Schools Education - Kew

Information on visits

Booking is essential for all school groups to ensure that you receive free entry to the Gardens.

Bookings must be made at least 2 weeks in advance, but in the busy summer months (May-July) it is advisable to leave at least 4 weeks to guarantee a teaching session.

Please note that bookings can only be made by fax. We can not take bookings over the telephone but we are available to answer your enquiries and assist you with planning your visit. It is advisable to have alternate dates available when you send your booking request in case we are unable to allocate the activities or preferred date that you request.

Unassisted groups

Groups in full-time education on an unassisted visit can enter the gardens free of charge provided they have booked in advance and that their visit takes place on a weekday during the school term. All bookings must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

In order to book an unassisted visit, please complete the top half of the Schools visit booking form and return it to us by fax or by post. This must be received at least 10 working days before your visit.

Health and safety requirements:

Please be aware of the following:

• this a working garden and as such has large horticultural machines operating.
• adequate numbers of adults to pupils are needed
• unattended horticultural equipment can be dangerous to children
• warning and "no entry" signs need to be observed
• there are several areas of deep water
• due to the toxic or irritant properties of some plants, they should not be touched or eaten
• medication (e.g. for asthma) to be carried at all times
• make good use of hand washing facilities in the toilets before eating
• some leaves have sharp tips or edges

Adult to Pupil Ratios on both Unassisted and Assisted Visits:

We recommend pupils are accompanied by adults in the following ratios:

SENS - 1:1 (except gifted and talented)
Reception - 1:2
Key Stage 1 - 1:5
Key Stage 2 - 1:8
Key Stage 3 - 1:10
Key Stage 4 - 1:10

We require a minimum supervision ratio of 1 adult to 10 pupils.

Booking an education activity (assisted visit)

Kew has a team of highly skilled, qualified teachers who deliver our activities, workshops, tours and lectures. If the topic you would like to study isn't on our booking form we will do our best to work with you to devise a 'tailor-made' activity provided we have enough notice (approx. half a term)

All of our activities can be booked by following the procedure outlined below. Please book well in advance.

At peak periods (May-July) it may take up to 4 weeks to receive a confirmation of your visit from us. We do try our best to respond as quickly as possible, but we can not guarantee that we can cater for your first choice of date until you receive a faxed confirmation from us, so please don't book the coach until we have confirmed with you!

All assisted visits are subject to a charge. Please see course details for a list of charges.

Please note: Some primary schools may wish to book an education activity along with a session in our play area, Climbers and Creepers. Please follow the procedures outlined, return our booking form to us indicating your choice of activity and requesting a session in Climbers and Creepers. We will endeavour to organise your tour or activity first and then confirm your booking in Climbers and

Creepers. Due to the popularity of this play area it is best if you book up to a term in advance. At peak times of year it can take us up to 20 working days to process a booking for an education activity so we can not guarantee that Climbers and Creepers will be available on the date that you request.

Please follow these steps to make a booking:

• If you have any queries or want to discuss your requirements, please call the bookings office on 020 8332 5627 to discuss your requirements with the bookings officer.

• Download and complete our schools booking request form and fax it to 020 8332 5640 and read through our health and safety guidelines. Please do not book any transport until you have received confirmation of your booking.

• Receive confirmation of your booked education activity by fax (please note this can take up to a week)

• Sign the declaration and fax back a copy to us on 020 8332 5640

• Return a copy of the confirmation with your cheque to the finance department at Kew at least 10 days before your visit.

• Receive entry vouchers and map. You must bring these with you on the day of your visit. Please make sure all accompanying adults have a copy.

Planning visits

We strongly recommend a pre-visit to plan your trip. Teachers wishing to pre-visit the gardens can request free entry vouchers, which are valid for any day of the week, and can also meet with Kew staff to discuss their requirements.

It is extremely busy in the Gardens from May until July and the glasshouses can become very crowded. At this time of year the outdoor spaces at Kew are much quieter and are ideal for schools to use. Topics such as habitats, biodiversity and helping plants grow well can all be done out of doors.

Why not consider visiting at other times of the year? Kew has many attractive seasonal features to offer.

Before your visit, spend time with your pupils discussing boundaries for behaviour. Please ensure that your pupils have a clear focus and programme for their visit so that their natural curiosity is engaged in a positive educational experience. Encourage them to respect the natural environment of the gardens and to leave the gardens as they found them.

Please ensure that your pupils bring layered clothing for the contrast between tropical display houses and temperate climate. Clipboards are useful for writing and drawing activities. (Remember to attach pens/pencils to the board with a piece of string, so that pupils do not lose them!)

A typical day

Most schools enter the gardens via the Victoria Gate where they are met by volunteers, able to provide useful orientation information and move them through into the gardens. Coaches can pick-up, drop-off and park for free after 10am along the Kew Road, closest to the Victoria Gate.

If you are meeting a Kew Teacher for a booked activity the meeting point is the roundabout unless otherwise arranged. This is clearly shown on our downloadable map. If you have any problems on the day of your visit or you are going to be late please ring the Education Department on 0208 332 5627.

Lunch

The schools lunch room, called the Munch Box, is situated in Climbers and Creepers; approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the Palm House. The Munch Box is best booked in advance at the time of your initial booking, as it can fill up quickly. It is possible to book (subject to availability) on the day of your visit by phoning 0208 332 5965 from 11am.

Climbers and Creepers

Climbers and Creepers is a play area available for children in Foundation- Year 3 only, and must be booked in advance. If you arrive without a booking we will do our best to accommodate you, but don't be offended if we turn you away!

Clothing

Sensible clothes/shoes are needed, especially for groups who have booked activities due to take place outdoors. You will need to be prepared for all types of weather and a waterproof jacket is essential. On hot summer days please ensure that sun protection is available for your pupils.

Bags

We regret that we are not able to store coats, bags and lunches for you during the day.

Personal hygiene

When working with soil, leaf litter and pond water it is important to remember to cover cuts and wash hands (especially before eating). There are hand-washing facilities available in the Munch Box and the location public toilets are displayed on the maps if you plan to picnic.

Medical or special needs

Please let us know if any of your students have allergies etc. and also if your group has any students who may have special requirements or behavioural problems.

Shopping

The main children's shop is located in White Peaks, adjacent to Climbers and Creepers. There is also a small selection of children's gifts in the Victoria Gate shop. Please note: Children are limited to 10 at a time accompanied by an adult.

Schools at Kew