Terms & Conditions


  • Payments will be returned if a class has to be cancelled due to minimum numbers not being achieved.
  • Drift Education or any of their staff are not responsible for any loss or injury during the class.
  • Drift Education reserves the right to remove from our programme, without refund, anyone who is found to be bullying, misbehaving or displaying disruptive behaviour.
  • You must declare all medical conditions during registration and keep us up-to-date should this change by emailing/calling us at - Emma Mouland, biss.em@outlook.com or 07432613431.
  • You must declare if you do not want your child to be photographed for marketing use, and keep us up-to-date should this change using the given email address or phone number.
  • Your booking is not confirmed until payment has been received. Paid for spaces will be given priority.
  • You must refrain from bringing your child to class if they have had any form of illness within 48 hours of the class.
  • We don't issue refunds for missed sessions due to your own circumstances
  • If there are any sessions missed due to typical bad weather, Drift Education will offer a make-up session, or parents will be refunded.
  • You must of read the full farm risk assessment, payment will signify that this has been read and understood.


Suggested Kit List:

·       Spare change of clothes

·       Waterproofs

·       Wellingtons/old trainers that can be washed.

·       Spare Shoes

·       Packed Lunch and snacks

·       Drinks bottles

·       Sunscreen

·       Long trousers should be worn at the farm

Risk Assessment

Hazard (H)

Risk Level (low, medium, high) (RL)

Action (A)

H Moving vehicles during visits

RL HIGH

A A sign will be put in entrances to warn any vehicles coming onto the farm that there is a school trip taking place and to drive slowly on and around the farm, there will be a parcel box at the end of the lane for any delivery drivers. There will also be a phone number to call on the poster so that any visitors can call a member of staff if there is an issue. All members of staff on the farm will be pre-warned of the farm visit and will only drive around if essential. Children will also be wearing high-vis jackets and warned to keep their ears open for any vehicles, if they do hear a vehicle they will be instructed to move to the side of the track. Children will never be left un-attended and will be with a responsible adult at all times.

H Vehicles

RL LOW

A During visits, vehicles will either be locked/have the keys removed so that children cannot get into the vehicle. Children will also be with a responsible adult at all times.

H Getting into an immobile tractor/combine.

RL MEDIUM

A Tractors and combines are quite high off, of the ground and therefore children could fall whilst climbing up/down the steps. Children will only be allowed to get into one of these vehicles if there are adequate numbers of adults to support getting in/out and it is deemed safe by both staff at the farm and from the school. Signage. Park machinery safely e.g. loaders will be left down.

H Machinery used in demonstrations

RL HIGH

A All machinery in use in demonstrations and displays will be guarded and maintained to comply with current regulations. Supervisors should ensure that they and children in their care do not touch any moving machinery and comply with any safety notices and observe the restriction of any barriers that may be in place. Keys will be out of vehicles. No riding on machines is permitted.

H Sprayer

RL HIGH

A Visitors will not be able to go up close to the sprayer in case of contamination with chemicals (the sprayer is always washed of after use and will not be in use during/before a visit). The sprayer may be used in a demonstration to illustrate how big the booms are, however if this is the case the sprayer will be moved and opened up prior to the visit. There will be signs and tape around the sprayer to stop any visitors touching the sprayer. There will be an adequate number of responsible adults supervising children whilst near the sprayer. If the sprayer is used for children to see the technology

(GPS) then it will be checked prior by Emma to ensure that it has been cleaned and that the children do not go near the booms. If children do go into the cabs they will be with an adult and the keys will be removed.

H Quad Bike

RL HIGH

A The quad bike keys will be removed during school visits to ensure that it cannot be moved.

H Stationary farm machinery and other stored equipment

RL Low

A Ensure that the keys are taken out during visits. All machinery is on the ground e.g. if there is work being done to it then it is lowered from jacks or visitors are roped off from the area. Signs to stop visitors from climbing on machinery. Children will not be alone on farm visits and therefore adults will be there to stop children from entering dangerous areas or climbing on machinery.

H Raw wool.

RL Low

A Raw wool contains lanolin, which may cause for grease a reaction, therefore after touching the wool, visitors should wash their hands after handling wool.

H Loader/handler attachments

RL HIGH

A Spike/grab may be sharp and therefore if on the handler/loader will be lowered down onto the ground and there will be signs warning visitors of this.

