Magdalen Farm Residential Education Centre Dorset
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Magdalen Environmental Trust, Magdalen Farm, Winsham, TA20 4PA
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Environmental Studies | Storytelling | Team Building | Residential School Trips | Animal Workshops | Conservation | Social Skills | Forest School | Animal Experiences | Special Educational Needs (SEN) | Outdoor Education | Ecology & Green Awareness | Food and Nutrition | Geography | School Workshops | Accommodation & Residential | Farmhouses | Outdoor Residential Centres | Bushcraft | Crafts | Wild Learning
What we offer on a school trip
Visiting Magdalen Farm is an opportunity to learn through real outdoor adventures.
Activities
We are known for our enthusiasm for creating learning experiences in the great outdoors. We tailor every trip to suit the needs and requirements of each school, linking food, farming & life together in exciting, engaging hands-on activities.
Whether it’s a day trip or a residential stay, our itineraries are personal and tailored to meet your needs. Our activities are led by experienced staff and made so fun and exciting that children won’t even know that they are learning.
Environment
Our 132 acres of tranquil organic countryside are found alongside the banks of the River Axe where Dorset, Somerset and Devon meet. Magdalen provides an opportunity to engage in nature and the great outdoors in a friendly, safe and accepting environment.
Being yourself
Everyone needs a place where they can be themselves. A stay at Magdalen allows people to benefit from the tranquility of nature’s surroundings.
Facilities
We offer group accommodation for schools and small groups, fully accessible changing facilities, relaxing surroundings and not to mention our home cooked organic food.
Animals
Magdalen is a real working organic farm so no trip is complete without a hands-on visit to our farm animals, help us to groom the goats, feed our lambs and pigs, or to let out our chickens and collect their eggs.
Food
We use fresh organic food straight from the ground, harvested by own fair hands – what better way to teach children about where there food comes from than by harvesting it themselves.
Our people
First and foremost, Magdalen is a team - with teaching staff, Care Farming specialists, kitchen and grounds team. We pride ourselves on being organized and efficient yet friendly and flexible and always on hand to help.
Sustainability
We believe sustainability should be fun - and Magdalen provides the perfect environment to learn about sustainable living. What’s more we practice what we preach.
What is typically included on our school trips
Our campfield is a great location on the farm to unwind and enjoy free time. There is plenty of space for football or rounders and other ball games with a wooden climbing frame and zip wire.
Team building challenges include our low ropes course which has a variety of obstacles no more than 1 metre off the ground – great for improving communication skills and group bonding. Alternatively, take on “Together we stand or divided we fall” puzzles in our problem solving games.
We have something for everyone – just tell us what you want to achieve from a trip and we will make some suggestions for you.
Group Sizes Catered For
We cater for groups of all ages and abilities and can accommodate up to 70 in our Courtyard Education Centre (maximum 40 guests in 8 bedrooms) and the adjacent Farmhouse (maximum 30 guests in 6 bedrooms).
Camping can be provided in the summer term by arrangement for up to 50 guests.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Groups are most welcome to photograph/film their stay at Magdalen Farm. All groups are asked to confirm if anyone within their group cannot be filmed and we will only publish social media posts or photographs on our website with the permission from the group leader.
Risk Assessment Details
Once your itinerary has been agreed we will send you up-to-date risk assessments for the Farm, accommodation and all your activities.
Should you have any students that have particular needs and require an individual risk assessment then contact us and we will be happy to help.
Teachers are most welcome to visit Magdalen Farm to complete their own assessments if required.
Pricing Information
Magdalen Farm rates are dependent on the time of year you wish to visit, the length of your stay and the number of students in the group.
Teachers and any 1:1 staff are free of charge and we require 1 teacher/adult per 10 students or part thereof.
2020 rates – typical group of 35 students for 2 nights
Spring / Summer term - £148 per student
Autumn / Winter term - £134 per student
Our rates are totally inclusive of your comfortable accommodation, homecooked meals from a seasonal menu using as much fresh produce from our own farm as possible and Magdalen led activities in a prearranged itinerary.
Contact us for a formal quote or to discuss options.
First Aid Information
We expect all groups to bring their own first aider but all Magdalen staff are qualified first aiders and carry first aid equipment with them at all times as well as several communal first aid points.
Available Facilities
- High standard of warm comfortable accommodation with dedicated sleeping areas (sole use).
- Showers, including an accessible gold standard “changing place” for those less able guests.
- Toilets – inside the buildings and outside around the farm.
- Boot room drying area.
- Assigned dining space.
- Communal play spaces with area for games, jungle gym and zip wire.
- Tea, filter coffee, herbal teas and water station available at all times.
- Wi-Fi for staff use only.
- Campfire and seating.
- Picnic tables.
- 3 All terrain electric wheelchairs with accessible paths to most areas.
- Gift Shop which includes small momentos of Magdalen such as fridge magnets, pencils, keyrings.
- Magdalen staff living on-site to provide assistance 24 hours a day.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
Magdalen Farm caters for all abilities – contact us for particular requirements but we have:
- 3 All terrain electric wheelchairs with accessible paths to most areas.
- Accessible gold standard “changing place” for those less able guests (please bring your own sling for the hoist).
- Ramped access to the Centre and 1st floor of the Farmhouse.
- Large print formats.
- Specialist staff experienced in ASD and other learning difficulties.
- Separate food prep areas for gluten intolerant diets.
- Digital weighing scales for diets such as diabetics.
- Dedicated disabled parking spaces.
- Menus to help with special dietary requirements.
Opening Hours & Information
Magdalen Farm is open to school day trips and overnight stays Monday to Friday all year round. The main office is open 9am to 5pm daily but kitchen staff are contactable from 7am to 8pm.
Testimonials
https://magdalenfarm.org.uk/ - 2 quotes from parents and teachers on the home page.
https://magdalenfarm.org.uk/school-trips-learning/ - additional quotes from schools.
Other Information
Magdalen welcomes over 4,500 visitors a year to our working organic farm. Let us help you plan and arrange your next bespoke school trip by contacting us via telephone on 01460 30144 or email info@magdalenfarm.org.uk.
Location Information
Magdalen Farm is located in the stunning rural countryside on the Dorset/Somerset borders yet close to the dramatic Jurassic coast. Charmouth & Lyme Regis are approximately 12 miles from the farm, ideal for a fossil hunting trip or visit to a traditional seaside town. Alternatively Seaton Jurassic Centre is only a short drive away.
Our nearest train station is 7 miles away at Crewkerne which is on the London Waterloo to Exeter train line.
We have several links with local coach companies who would be only too happy to give you a quote for travel to and from Magdalen Farm.
Room Sizes and Facilities
The 8 bedrooms in the Courtyard Education Centre (maximum 40 guests) have adults sized bunk beds all on one level. All the rooms have a handbasin and share toilets and showers which are located next to all the bedrooms.
The Farmhouse has 6 bedrooms (maximum 30 guests) with a variety of adult sized bunk beds and single beds set over 2 floors. There are 3 showers and 3 toilets to share.
Magdalen provides each bed with a single duvet and pillow. Bed linen is included for residential stays of 2 nights or more.
Booking information
Please contact Lisa Herbert or Giles Aspinall at Magdalen Farm on 01460 30144 or if you prefer to contact us via email info@madalenfarm.org.uk.
Tell us the age of your group, potential number of students and potential dates you are interested in – we are only too happy to help.
