Stansted ParkFoundation:Practical Information for Teachers
Stories, drama, history, art, and nature –Stansted Park has it all.
It all began as a hunting lodge in the Forest 800 years ago. After several owners and a disastrous fire in 1900, the present mansion was rebuilt on the ‘footprint’ of a 17th century house and Stansted Park became the home of the Earls of Bessborough in 1924. The 10th Earl gave Stansted Park to a Trust which manages the House and Estate for the public .The Forest is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year and managed to preserve wildlife habitats.
What we can offer?
Stansted House is unique for its ‘Upstairs-Downstairs’ experience. Upstairs are sparkling state rooms with splendid collections of original portraits and beautiful furnishings. Downstairs, the Servants’ Quarters are as if the butler, housekeeper, cook and footmen were in residence, complete with well-stocked linen cupboards and a spectacular Old Kitchen. Children can handle original artifacts. The House was used by evacuees from a Southsea orphanage for the duration of the 2nd War World. Visit our website for images of Stansted Park.
Woodland visits are welcome and the arboretum and yew maze are also available. There is a Forest School set within Stansted Park details of which can be found at . The Forest School Programme provides a variety of stimulating activities that allow young people to take managed risks. The Forest School is also an ideal venue for a staff team-building day!
Our woodlands are managed to benefit wildlife and to maintain and restore the historic parkland and pastureland. Whatever your focus –history, drama, art, trees or woodlands, Stansted Park can help in bringing your topic to life.
School Visits can be organised during the entire season, subject to the particular date being available.
What does a typical educational visit include?
We have extraordinary original resources and can focus on specific key stages, projects and tasks. Our original material will be an inspiration for your arts, history, storytelling or drama projects.
We always invite group leaders to call in advance and discuss your classes’ interests and needs. We have experienced Stewards and endeavor to tailor the visit to suit your curriculum needs and learning objectives.
We have servants’ costumes available for use by primary age groups and usually have costumed guides.
What group sizes do you cater for?
Your focus will determine optimum group size but our ideal is approximately 30 children on any one visit to the House. We are happy to organise visits on several mornings to accommodate larger year groups. If transport arrangements necessitate accommodating larger numbers we will endeavor to tailor the visit to meet your needs.
Are you happy for children to take photos, video or audio if appropriate?
We are happy for teachers to take photos of children at work. We can allow photography projects or filming with prior agreement.
Do you provide risk assessments for teachers?
We do not provide a specific risk assessment but we have H&S Information guidelines and Accessibility Statement to download to help schools complete their own risk assessment.
The special attention of group leaders and group members is drawn to the following good safety practice:
- Pupils remain the responsibility of the school during the visit, including lunch and play times.
- Teachers and other school staff are requested to work in partnership with Stansted Parkstaff to actively supervise children within their care whilst on site.
- We strongly recommend that group leaders conduct a preview visit in order to assess any potential risks for your group
What is the cost of the visit?
The cost (2014) is £3.50 + vat per person, with no charge for up to 3 supervising adults.There is free parking here.
Is specific clothing required for the trip?
No, unless groups also plan to walk on grassland in the grounds. There are gravel paths throughout.
Do you have first aid on site?
We have qualified first aiders and first aid kits on site.
Do children need pocket money, and are there facilities to eat packed lunch?
There is no shop in the house. We give postcards and leaflets to all pupils, and a free child re-admission ticket so that they can return with their family on a visit. There is an indoor area where children can eat a packed lunch and acres of lawn outside with mature trees and an arboretum for walks and picnics on fine days.
What are your disabled facilities? Is the venue suitable for disabled children?
Our accessibility statement can be downloaded from our website. Coaches can drop off at the door. We are fully accessible to most wheelchairs. Please contact us to discuss any concerns.
Who will book visits and give more information?Stansted House Office-Tel: 02392 412265email: Please do not book transport until you have confirmed dates with our diary.
Independent attractions on other areas of the site include the Stansted Light Railway, the Garden Centre, and Pavilion Tea Rooms.
Any group visits to these attractions must be pre-booked with them.
Stansted Light Railway02392 413324
The Garden Centre 02392 413090
Pavilion Tea Rooms 02392 413432
Visit our website to view many images
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