SEN Educational Workshops at Statfold Country Park

At Statfold Country Park we recognise that all pupils are entitled to a quality of provision that will enable them to achieve their potential and that accessible learning should be available to all ages. We believe in removing barriers within our museum and working in partnership with other agencies and schools to provide a positive educational experience for anyone visiting us, including those with a special educational need or disability.

We recognise that some groups that wish to visit may require additional consideration by those who work on our education programme to support their SEND.

Any of our sessions for any key stage can be adapted to suit SEND requirements. Please speak to a member of the team on 01827 930 339 or education@statfold.com.

SEND qualified and experienced staff

We have a team of SEND experienced staff so that the children are properly supervised and cared for, meaning you can be confident that each child’s necessary demands are being met. Our team have been trained to encourage, support, and motivate each child, as each child’s welfare and wellbeing whilst visiting us is their absolute priority.

Fully accessible facilities

Statfold Country Park has full wheelchair accessibility so that children with physical disabilities can fully experience and enjoy their school trip. In addition, we provide accessible toilet and shower facilities so that it can cater to children with serious impairments and multiple learning difficulties. Any medication can be stored in a secure refrigeration unit, and a private kitchen area is available.

What workshops are available for SEND?

1. Alpha the little engine that travelled a long way

This storytelling session is all about Alpha the engine who travelled a long, long way from his home in Yorkshire! Learn all about the journey of this locomotive including being built, working abroad and then returning to the museum! Learners are encouraged to take part in the story with the use of a handling box and pictures. This session celebrates an engine that is over 100 years old whilst building imagination and learning about Heritage Railways.

What activities are included in the timetable?

30-minute storytelling session with one of our learning team
Create and craft activity
Alpha’s hunt and explore: self-lead or guided museum activity
Steam train ride

Curriculum Links

Communication and language
Personal, social and emotional development
Understanding the world. Confidence and turn-taking
Creativity and idea-making
Teamwork and collaboration
Ability to listen and understand

2. Toby’s trail and teddy bear picnic

Bring your bear along with you for a fun-filled adventure. Take part in an interactive story all about our railway mascot, Toby the station dog. With the use of a handling box, children will learn about different roles on the railway and how steam trains work. Can your group complete the trail in the museum and help Toby find his picnic in time for lunch? Settle down in our lovely grounds or diner for your very own Teddy Bear Picnic.

What activities are included in the timetable?

30-minute interactive storytelling session with one of our learning team
Toby’s Trail (scavenger hunt): self-lead or guided museum activity
Meet & Greet with Toby the station dog
Steam train ride

Curriculum Links

Communication and language
Personal, social and emotional development
Understanding the world. Confidence and turn-taking
Creativity and idea-making
Teamwork and collaboration
Ability to listen and understand

3. Who built the railways? (Inventors, pioneers and engineers)

Why were steam trains made and how do they work? Explore the start of the Industrial Revolution and learn all about pioneers like Thomas Savery, James Watt and George Stephenson! Explore early engineering techniques and discover how steam revolutionised and changed our world. This workshop concludes with a fun group activity where learners assemble a timeline!

What activities are included in the timetable?

45-minute workshop session with one of our learning team
Museum exploration and tour (can be self-lead or guided)
Steam train ride

Curriculum Links

Events beyond living memory that are significant nationally
Learning about the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements
Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
Exploration and identification of everyday materials used in industry. This workshop is great for the “History of transport” topic

4. Wildlife Explorers! Mini-beasts and creatures (habitat exploring)

Discover the vast amounts of natural beauty around our green space at Statfold Country Park! Our learning team will take you on a guided woodland walk in our historic duck decoy (a secluded spot only accessible by our miniature railway) where you will use identification charts to become Mini-Beast and Animal Detectives! Find and study habitats and micro-habitats whilst learning how to look after the wild world around us.

What activities are included in the timetable?

45-minute woodland workshop session with one of our learning team
Mother Nature’s Art – woodland craft session
Museum exploration and tour (can be self-lead or guided)
Steam train ride

Curriculum Links

Identifying that most living things reside in habitats to which they are suited
Identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including micro-habitats
Working scientifically: Observing closely using equipment
Performing simple tests
Identifying and classifying