RSPB Sandwell Valley School Trips

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At RSPB Sandwell Valley we bring learning to life. We offer a full range of habitat-based activities where children discover for themselves the wildlife living on the reserve. Our fun and interactive sessions are curriculum-linked and designed to connect children to nature and inspire a life long love of the plants and animals around them.
What teachers say; 'Probably one of the best visits I have taken children on in the 10 years I have been a teacher' Sarah Dolman, Summerhill Primary
'It was wonderful. A lovely day with well organized activities' Leanne Cheek, Coppice Primary

Why are RSPB Sandwell Valley great for School Trips and Educational Visits?

Sandwell Valley is a brilliant venue!
We are conveniently located on the outskirts of Birmingham and the Black Country and are within easy reach of thousands of schools.

We have a beautifully compact site with an accessible range of habitats for children to safely explore. Ponds, meadows, woodland and a garden are all nearby.
We also have a bird hide on stilts, overlooking the lake.
Every child will have the opportunity to discover the miniature world of nature for themselves, assisted by knowledgeable staff and volunteers and using specialised equipment.
We have a picnic area outside the visitor centre facilities.

Activities available during group visits

EYFS & KS1 Brilliant Birds
EYFS & KS1 Discovering Land Minibeasts
EYFS & KS1 Seasonal Sensory Walk
EYFS & KS1 Discovering Pond Minibeasts

KS1 Plant Detectives.

KS2 sessions Rocks and Soils
KS2 Investigating Minibeasts
KS2 Living Things & Their Habitats
KS2 Pond Habitat Study
KS2 Discovering Birds
KS2 River Investigation

What size groups do you cater for?

We cater for single classes or larger groups up to 60.

Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?

Nature's Reach is our fabulous central Visitor Centre which overlooks the meadow and lake. It is a beautifully designed, flexible space offering two classrooms that can be opened up into one large space. There is a large screen, storage for coats and bags and low wash basins.

Is there first aid on site?

Yes, all of our leaders are first aid trained.

Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The visitor centre is suitable for wheelchair users with an accessible toilet. Many of the trails around the reserve are accessible to wheelchairs. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements or to arrange a tour of the reserve facilities. For more information please visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/sandwell-valley/accessibility

Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

Yes. Our sessions are very popular with Special Schools as our outdoor sessions often suit children with additional needs. The natural environment is beneficial for all learners and provides a calm atmosphere for learning. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Anything else?

Primary per child:
Each session is designed to last approximately 2 hours - 10am - 12.pm and 12.30pm - 2.30pm. We are flexible over start and finish times.
Two sessions from our programme can be combined to make a full day.
A half day session is £4.00 and a full day is £6.50.
There is a minimum charge of £80 for half a day, and £130 for a full day.
Prices are per child and no charge is made for accompanying adults.
We also offer activity sessions for uniformed grouped and welcome Beavers, Cubs, Brownies and Rainbows.

How to find us.

By road:
The reserve is brown signposted off the A4041 (Newton Rd) North of Hamstead, take Hamstead Road (B4167), which is fifth on the left near the bottom of the hill by the church (look for the brown sign marked RSPB nature centre).

Teacher Checklist

		Risk Assessments
		Inspection Visits
		Education Packs
		LOtC Quality Badge
		AALA Licence
		Institute of Outdoor Learning

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0121 357 7395
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