 

 

 

H Uneven surfaces

RL MEDIUM

A Visitors will be warned verbally and through signs that there are uneven surfaces around the farm. These surfaces provide a tripping hazard and therefore visitors will be asked to remain vigilant around the site. There will always be a first aid kit provided and school visits must be accompanied by a trained first aider.

H Running children

RL LOW

A Children may be at risk of falling, tripping or slipping, they will be supervised by adults at all times and will be asked to move around the site sensibly.

H Climbing objects, such as bale stacks, fences, gates, hurdles.

RL HIGH

A These provide a risk of falling and being seriously injured and therefore children will be instructed not to climb any of the previously listed. There will also be signage used in these areas and stacks will be taped off. Children will always be under sufficient supervision.

H Dirty and dangerous surfaces on gates, sheep race, sheep pens, cattle gates, cattle race, parlour etc.

RL Medium

A There will be signs around the site to ensure that visitors wash their hands after touching anything which may be dirty. Children will also be reminded throughout the visit to wash their hands and to not touch their face or eat and drink without washing their hands.

H General untidiness around the farm yard.

RL Low

A These areas will be tidied prior to visits.

H Brooms, forks and other tools in walking areas and around the farm yard.

RL Low

A These tools will be stored away from walking areas prior to visit. These may be used but only under supervision and after explanation as to how to use these tools safely.

H Muck on floor in and around farmyard

RL High

A Boot cleaning at the end of each visit includes bio-security, this should occur prior to final hand washing.

A Take adequate measures to prevent the spread of zoonoses.

If boots cannot be washed/dipped on site they should be scrubbed with an anti-bacterial cleaner or in the washing machine at home/school.

H Muck on sheep hurdles from birds

RL Low

A Warn visitors using signs and conduct hand washing where needed. Be aware of loose clothing, gloves and scarves that can get contaminated. 

Take adequate measures to prevent the spread of zoonoses.

Less of an issue with metal hurdles.

Checks prior to visits.

H Hurdles in use not secured

RL Low

A Ensure that all hurdles in use are secure prior to visit.

H Disease and hygiene around farm yard, especially at lambing time.

RL Medium

A Erect several signs at key points (e.g. entrance to farm), and ensure visibility, including warnings to pregnant women. Farmers to monitor health status of sheep flock and cattle herd in conjunction with Synergy vet practice. Health and safety notices to all visiting groups.

Handwashing facilities used and foot dips available and encouraged to be used.

H Bales of straw and hay. Risk of children climbing.

 

RL Low

A This area will be roped off and visitors will not be allowed to enter. There will be a no climbing sign.

H Bales of Silage. Risk of children climbing

RL Low

A Signs erected for no climbing.

H Silage Pit

RL Low

A Signs erected warning of danger. No visitors allowed.

H Rats & mice

RL Low

A All food to be stored above ground and, in plastic containers if possible.

H Noise from visitors

RL Low

A There will be notices around asking visitors to keep the noise down to avoid the animals becoming stressed.

H Medicine cabinet and assorted medicines close

RL Medium

A Store loose medicines in locked cupboard.

Keep area free of medicines and locked away in the cupboard prior to visit.

Warning signs

If medicines are administered in front of visitors ensure that the farmer doing it is confident in how to do this safely and the visitors are confident around the animals and are aware of what you are doing.

H Workshop

RL Low

A The workshop will be out of bounds to visitors.

H Chemical store

RL Low

A Kept locked at all times.

H Fire

RL Medium

A Visitors and staff may be at risk of Inhalation, skin burns, panic, loss of control. Fire Risk Assessments have been carried out for the farm and adequate controls are in place. In case of fire, Supervisors should ensure that they and children in their care leave the building by the nearest exit and go to a safe place. Supervisors should ensure that a roll call is taken of their charges. The fire safety point will be at the farm house.

H Grain Store

RL High

A To enter the grain store to fill feed bags the main door must be open to ensure there is adequate ventilation in the shed to avoid excess amount of dust build up. Visitors must also wear disposable dust mask to prevent excess amount of dust inhalation.

H Gates & Wheels

RL LOW

A Gates laid up against barns will be secured to the walls and cordoned off from the public.

H Pollen

RL Weather dependent.

A Visitors will be made aware of the pollen count at the beginning of the day through a display during times of high risk, e.g. spring and summer.

H Nut Allergy

 

RL MEDIUM

A The responsible adult in charge of the children should be aware of children with allergies and what to do if they have an allergic reaction. Animal feed may contain remnants of nut oil and therefore, children with such an allergy should not touch the feed.

