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A farm can be an exciting place for children to learn.... but it can also be a very dangerous one.
The children should be made aware that it is after all a place of work with machinery and equipment, animals and features such as grain silos and slurry pits.
All of these things require special care and precautions for the safety of people who work there and to ensure that the children can enjoy their visit in absolute safety.
BEFORE THE VISIT
a) Pre-visit made by the teacher
b) Children made aware of the possible dangers on the farm i.e. machinery, fences (barbed wire), animals
c) Make sure adequate helpers are available i.e. at least the required ratio of adults to pupils
d) Make sure the helpers know what their responsibilities are
e) Parental permission should be obtained so children can go on the visit
f) Make a list readily available to give to H.O.C.
the number of children and names
the number of adults and names
children with any medical conditions (state the problem) and bring any medication required
g) Some farm animal diseases can be transmitted to humans. It is therefore essential that:-
Anyone visiting the farm with a cut or abrasion keep it covered e.g. with a plaster for the duration of the visit
Pregnant women are aware that they avoid all contact with newly born lambs and their mothers to prevent transmission of the organism ovine chlamydiosis which may cause abortion
Staff and helpers know that children must be closely supervised when in direct contact with bottle-fed lambs or other animals and are not allowed to let animals suck their fingers
DURING THE VISIT
SAFETY
a) H.O.C will remind children of the dangers of the farm and speak to them about the following safety points:-
No running
Keep with the group (helpers should be evenly spaced throughout the group)
No loud noises (so as not to frighten the animals)
Keep away from any barbed wire fencing
Keep to the paths while going around the farm
Last person in the group to make sure the gate is closed
No litter left or dropped around the farm
Keep away from all working machinery
Keep fingers away from the pigs while observing them
b) H.O.C. will give the following equipment in the teacher in charge:-
Spare key for the classroom if for any reason any of the group needs to return to the classroom (if it is a child they must be accompanied by an adult)
Small First Aid to be carried by the teacher in charge of the visit
HYGIENE
a) H.O.C. to emphasis the importance that the children do not put their fingers in their mouths or eyes (due to holding, stroking and feeding the animals)
b) Children to wash their hands after coming back into the classroom (supervision required by school helper)
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