weather the afternoon activity could include:

Woodland adventures

Create a tribe, make a den and practice your fire lighting skills without using matches.

Or

River dipping

Find all kinds of beasties in the river along with bull-head fish and trout. Fashion a small raft to race in the river

Or

Craft activity

Make a wood and mesh bird feeder or hedgerow walking stick

2.45    Feedback and preparation for departure

3.00    Departure

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us on 01460 30144 or email via info@magdalenfarm.org.uk.

Important preparation information

To ensure that you and your group make the most of your day on the farm, please read this carefully and communicate any relevant information to staff, helpers, parents and children. 

Please also refer to the booking terms and conditions on the booking form.

Group Responsibility including Discipline & Supervision

Visiting staff are in loco parentis at all times.  Therefore visiting staff are responsible for the supervision, safe behaviour and wellbeing of their group members, ensuring all health and safety procedures are adhered to as advised by Magdalen staff during the introductory talks and risk assessments. Each group must have a designated first aider with them and ensure that all medicines and medical information are with the group at all times.  Magdalen is a working farm therefore all students must be accompanied at all times.  Magdalen reserves the right to terminate activities if there is inadequate supervision or poor discipline.

Lunch

Unless otherwise arranged with Magdalen at the time of booking your group will need to bring their own packed lunch and drink. We recommend a refillable drinks bottle to avoid dehydration.  Light refreshments and snacks are included throughout the day.  Lunch can be provided by Magdalen at cost and can be adjusted to suit the dietary requirements of individuals with prior notice.

Clothing

Regardless of the weather - we don’t stop unless we absolutely have to, so please advise everyone to wear adequate OLD clothing for wet/warm/cold weather – plenty of layers are best.  This includes a woolly hat, wellies, thick socks, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, sun cream, and a sunhat according to the weather conditions.  A spare set of clothing is advisable.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments for all activities are available upon request.  If at any time visiting staff are unhappy about an activity, it is essential they make their concerns known to your Magdalen leader at the earliest opportunity.   

Farmland, Water, Bio-security and Animals

Adults should ensure that children follow the advice given in the introductory talk from Magdalen leader, as well as guidance from risk assessments.  It is the responsibility of visiting staff to ensure the group wash and dry their hands thoroughly before and after eating, after any contact with animals, and after every activity. 

First Aiders and First Aid Kits

Magdalen leaders carry first aid kits when out on the farm away from the centre however we do ask that all groups bring a designated qualified first aider and a first aid kit, to provide minor first aid.  The designated first aider should also carry all medication and emergency contact details and medical information for everyone in the party.