Frequently Asked Questions

You've Got Questions...

We Have Answers!

We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help you understand how Animal Antiks works and what to expect.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch - we’re always happy to help.

Getting Started & Placements

We understand that navigating education placements can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you understand whether Animal Antiks is the right fit for your child.

How do we get my child an education placement at Animal Antiks?

The first step is to inform the team at your Annual Review that your preference for your child is for an education placement at Animal Antiks. Ask the local authority to send us a consultation.

What happens if our request is declined by the local authority?

Your EHCP Officer will help you if your request is declined.

Is there a minimum level of learning you need a child to have to get a placement?

There isn’t a minimum level of learning, but all learners will need to have an EHCP. We know who is likely to get the most out of our experience and will advise you if we are a suitable location. For supported Internships, the government has specific criteria, which your EHCP Officer can discuss with you.

Daily Life at the Farm

Every day at Animal Antiks is designed to be engaging, practical, and supportive. While no two days are the same, learners benefit from a structured environment that builds confidence, independence, and real-world skills.

How many days do learners come to the farm each week?

The Government specifies learning for Post-16 education is 3 days per week.

What time do they start and finish?

Our day starts at 10.00am and finishes at 3pm. They take their lunch between 12-1pm.

Can they start with fewer days or shorter time at the farm?

Yes, once a placement has been confirmed, we will work with you to transition your child into life as a learner at Animal Antiks.

Is there a timetable?

We do not set a specific timetable for each day as it depends on who is attending, what tasks need to be completed and what space we have available. Learners will be advised each morning what they will be doing for the day.

We have included in our parent pack a sample of a week in the life of a learner, based on what one of our learners did in a previous week, to give you an idea of the tasks and learning they complete.

Do they go outside if it’s raining?

Yes. Farming and Animal Care goes on whatever the weather and so do we!

Do they have to do mucking out?

Yes. A large part of animal care is learning how to keep them safe and prevent disease. Everyone gets involved in all aspects of animal care.

What if my child doesn’t like a particular animal?

We understand that some of our learners will not have come across all of the animals we have at the farm and we work with them to support them and build their confidence around any animal they are unsure of.

Travel, Term Dates & Attendance

We aim to make attendance as smooth and predictable as possible, with clear guidance around transport, term dates, and day-to-day logistics so you can plan with confidence.

How do learners get to the farm? Do you provide transport?

We do not currently provide any transport for learners (this is an area we are reviewing). You will need to ask your local authority about transport.

Do they get holidays like at school?

Yes, we follow Buckinghamshire Schools Term dates.

Do you offer holiday activities?

Yes, we will be running activities over some school holidays. Check out our website or follow us on social media to find out when they’re happening. There will be a charge for the activities.

My child travels to the farm by taxi. What happens if they need to come home part way through the day?

If a learner needs to go home before the normal end of day, we will contact the person named as the emergency contact to advise. It is your responsibility to arrange safe transport home for your child.

Clothing & Equipment

We make sure every learner is properly equipped for farm life. With the right clothing and protective equipment, they can take part safely, comfortably, and confidently in all activities.

What does my child need to wear?

Practical, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor and farm work, this includes closed-toe, sturdy footwear which must be worn at all times. No sandals, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes. Wellington boots are useful during wet weather or snow. They will need to dress for the weather, so need to bring waterproofs in wet weather and layers in cold weather or bring sun cream and a sun hat in sunny weather.

Do you provide any uniform?

Animal Antiks will provide new learners with one hoodie and a set of overalls when they join. Additional items can be purchased by parents if they wish.

What happens if they get really wet or muddy?

In wet weather, we advise bringing in a change of clothing so that learners can change if they do get wet or very muddy.

What about protective equipment?

Animal Antiks will provide any protective equipment and learners are expected to wear what they are asked to put on.

Learning & Development

Our approach to learning is practical, personalised, and focused on building real-life skills. We support each learner’s development in a way that works best for them, both academically and personally.

How do you teach English and Maths?

Functional English and Maths are taught in a number of ways, sometimes with workbooks at desks but we will always make the best of an opportunity to get learners writing lists, care plans or calculating how much feed we need for the animals. It means more when they can see it in action tends to stick!

