Planning Educational Visits for the Early Years (PDF)

`This book groups visits into five types of venue: museums, art galleries, the built environment, performing arts and zoos, aquariums and farms. For each there is a very brief rationale of why you should visit and details of a wide range of activities you can do before, during and after the visit. There are useful websites to help you find such amenities in your area. The activities will be familiar to experienced staff, but it is useful to have them all written down together' - Early Years Update

'Even experienced practitioners will find many useful ideas. I especially liked the chapter 'The Built Environment', with the idea of different 'trails' to shape local outings' - Nursery World

Do you want to plan exciting, creative or cultural visits, but don't know where to start?

This step-by-step guide shows you how to get the best out of trips with your young children, whether you are heading off to the zoo, visiting a farm, exploring an art gallery, going to a museum or seeing a show.

Linked to the Foundation Stage and Early Learning Goals, and in line with the recent Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, this book is packed with advice on how to make visits into enjoyable learning opportunities:

o a guide to planning your visit

o practical activities to carry out in each setting

o activity ideas to do at different venues

o curriculum links for each suggested activity

o advice on managing the number of children taken

o advice on risk assessments and on the current legal situation

o checklists

o a list of organisations and websites to access Early Years venues across the UK

Nursery Managers and Nursery Teachers, Foundation Stage, Reception teachers, and Early Years Advisers will all find this book helps them plan creative and cultural visits that are fun for all.