Children of all ages can benefit enormously from visiting a working farm. From providing a stimulating, hands-on experience for Early Years right through to a practical demonstration of some career options for post 16s, there is something for all ages and abilities. Getting children out into the countryside also has wider community benefits. Overall, a farm visit can:
- provide a stimulating and versatile outdoor classroom
- support the curriculum with engaging activities before, during and after a visit
- contribute to developing children's social and personal skills
- create interest and motivation that can be carried back to classroom activities
- help children understand where their food comes from
- teach children in a direct, hands-on way about may important topics including nutrition, animal welfare, sustainability and conservation
- allow for physical exercise
- increase children's appreciation and understanding of the natural environment
- give children first-hand experience of farming and the countryside
- show children the importance of good husbandry
- introduce children to some of the issues aound agriculture and rural affairs
- raise awareness of careers available in the countryside
- provide an opportunity for children to meet people from different backgrounds
- allow children to understand risk and how to manage it
- provide teachers with an opportunity for professional development by gaining farming and countryside knowledge, and experience of outdoor education