Arrival
Before you arrive at Westonbirt, share the arrival information with your coach driver. There are two different arrival points, and your driver will need to know which one to take you. The driver will need the barrier code information from you to make sure that you are dropped off in the correct place. This will be included in your confirmation email.
Your driver will take you to the drop off point near to the central facilities. We will meet you on arrival. This is where you will get off the coach and gather the children ready to head to the learning centre.
Learning centre
We will then visit the toilets on the way to the learning centre. Here you will be able to leave bags and you will have access to the learning centre for the duration of your visit.
Toilets
We recommend you take smaller groups to the toilet rather than the whole class, to avoid queuing in large numbers in a public, shared space.
Please note, you will be using the toilets alongside other visitors.
The programme
Once everyone is ready, we will start the led session out in the arboretum. We’ve thought carefully about the activities and handling of resources for your programme and we’ll send you a risk assessment and programme details before your visit. For some programmes, we will have prepared a pack of resources for the class teacher to hand out during the session.
Activities indoors
If any activities need to take place indoors, our learning officers mat still choose to wear masks.
Lunchtime
At the end of the session we will take you back to the learning centre where you can take the children, in small groups, to use the toilets so they can wash hands after the session. Please follow the same procedure for using the toilets as you did on arrival. You will then return to the learning centre for lunch before your self-guided time in the afternoon.
Treetop Walkway and other self-guided activities
The walkway is now open in both directions. Please be mindful of other visitors whilst on the Treetop Walkway. If you stop for a while with your class, please gather to one side so that other visitors can easily pass.
With your confirmation email you will have received a children’s leaflet. It includes some activities you can do together, and a map showing where our play features are. In the email there is also a link for some free download activities for schools.
First aid
We ask all schools to bring a first aid kit and first aider with them. The primary responsibility for first aid lies with you. If, however, you do need additional first aid assistance, we will be able to help if it is during the led part of your visit. If it is during the self guided part of your day please go to the Welcome Building, shop or restaurant and staff will notify our first aiders.
Lost people
It is a good idea to point out a location for your support adults and children to come to if they become separated from the rest of the group. If you have a lost person during the self guided part of your day, please go to the Welcome Building, shop or restaurant and staff will start our lost person procedures.
Departure
At the end of your trip, collect your belongings from the learning centre and use the same toilets as before. Make your way to the coach pick up point on the road outside the restaurant.
Finally, dress for the weather, expect mud and enjoy your time together exploring, playing and learning. We look forward to welcoming you to Westonbirt soon.
If you have any questions about your visit, please email the learning team.