The Wild Academy 2017
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
(including terms and conditions)
The Wild Academy is a week of fun and learning for 7-11 year olds at the Curraghs Wildlife Park.
Students of the Wild Academy will participate in an organised programme of wildlife-themed activities, with a
variety of indoor and outdoor sessions and a chance to learn more about the Park’s animals. During the week there
will be opportunities for students to get close up to some of the animals, and to participate in animal feeding.
All students will receive a Wild Academy graduation certificate on completion of the week’s course. The graduation
ceremony takes place at 3.30 on the Friday of each week. Parents, guardians and relatives are invited and will be
admitted to the Park free of charge.
Dates and Age Groups
14th - 18th August - For students age 9 – 11 by 31st August (i.e. have just completed Primary Year 4, 5, or 6)
21st – 25th August - For students age 7* & 8 by 31st August* (i.e. have just completed Primary Year 2 or 3)
*Children who will reach their seventh birthday by 31 st August 2016
Time:
9:30 – 4:00
Includes supervised breaks for snacks and lunch
Application Form
Please make sure that this is completed in full and returned either by post, email or in person.
Applications will normally be dealt with on a first-come first-served basis.
If your application is successful you will receive confirmation by email or telephone, after which payment is due immediately.
Prices and Payment
£ 178 per child for children who are not members* of the Wildlife Park
£ 158 per child for children who are members of the Wildlife Park
(*Family membership of the Wildlife Park costs from £90 and is valid for one year from the day of payment. Members have
unlimited free admission to the Park during opening times.)
The full fee is payable on confirmation of your child’s place. Please make your payment by card either in person or by phone.
(Note that you will be asked to supply a daytime telephone number on your application form so that we can contact you for
payment.)
Drop off and Pick up
We can only supervise and be responsible for children during the times 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Please ensure that you (or your
nominated adult) arrive promptly.
In cases of emergency, if you are unable to keep to these times, PLEASE LET US KNOW A.S.A.P. so that we can
accommodate you.
Absence
Please contact the Park as soon as possible if your child is unable to attend on any of the days. We regret that no refund can
be given for non-attendance
Unexpected pick-up
In the event that your child feels unwell, or is required to leave for discipline/safety reasons, you will be contacted and asked
to collect your child. In such circumstances it would be helpful if you could collect your child as soon as possible. Please see
below for the Wild Academy’s Code of Conduct
Cancellation of Wild Academy Place
If you cancel within four weeks of the start of your Wild Academy week, 50% of your fee will be refunded, at the Park’s
discretion.
We regret that no refunds can be given for cancellations at short notice.
Appropriate Clothing
Please ensure that your child is appropriately dressed, bearing in mind that weather can be changeable and that there will
be both indoor and outdoor activities. Within reason, outdoor sessions will still go ahead if the weather is wet.
We advise:
Comfortable shoes such as trainers
Long trousers
Layers of clothes that can be added or removed according to the weather
Outdoor waterproof clothing for wet weather
Wellies (these can be brought (named and in a bag) on the first day and left at the Park for the remainder
of the week
Sun hat and sun cream if necessary.
Please note that we cannot be responsible for items left at the Park.
Food
Your child should bring a packed lunch and any snacks that you wish them to have at break times.
It is important that we are made aware of any allergies from which your child suffers.
Orange squash and plain sweet biscuits will be provided at break times.
Health
In the case of an emergency you (by signing the application form) authorise the Duty Manager of the Wildlife Park to give
permission for any emergency medical treatment, including anaesthetic, as deemed necessary by the medical authorities
present.
Toilet and Hygiene
We expect children to be able to go to the toilet by themselves, and to ask when they need to go to the toilet. Hand steriliser
will be provided, but in addition it is important that children wash their hands when asked to do so. This is especially
important when animal handling has taken place.
Valuables
You are advised that your child should not bring money or valuables to the Park (including mobile phones and cameras) as
we cannot be responsible for these. Photographs will be taken during the week and made available to participants. If your
child needs to use a phone in an emergency we will provide access to one.
The café and shop are likely to be very busy during the summer period, so there will not be time for your child to make
purchases during Wild Academy hours.
Photographs
Photographs or video taken by Park staff may be used for publicity purposes. Unless you have indicated on the application
form that you do not allow your child to be photographed, it will be assumed that you have given permission for this. If you
have withheld permission for photographs it is helpful if your child is aware of this.
Discipline Policy
For the benefit of both your own child and for other children attending the summer school, it is essential that all summer
school pupils abide by the Code of Conduct, set out below.
Should any child behave in a way that is deemed to be unsatisfactory - either by compromising the safety of themselves or
others, or by spoiling the experience for the other members of the group, you will be asked to collect your child. Depending
on the nature of the behaviour, your child may be suspended from the remainder of the summer school. No refund will be
given in these circumstances.
Children with Behaviour Problems
We will do our very best to ensure that the individual needs of all our Wild Academy students are met. We regret however
our staff are not equipped to cope with severe behavioral or other difficulties. If your feel this applies to your child you are
advised that the Wild Academy may not be suitable for their needs.
Animal Contact
All animal contact will be closely supervised and close attention will be paid to the health and safety of all involved. You are
advised, however, that animals occasionally scratch or bite. It is important that you are aware of this, and it is your
responsibility to ensure that your child is covered with an up to date tetanus vaccination.
Please ensure that on your application form you inform us of any medical conditions that we should be aware of.
Code of Conduct
 Follow the instructions of the group leader at all times
 Stay with the group at all times
 Show respect for other members of the group
 Never use foul or abusive language
 Do not partake in rough play that could endanger the safety or enjoyment of others
 Respect the Wildlife Park and the resources/equipment used in the summer school
 Do not attempt to stroke or feed the animals unless this is part of a supervised activity
 In supervised animal contact you MUST behave sensibly and obey the instructions of keepers and staff
 NEVER bully other members of the group
By signing the Application Form you agree to the terms and conditions as described. A form that is emailed without a written
signature is deemed to have been signed.
Note: We reserve the right to vary the terms and conditions above or the summer school activities advertised without prior
notice. In the event that the summer school is unable to go ahead a full refund will be given.
The Curraghs Wildlife Park is part of the
Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture