Outdoor learning experiences and visits to farms provide valuable opportunities for children and young people to learn about nature, animals, and the environment. While these activities are generally safe and beneficial, it is important to be aware of a small number of health risks and take simple steps to reduce them.
Tick Awareness
As more activities take place during the spring and summer it is important to be aware of the risk of ticks to children and adults. Ticks are small, spiderlike creatures than feed on the blood of animals, including people. Ticks live outdoors are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. Some ticks can pass on infectious diseases when they bite. You can find out more about how to protect yourself, manage tick bites and prevent the spread of diseases such as Lyme disease. Tick awareness poster or Tick awareness A5 leaflet
Ticks can be active all year round but are most active between April and July.
Always check for ticks when you return from a day out and remember to check your pets too! For more information to share with your pupils and parents, visit the UKHSA’s tick surveillance programme.
Farm Visits
Farm visits offer enjoyable and educational experiences, but contact with animals and their environments can increase the risk of infections such as E. coli. Good hygiene is essential to help prevent illness.
Children and adults should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and running water after touching animals, fences, or other farm surfaces, and before eating or drinking. Food should only be consumed in designated areas away from animals.
Farm visits: avoiding infection - GOV.UK will provide guidance and practical advice to help education and childcare settings plan safe visits and outdoor activities.
Weather and Outdoor Visits
Checking the weather forecast before outdoor activities and educational visits can help settings plan appropriately and keep children safe. Hot weather, cold temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms can all affect children's health, wellbeing, and safety during outdoor learning.
Settings should ensure that children are dressed appropriately for the conditions, have access to drinking water when required, and that activities are adapted or postponed if severe weather is expected. Further information on preparing for extreme weather can be found on our Emergency Planning page.