Schools & Educational Visits

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:

✔ Ethical, informed citizens who understand biodiversity and conservation.

✔ Healthy, confident individuals who develop confidence in handling and respecting animals.

✔ Ambitious, capable learners who explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiences.

✔ Enterprising, creative contributors who ask questions, investigate, and problem-solve.

Links to Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs)

📚 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

✔ Session Length – 45/60 -minute class sessions, half-day, or full-day visits available.

✔ Flexible Format – Individual class workshops, small group sessions, assemblies, or full-school experiences.

✔ Interactive Animal Encounters – Hands-on opportunities to meet reptiles, mammals, birds, and invertebrates.

✔ Encouraging Inquiry-Based Learning– Pupils can ask questions, investigate, and think critically about what they learn.

✔ Customisable Topics – We can tailor sessions to fit any specific topics or areas of interest you are covering in the classroom.

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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.

Progression Step 1 (Ages 3–5) – Foundation Learning

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.

Progression Step 2 (Ages 5–8) – Developing Understanding

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.

Progression Step 3 (Ages 8–11) – Expanding Knowledge

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?

Progression Step 4 (Ages 11–14) – Scientific Enquiry

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.

Progression Step 5 (Ages 14–16) – Real-World Applications

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?

Special Projects & Long-Term Engagement

Animal Cwtch can support:

✔ Eco-Schools projects – promoting sustainability and conservation awareness.

✔ STEM-focused workshops – hands-on learning linked to the curriculum.

✔ Special school themes – sessions adapted for rainforest studies, adaptations, endangered species, and more.

✔ Long-term engagement – regular visits to support ongoing science, well-being, or ALN programmes.

“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.