Away from the classroom, the children are transported into a different time, on a different scale. Cathy Sturrock organises the school visits at Bekonscot in Bucks.
Inclusive and accessible, Bekonscot captures a beautiful snapshot of 1930s rural England, and it’s perfectly suited for students with additional needs. The beautiful enclosed gardens offer a safe space for all children from reception onwards, giving them the independence to explore and learn at their own pace. We offer a comprehensive outside-the-classroom learning experience for all children, but especially for those with Autism, ADHD, sensory processing and additional communication needs.
The model village is tranquil in design, and the enclosed, open space offers children the independence to move, explore and discover the village by themselves. Getting outdoors in the village provides a rich sensory experience, where they can regulate, lower their anxiety levels, and practise communication and problem-solving in real time. Reduced pressure on social interaction encourages natural collaboration, allowing children to feel included and successful in their discoveries.
Our curriculum based workshops, which are free, link to history, maths, literacy and DT and are typically 30-60 minutes in duration, depending on the age and ability of the children. Topics can include The Bekonscot Time Machine, Home Life, Practical Model Making, and Transport, for example. Children are encouraged to take the lead, focusing on what they are interested in learning. No two mornings are the same.
All the facilities onsite, with the exception of the elevated walkway, are fully accessible to wheelchaired users and small mobility scooters. Two wheelchairs are available for use by visitors which can be pre-booked in advance. Assistance dogs only are allowed on site, and we support the hidden disabilities Sunflower programme. We encourage visitors to wear their lanyards and ask for assistance where needed. We also offer large scale and sensory maps, a quiet zone and seating areas at various points around the village.
I love doing the workshops. You can see what the children are responding to, and what they are enjoying. Sometimes it’s not appropriate to share lots of facts or details with them, so they can enjoy role play and dressing up activities instead, which provokes lots of laughter! I also like to make a note of the students who are perhaps less keen to be part of the main group. I’m aware that not everyone wants to be involved, and I respect that, but equally I don’t want them to feel excluded. If some students are not coping, or they don’t wish to be part of what I am doing, then there is a quiet space with books at the back of the Education Centre, where they can go and relax. It’s wonderful sometimes to see them start to be curious and peek around the bookcase, eventually joining in. I try to include all the students, in whatever way works for them. If the students wander around during the workshop, that’s fine, too.
Author: Cathy Sturrock
Cathy Sturrock
Cathy Sturrock is the Education Officer at Bekonskot. Call her on 01494 672919 to discuss your particular needs, or email [email protected].
Website: bekonscot.co.uk/school-visits
Instagram: @bekonscotofficial
