Early Years Foundation Stage – Sensory Explorers

The course normally runs 10am – 2.30pm. There will be an approx. 30 min lunch slot, the timing will depend on the final agreed course programme.

Welcome and introductions

• An overview of the day.
• What are the Seasons? What season are we in now? Would we expect to see? What might be changing?

Morning and afternoon sessions

• Explore the environment using their senses and a range of guided activities. Observe what is above their heads, around them and below them, using a range of sensory activities for example:
  - Mirrors to look up at the sky and trees.
  - Using their sense of smell to count the plants or make potions.
  - Listening carefully to natural and human sounds around them.
  - Taking a closer look at the colours of the habitat.
  - Using magnifying glasses to look more closely at the world around them.
  - Listening to or creating a poem.
• Investigate the habitat and the seasonal impact on it. The activity will vary by location, for example:
  - Build a home for an animal, related to the time of year, e.g. hibernation, building nests, finding food and shelter.
  - Scavenger Hunt or Feely boxes.
• Listen to a story related to the season and time of year.
• Depending on the location you visit the class may also:
  - Explore the footprints of animals found in a habitat through an interactive game.
  - Create a woodland creature to take home.

Depart

Future learning/follow up

• Create a display on the season they visited and what they observed.
• Compare this to other seasons.
• Repeat the same activities on another visit, or in an area close to school to compare differences.

Early Years Learning Goals – The Natural World

• Explore the natural World around them, making observations, drawing pictures of animals and plants.
• Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what they have read in class.
• Understand some important processes and changes in the Natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.

• Develop personal skills
• Have fun
• Be inspired by a passion for the subject
• Build friendships

Customer Information
Details of how to book, terms and conditions, policies and procedures, including risk assessments, can be found on our website here.

Variation
The outline shown is indicative. Whilst we do our best to deliver the agreed programme, we sometimes must change the programme due to for example, weather, access to sites, or staffing issues. Most changes are insignificant and will not affect your trip.

Liaison
This programme is designed to meet the curriculum/specification requirements.
Prior to your visit, one of the Tutors leading your group will be in touch via email. This is an opportunity for us to find out more about the group and to make small adjustments to meet your groups needs.

Tuition
Tuition is delivered by Field Studies Council Tutors, with an expert knowledge of the subject and fieldwork locations, and a passion for the subject being taught. The education team are DBS checked, and undergo regular training including in first aid, water safety and risk assessments.

Transport
There is no requirement for transport during the day. All activities take place on site or within walking distance.

Teaching groups
Your group will be divided into an agreed number of taught groups at the point of booking. This may not match your normal classes. Please subdivide the taught group into subgroups in advance of your visit, and discuss with the tutor at liaison how many subgroups are required.

Teachers and supporting adults
The school should provide teachers and support staff, or parents, to meet minimum ratios per teaching group. Teachers and adults are expected to participate and support the student's learning. Teachers are expected to manage behaviour & support group management, and to supervise break and lunch times.

What to bring
A kit list can be found on our website here. Please adjust this based on the weather conditions. Ensure the group bring lunch and plenty to drink.

Clothing and footwear
Appropriate outdoor clothing (and waterproofs) should be worn, taking into account the weather forecast. The group will be outside most of the day, even in wet weather. It is advised that long trousers are worn, even on sunny days due to the presence of ticks. We advise wearing sensible footwear – trainers or walking boots that can get muddy.