H Straying into prohibited areas

RL Low

A Visitors will be supervised at all times to ensure that this does not occur. Signs and string cornering off areas will be in place to ensure visitors know which areas are not safe.

H LPG/petrol

RL Low

A The use of LPG and petrol driven equipment is monitored and controlled by the farm. No other similar equipment will be allowed on site unless by prior agreement with the farm contact.

LPG and petrol will be locked away prior to visits.

H Electrical equipment

RL Low

A Visitors should not touch or interfere with electrical equipment. No other electrical equipment will be allowed on site unless by prior agreement with the event organiser.

H Infection

RL Medium

A Supervisors should be aware that there is always a risk from infection in any environment. The countryside and agricultural establishments are no exception. Supervisors should ensure that they and children in their care wash their hands after touching animals and before handling food and drink. It is advisable to ensure that a dressing protects any existing cuts and abrasions.

Food must only be consumed in designated areas.

H Liquid Fertiliser tank

RL HIGH

A This area will be cornered off and signs will be displayed to stop visitors from entering this area.

H Feed silo bin.

RL HIGH

A This area will only be entered into whilst supervised and when the visitor is confident in using the feed silo to fill feed bags. Dust masks should be worn to avoid dust inhalation.

H Loose hay, straw and silage.

RL Low

A Visitors will be warned about touching loose hay, straw and silage as they may cause allergic reactions/hay fever. If this occurs a first aider will be on site at all times (must come with visit) visitors must also wash their hands.

H Fencing stake pile

RL HIGH

A This area will be corned off to all visitors and therefore children will not be able to climb the stacks and fall off. There will also be signs to stop visitors.

H Electric fencing

RL Medium

A There will be warning signs if any electric fencing is erected, if possible the electric will be turned off. If it is not possible then visitors will not be able to enter the area with electric fencing. If there is a time that visitors will be helping with electric fencing then they will be shown how to do this safely and they will be supervised by a farmer.

H Old buildings

RL HIGH

A The old workshop is not suitable for visitors to enter as it is no longer secure therefore visitors will not be allowed near this area in the unlikely event that the shed falls. There will be signs erected.

H Scrap piles

RL Medium

A Any scrap metal/vehicles will be cornered off to any visitors.

H Farm dead bin

RL Low

A The dead bin be in a restricted area where visitors will not be allowed to enter to restrict contamination.

H Sheep dipping bath

RL Low

A The sheep dip will be empty during visits and cornered off to ensure that visitors do not touch the dip in case of contamination.

 

 

 

H Sheep in pens

Cattle in pens

Pigs in pens

RL High

A Visitors will be allowed in the pens if they understand the risk and are supervised by Farmer/visit leader at all times. Hands must be washed after entering the pens.

H Chickens

RL HIGH

A Children will be able to hold the chickens and pick up eggs and therefore they run the risk of disease and being pecked. Immediately after children will be supervised washing their hands. Children will be supervised at all times whilst being in the pen with the chickens and will only enter with the adult’s permission. They will be entering at their own risk.

H Farm dogs

RL Low

RL High

A Farm dogs will be shut away from visitors prior to large groups visits and therefore will not be in contact with any visitors.

During smaller visits (less than 8) the dogs may be out on the farm and used in activities. Children will be with adults at all times and shown how to behave sensibly around the dogs. Hands will be washed after touching the dogs.

H E.coli & Cryptosporidium

RL HIGH

A Liase with teachers/parents as to whether they are prepared for children to touch animals. If yes then warn that they are doing so at their own risk, as per usual wash hands immediately after contact with animals (see above). Covered in H&S talk/notices. If children entering animal pens i.e. when orphan lambs are older then ensure boots are cleaned before changing shoes / getting on the transport. This must occur prior to final hand washing.   As part of H&S talk advise washing footwear and clothing used at farm once home. If holding lambs ensure that these lambs are less than a week old and ideally single lambs or robust twins. Ensure children are not wearing woolly gloves, but are given the option to wear gloves provided. Beware of easily contaminable scarves and clothing. Take adequate measures to prevent the spread of zoonoses.

After handling animals’ children must wash their hands thoroughly.

H Orf

RL Low

A As above ensure that children wash hands immediately after touching lambs. Farmer to monitor lambs if showing any signs of orf, then children will not be able to touch lambs. Children to wear disposable gloves and aprons.

