Schools & Educational Visits

More Than Just an Animal Encounter – A Heartfelt, Inclusive Experience for Everyone

Health & Safety

Fully insured and DBS-checked staff.

Risk assessments available for all school visits.

Strict hygiene protocols – handwashing before and after handling animals.

At Animal Cwtch, we offer engaging, hands-on educational experiences that support the Curriculum for Wales. Our sessions align with the Four Purposes and Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs) to provide an interactive, memorable way for learners to explore the natural world. How Animal Cwtch Supports the Curriculum for Wales Our sessions help learners become:

Science & Technology

Understanding habitats, adaptations, food chains, classification, and ecosystems.

Humanities

Exploring sustainability, conservation, ethical pet ownership, and human impact on wildlife.

Health & Well-being

Encouraging emotional well-being through animal interactions.

Expressive Arts

Inspiring creativity through observation, storytelling, and artistic responses to animals.

Learning comes alive when you experience it firsthand.

How a School Visit Works

Tailored Learning for Different Progression Steps

Our sessions are designed to meet the needs of learners at different Progression Steps, ensuring engagement at an appropriate level.
  • Sensory exploration – feeling different textures (scales, fur, feathers).

  • Basic understanding of animals – recognising different species and their sounds.

  • Simple life cycle concepts – exploring how animals grow and change.

  • Gentle, interactive experiences that encourage curiosity and confidence. 

  • Food chains and simple classification – what animals eat and where they live.

  • Basic adaptations – how animals survive in different environments.

  • The importance of looking after pets and wild animals.

  • Hands-on handling experiences with discussions around respect and responsibility.

  • Detailed adaptations and survival strategies – camouflage, predator-prey relationships.

  • Ecosystem roles – understanding the balance of nature and human impact.

  • Introduction to conservation and sustainability.

  • Encouraging critical thinking – why should we protect certain species?

  • More in-depth classification and biodiversity – the importance of protecting different species.

  • Climate change and its impact on animal populations.

  • The responsibilities of keeping exotic animals.

  • Interactive discussions on conservation, ethical pet ownership, and sustainability.

  • Human impact on ecosystems – deforestation, pollution, and wildlife conservation.

  • Careers linked to animals – zoology, animal care, conservation, and research.

  • Debates and ethical discussions – should we keep animals in captivity? What are the pros and cons?

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

Hands-on learning is at the heart of what we do at Animal Cwtch. We believe that real connections with animals create the most meaningful learning experiences—whether it’s feeling the smooth scales of a snake, the soft fur of a guinea pig, or the rough texture of a tortoise shell. Engaging with animals up close sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Special Projects & Long-Term Engagement

Animal Cwtch can support:

Beyond the Classroom: What Else We Offer

Our animal encounters and workshops aren’t just for schools — we provide inclusive, engaging educational experiences for all ages and abilities.

Gentle, sensory sessions designed to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and support early language and social skills.

Flexible sessions and small-group workshops that bring science, nature, and animal care to life through hands-on learning.

Fully inclusive visits tailored to sensory needs, communication styles, and individual learning goals — offering calm, interactive experiences that build confidence and connection.

Exciting six-week courses introducing young learners to animal behaviour, habitats, conservation, and care. Perfect for aspiring zoologists and curious minds!

Enrichment sessions, animal handling modules, and wellbeing workshops supporting animal care, biology, and health & social care courses.

Guest lectures, interactive learning, and wellbeing events such as de-stress sessions, exam-season breaks, and campus engagement activities designed to promote mental health and connection through animal encounters.

Opportunities for learners to develop real-world skills in animal care, education, and public engagement as part of the Animal Cwtch team.

Engaging talks and wellbeing sessions for lifelong learners, special interest groups, and organisations.