Schools FAQs

How much will a school visit cost, either for you to visit us or us to come to you?

The price will vary depending on what option / activity you choose. Please check prices list with our school coordinator. The very maximum will be around £300.

How long have you been doing this? Is it safe?

The UK Wolf Conservation Trust has been running for over 10 years. We pride ourselves on a 100% safety record with the public. All our wolf handlers go through a rigorous training programme and are only allowed to handle if they are fit, healthy and responsible and have a good relationship with the wolves. The handlers continue to train even after they qualify and safety procedures are constantly reviewed. On the day, if there is a problem the senior handler may make the decision as to if the wolves can interact safely or indeed if the children are not following instruction they have the right to withdraw the wolves to insure everyone including the wolves are kept safe.

What does a visit include and how long does it last?

Depends on the option you choose but will include a PowerPoint presentation, a chance for the children to ask questions and handouts. If a wolf option is chosen they may get to look at a wolf. Small groups may also get to go for a short walk (at the Wolf Trust Centre only) before stroking a wolf (No more than 30 children per visit allowed to meet and greet a wolf). Visits can be from 1 hour upward.

Do the children come into contact with the wolves?

Children only come in contact with the wolves if prearranged. If they do a disclaimer form must be signed before the visit and handed to the senior handler in charge before they meet a wolf. Generally only small groups of children at a time can come in direct contact with a wolf (up to 30 maximum). This is because the wolf has to be highly supervised when meeting children and it can be a little stressful for the animals. Respect and comfort for the wolf is paramount along with the safety of the children.

How many children can you accommodate at one time?

At the centre we can accommodate 30 people at a time. In preference this would include adults as well, however we understand that at times due to adult supervision rules this may be slightly higher.

If we are coming to the school, as many students that can safely fit in a hall with at least a 12 foot gap between the wolves and the children.

What facilities/space do you need?

If we are coming to the school it is usually best to use the main hall so we can ensure enough safety gaps between students and wolves (12 feet). This hall should have direct access to the outside so the wolves do not have to walk down corridors etc. In preference the trailer should be able to park as near to this entrance as possible.

Would it be better to do it outside?

No, there are more distractions for the wolves and it is harder to control / monitor the situation and environment.

Do you supply any worksheets or handouts?

Yes we provide a pack for you to use with the children. The pack will depend on what option you chose. The worksheets and handouts will where possible link into the national curriculum.

Can we see a copy of the risk assessment? How much public liability insurance do you have?

On booking a school visit you will be sent a risk assessment which will include our dangerous wild animal license number and contact details for West Berks Council who licenses us. It will also include the name and contact details of our insurance company. We have insurance for public liability up to £5,000,000 (Five Million)

I am a little nervous about the disclaimer. Why do we have to have those signed?

Although the wolves are socialized they are still wild animals and as any wild animal may be subject to unpredictability. This is extremely rare but to enable us to be insured we have to ask people to sign the form. If you or any parent, PTA or governor group is unhappy about it there are none wolf options we suggest you pick one of those. Our safety record at present is 100% and if the children follow all the rules there is only a very low risk.

Why do you need the details of our local council?

When ever we move the wolves to another location outside our council area it a requirement of our license that we gain permission from the local council. This is sorted out between your council and ours.

Do we pay before, on the day or will you give us an invoice?

An invoice will be sent. On booking please give us details for the invoice

I think my children are a little young.  At what age is it safe for them to meet the wolves?

Children need to be 6 years old or above to be in direct contact with a wolf. Even if there is no direct contact we suggest they are still 6yrs so they can understand safely instructions and sit quietly with out undue fidgeting as this can distract the wolves.

I have some special needs children. Can they meet the wolves?

We do have special needs children interacting with the wolves. Each case is discussed separately with a senior member of staff at the Trust and if need be a special risk assessment is drawn up. Please contact the schools coordinator to discuss.

Is there any work that our children/guides/brownies/cubs/scouts could safely do at the farm, if they wanted to volunteer?

Some children do volunteer but we would wish them to be at least 13 years old before doing this. We do set up special projects occasional that groups can get involved in like tree planting etc. This can be for younger children and is done by invitation. If you wish to be considered please let us know.

How can I fit a visit into the requirements of the National Curriculum?

A wolf visit will hit many key stage points from English to math, science, geography etc. and were possible we have fitted our presentation and handout / worksheets to cover these points. We subscribe to the excellence in enjoyment policy and hope we can bring your curriculum alive. With a little planning the whole school can spend 1 week to half a term benefiting from the visit and using the information to capture the imagination of the children in your school.

Are there any special food requirements for the wolves or the handlers?

Everything the wolves need will be brought with us if we visit you. The handlers would appreciate a cup of tea or coffee.