Knowsley Safari has designed a ‘Wellbeing Through Wildlife’ school trip based around the ‘Six Ways of Wellbeing’ in response to recent research among teachers highlighting that pupils’ mental wellbeing will be among their top priorities when schools return next month.
Available in the Autumn term, Wellbeing Through Wildlife is believed to be the first school trip of its kind offered by a Safari or Zoo and will involve six activities linked to mind, body, spirit, people, place and planet – the six facets considered integral to positive mental health.
In addition to popular Safari highlights, including the Safari Drive and Sea Lion display, school groups will be kept active with mindfulness-inspired activities in the Woodland Walk and animal-themed exercises on the Foot Safari.
In a bid to engage children back into school life, the research also showed that the majority of teachers will be looking to book a school trip with COVID-19 safe attractions. Knowsley Safari is one of many UK attractions brandishing the industry mark, ‘We’re Good to Go’, meaning Government COVID-19 guidelines have been met to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
Nikki Mallott, Head of Learning and Discovery at Knowsley Safari, said:
“The effects of lockdown mean that the need for wellbeing and mental health support are higher than ever and we’ve designed the Wellbeing Through Wildlife programme after listening to teachers’ needs and concerns – it’s a safe, socially-distanced experience where school children can re-connect with nature to aid their mental wellbeing.
“Taking heed of COVID-19 guidelines, including capping numbers and enhanced hygiene and cleaning regimes, participating schools will be assigned an educator for the day who will enable the children to go beyond science, animals and the typical curriculum-governed trip, to experience a dynamic, energetic and more holistic experience.
“As a community attraction we have a responsibility to support children in as many areas as possible and using the Six Ways of Wellbeing enables us to support them wholly, going beyond nature and wildlife to offer extra support – in raising aspirations, skills development and physical and mental health.”
Wellbeing Through Wildlife is suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2 at an introductory rate of £8.50 per child, staff attend free of charge.
Knowsley Safari is also running a Live Stream Safari School, which connects children with nature from the comfort of their classrooms.
For further information email learning@knowsley.com or visit www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk.