H Watching a lambing/calving may result in fainting

RL Medium

A Ensure that there is a first aider available.

H Bees, wasps and insects

 RL Low

A These are natural inhabitants of the countryside. Bees & wasps pose no risk unless provoked. If children are stung seek aid from the first aider.

H Hard butting from hungry calves 

RL Medium

A Children will be informed of what could happen, e.g. being butted by a calf or sucked by a calf. If children or visitors are with the calves ensure that they do not have any cuts on their hands if the calves are sucking on them as this will restrict contamination. Whilst handling the calves the farmer should be there to monitor calves and talk children through staying safe. Ensure hands are washed thoroughly after touching calves.

H Calf sucking fingers, germs may be passed to child 

RL Medium

A Handwashing facilities will be available. Signage will be on display. Children will always be supervised by a responsible adult.

H Egg collection

RL Low

A Exposure to Zoonosis bacteria and other similar substances and therefore, there will be signs and handwashing available to ensure that visitors wash their hands properly after handling eggs.

H Watching the cows being milked.

RL High

A Cows will be in the holding pens and therefore visitors must remain behind rope with supervisor until all cows enter the parlour and are chained in. All visitors must stay away from the cows being milked in case of being kicked or stood on. Hands must be washed after touching anything in the parlour.

H Feeding calves/lambs milk.

RL High.

A Calves will be eager to feed, therefore the supervisor must put the feeder in for the calves to ensure that the hungry do not push the feeder into the visitor. Before beginning feeding the supervisor will ensure that a safety talk is given to ensure that none of the unpasteurised milk is consumed and hands are wash after feeding the calves or lambs.

Alternative provision activities

H Making and planting ‘seed bombs’

RL Low

A Prior to making the ‘seed bombs’ clear instructions will be given to children. The safety talk will include what equipment and ingredients that will be used (bucket, trowel, soil, seeds, water and clay powder) and how to safely use the ingredients. Do not eat any of the ingredients and ensure hands washed after the activity. Once the seed bombs are ready for planting ensure the children ‘throw’ them into a clear space away from other children to avoid anyone being hit.

H Making and maintaining the bug hotel.

RL Low.

A When gathering materials for the bug hotel remind children to ask the adult before taking things from the farm such as sticks, bricks, leaves etc. When working on the bug hotel children should work with an adult and be reminded about insects that may be living in the hotel. A first aid kit will be near in case of any injuries occurred whilst building or maintaining the hotel, including any bug bites or stings. If pallets need moving (layers for the bug hotel) then there will be at least 4 people (one on each corner) to carry the pallet to avoid back injuries. Children will be shown how to lift the pallet by bending their knees. Hands will be washed thoroughly after this activity.

H Making and maintaining the wormery.

RL Low.

A When moving the wormery (tractor tyre) have an adequate number of people to avoid back injuries. Have an adult there to provide clear and safe instructions to ensure that everyone works as a team whilst moving the tyre. Hands will be washed thoroughly after this activity.

H Preparing plant beds and borders.

RL Medium.

A Prior to this activity children will be given a safety talk and demonstration as to how to safely use the tools to create a plant bed/border. Tools including pitch forks and spades. Children will also be shown how to carry the tools with the edge facing down. During digging children will be monitored carefully by an adult to ensure that the task is being carried out safely. Hands will be washed thoroughly after this activity to ensure that any soil contamination is minimised.

H Weeding

RL Low

A Children will be shown how to weed safely. The area will be monitored to ensure that the plants are safe for children to be around. If children have an allergic reaction to any plants, then this will be monitored and recorded and the correct first aid procedure will be followed. Children to wash their hands after the activity.

H Handling clay.

RL Low

A Children will be warned not to throw clay and not to touch eyes, ears, nose, mouth etc with clay on hands. Water contaminated with clay is not splashed about. Leader to supervise group.

H Glues, Craft items, scissors, etc

RL Low

A Monitor children whilst using craft equipment. Ensure that children know how to safely use scissors by holding the blade towards the floor whilst moving around.

H Handling the calves, including putting the calf jackets on.

RL High

A When working with calves it is important that prior to the activity the adult in charge is confident that the children are comfortable around the calves and can safely handle them with support from an adult. Children will be made aware of exit routes if they are feeling uncomfortable during the activity. All visitors must wash their hands thoroughly after being with calves.

H Scraping out the manure from the cow collection yards.

