Home Education sessions on the farm offer an opportunity for Home educated young people to learn about our animals, engage with nature, and make friends!

Home Education sessions at Southampton City Farm!

Running every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon from 1 - 2:30, and Thursday mornings 10:30 - 12.

Tuesday is aimed at ages: 8-16
​Wednesday is aimed at ages: 8-16
Thursday is aimed at ages: 5-11
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If siblings are different age ranges and want to join the same activity, please drop us an email so we are aware ahead of time on:
[email protected]

Southampton City Farm strives to create an inclusive, holistic learning environment where children can join in with practical and creative activities. The group runs with a maximum of 8 young people, across all age groups. Adults are welcome to participate in learning, or stay for a cup of tea in our community room/café. 

Each session will include a practical task such as mucking out, grooming, feeding, growing vegetables for animal food, and creative learning which includes drawing from life, natural art, building bug-hotels. 

Supporting SEN learners is at the core of what we do. We believe that provision built for children with SEN improves learning for everyone. 

We do ask that all young people are respectful, use kind words, and are kind to others. Any adults/carers/parents who join the session, please do support your young person with this farm ethos. Although the activity is run by a member of staff, we do ask that all adults are responsible for their child's behaviour within the session. We do not allow younger siblings not booked on to join the sessions as we like to keep the groups small and focussed.
Cost:
£10 per child through the booking system

What will you be doing?

When we can, we will be posting specific session plans below to help with what to expect! 

While we hope to keep the content of sessions the same as advertised, plans may need to change on the day if the weather is particularly wet or windy. 

2026 Dates and activities - now live on our system

Farm tour:
  • Tuesday 8th September
  • Wednesday 9th September
  • Thursday 10th September
An introduction to farm life with our staff, giving a hands on and interactive tour of our farm and garden. This will include handling, feeding, and grooming and garden activities.

Poultry and Pigs week: 
  • Tuesday 15th September
  • Wednesday 16th September
  • Thursday 17th September
-Clean out the chicken, duck or pig enclosures
-Create enrichment for the chickens, ducks, or pigs!
-Chicken handling and feeding them some corn
-Meet our rescue chickens and Turkeys in our Safe Wings Sanctuary

Goat and Sheep care week: 
  • Tuesday 22nd September
  • Wednesday 23rd September
  • Thursday 24th September
-Clean out the barn or goat shelter 
-Feed Hay to the goats and sheep (go in the field with Pygmy goats, Nubian goats, Guernsey goats and Sheep)
-Groom the goats and create goat enrichment 

Small Animal care week: 
  • Tuesday 29th September
  • Wednesday 30th September
  • Thursday 1st October
-Clean out the guinea pig or rabbit enclosures and refresh with clean bedding
-Prepare the guinea pigs, rabbits, or reptiles’ dinner and forage for weeds and greens from the garden
-Guinea pig and reptile handling, grooming or bathing.
-Small animal health checks and weighing.

Woodland and animals: 
  • Tuesday 6th October
  • Wednesday 7th October
  • Thursday 8th October
-Woodland activities including – bug hunting, den building and scavenger hunts and teambuilding games
-Animal interactions – this could include; guinea pigs, goats, reptiles or chickens 

Farm tour: 
  • Tuesday 13th October
  • Wednesday 14th October
  • Thursday 15th October
-An introduction to farm life with our staff, giving a hands on and interactive tour of our farm and garden. This will include handling, feeding, and grooming and garden activities.