Schools, Community & Military Groups.
We work with a number of schools and community groups here at Swanston Farm, providing opportunities and space for outdoor learning and wellbeing for children and adults. This includes facilitating visits for children and adults with special educational needs or disabilities, working closely with the Support for Learning and Wellbeing teachers, support workers, Wellbeing and Welfare Officers. All visits are available during weekdays only, between 10am and 3pm.
There is no charge for Schools, SEN groups, Accessibility groups or Military/Veteran groups.
Examples of visits:
- Farm Tour – 90 minutes, for school groups of up to 35 (plus staff helpers). Available between 1st May and 30th September. The visit includes visiting a select group of animals on the farm. Your guide will provide facts and learning throughout the visit, with opportunities to interact with the animals to suit the group. Suitable for Primary and Secondary pupils. If you are looking for a Nursery group visit, please contact our wonderful local petting farm, Menagerie Edinburgh, who is able to accommodate younger children.
- Tactile Farm Tour – for visitors with Vision Impairment – Available between 1st May and 30th September. 90 minutes, for groups of up to 12. Suitable for all ages. This includes visiting a selection of animals on the farm. Your guide is a trained Sighted Guide and will provide facts and learning throughout the visit, with opportunities to interact with the animals to suit the individuals in the group. Guide dogs, sighted guides and canes all welcome.
- Outdoor Learning for Schools – Full (6hrs) or Half (3hrs) days – Available between 1st May and 30th September. For groups up to 35 (plus staff helpers). Learning Days are for school groups and are tailored to provide a variety of outdoor learning, including wildlife, biodiversity, quizzes and lots of exercise! Suitable for Primary/Year 4-6 or Secondary/High School pupils.
- Wellbeing – Tailored specifically for children with special educational needs and adults who would benefit from respite time in the outdoors. Available between 1st May and 30th September. These visits can incorporate exercise, learning and some interactions with animals, led by an experienced guide. Each session is bespoke, to suit the individuals/group. Available for a single person (carers/companion/support teacher must also be in attendance) or groups of up to 10 (plus carers/companions/support teachers). Assistance dogs welcome.
- Headspace Hikes – specifically for serving military personnel, military veterans and military families, these hikes can be tailored to short or long walks/hikes with a variety of terrain to suit individuals. Led by an experienced guide, these are available for a single person or groups up to 20 (plus companions). Assistance dogs welcome. Self-guided walking routes also available. Farm tour options also available. Available all year round. Weather may impact availability.
For all visits, please contact us.
Job, Education and Training (JET) Programme.
Swanston Farm has provided opportunities for pupils in Edinburgh as part of the JET Programme. This is a work-based learning programme for pupils in the senior phase of high school. It combines school education with vocational training and real life work experience.
Pupils will:
- work towards a national qualification in employability as well as their national 4s and 5s
- have a full day’s work experience placement each Friday from September to April.
Speak to your deputy head or guidance teacher if you want to take part in JET.
Schools or teachers wishing to enquire about pupil opportunities as part of the JET Programme at Swanston Farm, please contact us.
