Early Years Foundation Stage – Understanding the Natural World, Habitats

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.

Pre visit/prior learning

• No prior knowledge is required to attend this day.
• Optional – introduce children to the variety of minibeasts in the world and discuss where they might live. Introduce them to camouflage and why it's important.
• The day is split into 2 sessions one before lunch and one after lunch

Welcome and Introduction

• Welcome and Introductions
• An overview of the day.
• A story to introduce the day, life cycles and what we might find.
• Where we are going to go and what would we expect to see?

Morning Session

• Children will play a camouflage game to help their understanding of camouflage.
• Visit a habitat from the options below:
  - In the woodland, under log and leaves
  - From the meadow using sweep nets and by shaking vegetation
  - From the pond using pond nets
• Children will collect invertebrates using a range of suitable equipment.
• Using simple ID charts and pictures, they will identify the invertebrates by counting legs and making careful observations.
• We will observe and share what we have found.

Afternoon Session

• Children will visit a second habitat from the options below:
  - In the woodland, under log and leaves
  - From the meadow using sweep nets and by shaking vegetation
  - From the pond using pond nets
• Children will collect invertebrates using a range of suitable equipment.
• Using simple ID charts and pictures they will identify the invertebrates by counting legs and using careful observations.
• We will observe and share what we have found.

Plenary

• Create a minibeast using natural materials, we will create our favourite animal we have seen today.

Depart

Future learning/follow up

• Draw the animals you have found to create a display.

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, 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.