| Q How
long has the Environment and Education Centre
been open? |
| A
It was opened by David Bellamy in September
1998. |
 |
| Q How
much does it cost to visit the Centre? |
A
Please
click here to see range of costs and Key Stages.
Our Education
department is non-profit making. |
|
| Q What
is the average age of the school children
that visit? |
| A
We cater for all Key Stages 1-4, "A"
level and Further Education. We can adapt
our activities to suit particular needs. |
|
| Q What
facilities are there for disabled visitors? |
| A
The Environment and Education Centre is wheelchair
accessible with wide boardwalks around the
site. The Centre itself has a disabled toilet
and a hearing loop. We have a sensory garden,
two raised ponds and flower bed which are
all wheelchair accessible. |
|
| Q So,
is it a fun or educational day out? |
| A
Our motto is 'making learning fun' and that's
exactly what the feedback shows. All the activities
are linked to the National Curriculum and
to the requirements of the Literacy Hour and
Numeracy Time but don't tell the children
that - they think they're enjoying themselves!
|
|
| Q How
many activities can be done in a day? |
| A
On average, three activities make up a full
day, each activity taking approximately one
hour. |
|
| Q How
long do most schools stay for? |
| A
Usually the Centre is booked for the whole
day. Groups normally arrive around 10am and
leave about 2.30pm to fit in with the normal
school day, although this is flexible. |
|
| Q What
is the largest group size that you will allow?
|
| A
We can accommodate up to two classes each
day. For three or four classes a combined
trip with a linked centre such as Aldenham
Country Park can be arranged. |
|
| Q Where
is Aldenham Country Park? |
| A
The country park is two miles from the Environment
and Education Centre and has a rare breeds
farm, lake, nature trail and "Winnie the Pooh
Wood". |
|
| Q Has
a risk assessment been carried out? |
| A
A thorough risk assessment has been completed
on the site and the educational activities
which we provide. Visitors are encouraged
to view the risk assessment, which is reviewed
annually and appropriate actions taken. |
|
| Q Are
the Centre staff first-aid trained? |
| A
There is always a qualified first aider available
when a group is on site and staff carry first
aid kits on all activities. |
|
| Q What
should the children wear? |
| A
Sensible clothes and flat shoes, trainers
or wellies, if it is wet. Some schools compromise
with school uniform on the top half and old
trousers on the bottom half. Waterproof coat
and warm hat, or sun hat during the summer
months. |
|
| Q Is the
Centre only available for school groups? |
| A
No. Although schools (from reception to secondary)
form our main client base, out of school activity
groups and private or voluntary groups, can
also hire out the Centre. For further information
contact the Centre. |
|
| Q Can
I visit the Centre before I make my decision?
|
| A Certainly,
although for security reasons you would need
to book an appointment beforehand. |