RL High

A Risks include falling over due to the slippery surface and contamination from the manure. Children will be shown how to safely use the hand squeegee to scrape out the manure from the collection yards. They will then be monitored by an adult and children will wash their hands thoroughly after the activity.

H Cleaning the calf feeder.

RL High.

A Risk of contamination from both milk and calf saliva. The feeder will be given a wash prior to the children’s arrival. Children will wash the feeder using warm water and hand soap. Once they have finished washing the feeder, they will wash their own hands using warm water and soap.

H Feeding the calves barley

RL High

A When working with calves it is important that prior to the activity the adult in charge is confident that the children are comfortable around the calves and can safely handle them with support from an adult. Children will be made aware of exit routes if they are feeling uncomfortable during the activity. All visitors must wash their hands thoroughly after being with calves.

H Walking along The Drift.

RL Medium

A During this activity children will walk off-site to view the historical pill-boxes along ‘The Drift’. There will be uneven surfaces so children will need to walk sensibly but a first aid kit will be carried in case of any falls and injuries. There will also be 2 adults during this activity to ensure that if there was an emergency the children would always be with at least one adult. There may also be traffic along The Drift so children must be wearing high-vis jackets so that they are clearly visible and children will be warned of the dangers of traffic before leaving the site.

H Walking ‘Ted’ the dog.

RL High

A Before Ted is let out the children will be given clear, concise instructions about how to behave around dogs. There will always be an adult when the dogs are out to ensure that the children remain calm and fair around the dogs to ensure that the dog can also remain calm. Ted is only just over a year and still going through training and the children will be involved in this training. Hands must be washed after handling any dog to avoid contamination.

H Pitchforking up the silage for the cows.

RL High

A Prior to this activity children will be given a safety talk and demonstration as to how to safely use the tools to push the silage up. Children will also be shown how to carry the tools with the edge facing down. Whilst pushing the silage up children will be monitored carefully by an adult to ensure that the task is being carried out safely. Hands will be washed thoroughly after this activity.

 

H Weighing calves using weigh tape.

RL High

A When working with calves it is important that prior to the activity the adult in charge is confident that the children are comfortable around the calves and can safely handle them with support from an adult. Children will be made aware of exit routes if they are feeling uncomfortable during the activity. All visitors must wash their hands thoroughly after being with calves.

H Wreath Making + Wildlife Christmas Tree Decorations

Using natural materials such as holly, moss, evergreen tree leaves, ivy, pinecones, berries and tree branches.

RL Medium

A When making the wreath children will be using natural materials from around the farm. Before the activity takes place the leader of the group will go through each material and how they can be safely handled.

E.G. the holly leaves will be prickly and may cause irritation if not handled correctly. To avoid this children will be given gloves that can worn or alternatively they will be shown how to avoid being prickled by handling the holly with care. If the holly has berries on, children will be instructed not to eat them due to them being poisonous. Children will be monitored very carefully to ensure that they do not digest any berries. If they do then parents will be contacted immediately and/or 111/999.

After handling these materials all participants must wash their hands thoroughly.

H Peanut Butter

Nuts

Bird Seeds (including those containing nuts)

RL High

A Before these items are used for any activities the leader of the group will check will all participants if they have any nut allergens. If they do then these items will not be used. These items are not for human consumption as they will be used to make Christmas decorations for the wildlife.

Hands will be wash thoroughly after this activity and the leader of the group will supervise the participants whilst using these items.

H Florist Wire

RL Low

A Participants will be shown how to safely use florist wire and supervised whilst using the wire to ensure that it is being used appropriately and safely.

H Secateurs

RL High

A Secateurs are sharp and therefore a high risk for participants cutting themselves or others and therefore they will only be in use whilst being supervised by adults to minimise the risk of anyone being cut.

H Lard

RL Low

A Lard although is edible will not used for human consumption and will only be used for making wildlife treats under adult supervision. Participants will be shown how to use the lard before they are allowed to take part.

 

Hand washing must be carried out after using lard. 

H Wire Cutters

RL High

A Wire Cutters are sharp and therefore a high risk for participants cutting themselves or others and therefore they will only be in use whilst being supervised by adults to minimise the risk of anyone being cut.

H Sewing Needles

RL High

A Sewing needles are sharp and therefore a high risk for participants cutting themselves or others and therefore they will only be in use whilst being supervised by adults to minimise the risk of anyone being cut.




Please check new and up to date risk assessments available in the hut at all times.

. It is important to note that visitors enter the farm at their own risk.