Do they have exams?

Our learners only have exams for their functional English and Maths. All other subjects are marked by continual assessment throughout the year.

What can my child expect to be able to do once they have completed their placement?

It really depends on the individual. If your child works hard and completes our qualifications, they will have the skills necessary to work in a similar placement, although some many need a similar level of supervision.

Wellbeing & Behaviour Support

We recognise that every young person is different. Our team provides a supportive environment where learners feel safe, understood, and able to manage their emotions in a way that works for them.

What size are the groups you work with?

Our group sizes are kept small, so around 4-6 learners per group. However, if there is a need to change this to support a particular learner more, we will adjust the groups as required.

We try to encourage all of our young people to work with others and develop team work and leadership skills.

What happens if my child isn’t getting on with someone in their group?

This is part of growing up and your child will be supported to understand their emotions and how to handle them. If there is a genuine issue between learners, we will support them to try to resolve the issue in the first instance.

My child takes regular medication, how do you make sure they get it at the right time if they are at the farm?

Any medication should be handed into the office on arrival along with clear instructions for taking it. We will label the medication and remind the staff members working with your child that medication is due to be taken.

Sometimes my child struggles with their emotions. I usually give them time out. Will they be able to take time out if they need to?

Yes, most definitely. We have specific areas designed for this purpose.

My child prefers to wear headphones to help reduce background noise, is that OK?

If a learner needs to reduce the ambient noise, we will allow them to wear headphones, but we do need to check that they can still hear sufficiently well enough to hear instructions, danger or moving vehicles. We do encourage them to take breaks in their usage, to help develop good communication skills.

My child gets anxious if they don’t have their phone with them. What is your position on mobile phones being used.

Currently, we allow learners to have their mobile phones with them during their time with us. However, we discourage their use when the young person is working or learning and try to encourage them to wait until lunchtime or the end of the day.

Safety & Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of every learner is our highest priority. We have clear procedures, trained staff, and a carefully managed environment to ensure all young people are supported and protected at all times.

Can I come and see them in their work groups?

For safeguarding reasons, this is not possible.

How do you make sure that the learners don’t leave the farm? And what happens if they do?

Security is paramount and our main gate is observed by Reception. However, we are a farm and should a young person choose to leave, a member of our staff will follow them to ascertain why they need to walk off-site and if necessary alert you, or if they are in danger, the police.

My child smokes, will they be allowed to have a cigarette break when they’re at the farm?

We have strict rules about smoking and it is not allowed on-site as it is a fire risk as well as a health risk to other learners. Learners will be allowed to stand outside our gate, in the car park if they wish to take a cigarette break. These breaks are not allowed during active sessions and usually occur during the lunch break. They are also supervised to ensure everyone’s safety.

Does my child need to have any vaccinations before starting their placement?

We advise that your child is up to date with their Tetanus vaccinations before they start their placement with us. Your GP surgery will be able to inform you if they are up to date.

Communication & Progress

We believe in open and consistent communication with families and professionals. You’ll always know how your child is progressing and have opportunities to discuss their development.

How can I find out about my child’s progress?

We hold annual reviews with your child’s EHCP team, where you will receive an update on their progress.
If we have any concerns in the interim period, we will contact you to discuss them.

How do you keep the local authority up to date with my child’s progress?

Learners will have an annual review with their EHCP team and someone from Animal Antiks will be part of the meeting to discuss your child’s progress.

Food, Money & Daily Practicalities

We keep things simple and clear when it comes to day-to-day practicalities, so learners can focus on their experience without unnecessary distractions.

Does my child need to bring in money for anything?

No, your child does not need to purchase anything on site.

What about lunch and snacks/drinks. Can they buy them on-site?

No, they cannot buy anything on site, so will need to bring all they need with them.

Contact & General Enquiries

If you have any questions at any stage, our team is always here to help. We aim to respond promptly and provide clear, helpful guidance whenever you need it.

How do I get in touch if I have any questions or problems?

If you need to contact us you can call the office on 01296 670996 or email us using [email protected]

Registered Charity 1172099

Buckinghamshire Council Licence No: LC202403-133430 Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) for Keeping or Training Animals for Exhibition