What do we provide?

We provide an interactive approach to education, involving specially trained donkeys.

Sessions provide hands-on experience (including grooming and donkey walking) which can be tailored to specific curriculum topics or related class projects. The sessions are on site at The Donkey Sanctuary.

For schools catering for children with special needs, within the grounds of The Donkey Sanctuary is the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys, a centre fully adapted to suit the children. For further information, please contact the EST Sidmouth directly.

What do the donkeys bring?

Donkeys can act as a source of learning, encouraging responsibility and care towards fellow human beings and animals in a very practical way; to children and young people of all ages. Curriculum subjects and class projects can be translated through this tactile and fun learning facility. Our teacher support pack is a valuable resource to build on our education sessions long after the donkeys have gone.

Safety and training

The safety of both those who visit and our donkeys are of paramount importance. Therefore, all our 'school' donkeys undergo a thorough training programme, which may take several months (depending on the individual donkey), to ensure that:

• they are as trustworthy as possible with children;
• they are not subjected to any situation which may cause them distress.

How much does it cost?

On-site visits are met with enormous enthusiasm from both pupils and teachers alike. These visits are offered all year round, irrespective of the weather, as the donkeys are just as happy to meet the children.

A minimum donation of £100 for any school visit is required.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us on 01395 578222.