Education and School Visits

All of our workshops have been carefully designed to include maximum engagement and interaction from the children.

Not only do the workshops link to the national curriculum but they also contain an important conservation message behind them. The objective of our workshops is to educate and inspire the younger generation, whilst provoking a curiosity and passion for the natural world around them.

(Please note: All of our workshops can be adapted to meet a variety of SEND needs but prior notification by teachers is required at time of booking)

Guided School Visits

(Highly recommended for schools)

Includes:

Access to your own Education Guide
Access to the Education cabin for bag/lunch storage
Interactive workshop linked to National Curriculum
Guided Zoo Tour
Access to undercover area for lunch, should the weather not allow for outdoor lunch
Zoo and play area access for the rest of the day

(Please note the maximum capacity for the cabin is 45 children, therefore, if the group size is larger, we may need to stagger workshops and lunch breaks).

EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)

Story Time

This workshop has been designed for children aged 3-5 years and involves the reading of a classic children’s story book, before we head out into the zoo, solving clues together to find the little brown mouse!

Key Stage 1

Food for Thought

This interactive workshop is focused around the feeding habits and diets of animals. It aids learners in identifying carnivores, omnivores and herbivores and understanding the differences between them. Learners will also explore the relationship between living organisms at different levels of a basic food chain.

Animal Needs

The 'Animal Needs' workshop will help learners to understand the basic needs of animals and how their wild habitats meet these needs. It will also encourage learners to explore the idea of the consequences of not meeting the basic needs of different animals.

Key Stage 2

Adapt, Survive & Thrive!

Learn all about the weird and wonderful adaptations of animals and how they help them to survive, in our 'Adapt, Survive & Thrive!' workshop during your zoo school visit. Learners will be able to identify the difference between a physical and a behavioural adaptation and recognise the impact climate change is having on the future of many species.

A Class of Their Own

Who knew there are birds that cannot fly but there are mammals that can?! In this workshop we get down to the nitty gritty of exactly how we are able to group animals based upon their similarities and differences.

Hands On!

Our Hands On! workshop has been developed for learners who may prefer a less formal workshop setting. Learners will be encouraged to move at their own pace between tactile artefact stations staffed by the education team, where they can get up close and hands on with snake skins, deer antlers and more! Hands On! may be suited to SEN groups. This workshop can be modified to meet the needs of individual learners – please email events@batterseaparkzoo.co.uk to discuss.

Educational Visit Prices

Guided Visit

A guided visit will include an educational workshop, a guided zoo tour and access to the zoo and its facilities for the day.

£9.50 per child

The minimum number to qualify for this rate is 15 children
One supervising adult is admitted free with every 5 paying school children.
One accompanying carer for each SEND child is admitted free entry into the zoo.
Any additional adults will be charged at £13.95.

Self-Led Visit

Should you wish to make your own way around the zoo without an education guide or workshop, you will be charged normal child/adult entry prices but will receive a 10% group booking discount off your final bill (15 children minimum to qualify).

Booking

To make a booking enquiry please email events@batterseaparkzoo.co.uk. Booking emails are monitored on Mondays and Fridays only.

Once your booking is confirmed we will email you a confirmation letter and risk assessment.

Although a risk assessment is provided, we still recommend and welcome up to two supervising adults to complete a pre-visit to the zoo to help plan your day and/or to complete your own risk assessment. If you wish to pre-visit, please bring your confirmation letter with you as it will act as an admission ticket.

Zoo School Visits FAQs

Arrival 10.30 am
Welcome talk and toilet stop/snack 10-15 minutes
Education workshop 30 minutes
Zoo Tour 30-45 minutes
Lunch 30 minutes
Free time to play, complete independent activity, visit the shop

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With a guided visit the group has access to one of the Education cabins for lunch or the picnic tables just outside on the decking.

There are a few barns and the Australia House which offer undercover space for groups to have lunch should it rain.

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Guided school/group visits have access to the Education cabins where bags and lunchboxes may be stored and the room locked.

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The zoo is mainly an outdoor venue so as long as the children are dressed appropriately then a visit in light rain is still possible. The advantage is a quieter zoo!

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You can pay on the day in cash, by card or cheque. Alternatively, numbers can be given and an invoice sent out. Payment in advance is possible but not recommended as numbers inevitably change on the day.

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The zoo does not currently take deposits but we ask that you inform us if you are no longer going ahead with your visit; failure to do so may result in a cancellation fee.

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There are 3 council run pay and display car parks within the park; the closest one to the zoo is Chelsea Gate car park.

Coaches may park, with a parking permit* available from the zoo, on the North carriageway or go across to Rosery Gate Car Park and return for pick up.

Please note engines must be switched off when stationary.

*Parking permits must be displayed in the window. The zoo has 4 parking permits available which must be signed for and returned prior to departure.

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The zoo has a large and well-equipped play area including a large sandpit with water features, climbing frames, swings, a wooden fort, real-life fire engine, helicopter and tractor. It is suitable for children aged 18 months to 10 years.

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