Yes, all of our activity sessions, cookery demonstrations and resources are free.
We are fully funded and don’t pass any costs onto schools. We simply want to help spread kindness to the next generation.
Animal welfare: We invite children to explore the wonderful world of animals and consider some of their amazing abilities. We discuss some of the feelings that we share with other animals and why it’s important to respect animals. We give children practical suggestions about to show kindness to animals.
Animal habitats: We explore what animals get from their habitats and why we need to keep them healthy. We discuss some of the positive and negative impacts that humans can have on animal habitats. We can also look in depth at the Amazon rainforest, the animals who live there and some of the threats they face.
Pet care: We discuss the needs of companion animals and look at the responsibility that people have towards animals in their care. We talk about why it’s better to adopt a rescued animal than buying one from a breeder. We discuss the suitability (or unsuitability) of different animals as pets.
Farmed animal welfare: We explore what pigs, chickens, cows and sheep need to be happy and healthy. We discuss how sanctuaries work hard to give rescued animals a good life and with KS2 pupils, we begin to discuss the impacts that factory farming has on the welfare of animals.
Vegan food: We explore the world of plant-based diets and discuss some of the reasons people follow them, including animal welfare, sustainability and health. We can deliver a cookery demonstration or pupils can make their own fruit and vegetable creatures.
Our speakers use a range of resources, including our AnimalKind film, puppets, pictures, games and stories. We involve children in a variety of activities, including listening, watching, discussion and hands-on activities.
The talks have strong curriculum links in a subjects including citizenship, PSHE, English and science
We can tailor the sessions to suit you depending on the time available and your requirements.Â
If your school doesn’t have a cookery classroom, we provide all cooking, serving and cleaning equipment.Â
Most sessions run for 1 hour. The cookery demonstration usually takes around 15 minutes. After we have cooked a simple, vegan spaghetti bolognese or chilli, the children can try a sample.Â
Speakers talk about the foods that vegans eat as part of a healthy balanced diet. They also use fun activities such as food quizzes or mystery food games.
Our activity sessions are suitable for Year 1 to Year 6
Sessions usually last 45–60 minutes, but the visit can be tailored to your needs.
Depending on the topic you request, our speaker will show either our Animal Kind or Meet the Animals! film.
Listen to why teachers invite us into their class here.
We have a range of free lesson plans and resources that are ideal for use following a talk.
Yes. Before the talk, copies of the lesson plan and films are submitted to the teacher for approval.Â
No, Animal Aid does not take live animals into schools. We use videos, puppets, pictures, games and stories.Â
All of our speakers have enhanced DBS certificates.
Most of our speakers are volunteers who have passed our rigorous training course. All are knowledgeable and passionate about the issues and have experience working with young children. They are all trained to deal with the issues raised in a sensitive way and to encourage the pupils to articulate their own views. All speakers have an enhanced DBS certificate.Â
Yes, see our safeguarding statement.
For more information on our school speaker service, email karin@animalaid.org.uk
You can book a talk or cookery demonstration using our booking forms.