Discover the Primary School That Has Its Own Farm
What happens when a school brings animals, growing and farming into everyday education?
In this inspiring teacher podcast, The Muddy Puddle Teacher® speaks with Boothroyd Primary Academy about its school farm and the difference it makes to children’s learning, wellbeing and sense of responsibility. New to Outdoor Learning? Start by exploring our Beginners Guide to Outdoor Learning.
The conversation explores how caring for animals, growing food and spending meaningful time outdoors can create memorable learning opportunities across the curriculum.
This episode is ideal for primary teachers, school leaders, outdoor learning coordinators, SEND practitioners and anyone interested in developing more practical and nature-connected education.
View the entire Muddy Puddle Teacher Podcast Episodes.
What Will You Learn in This Podcast?
In this episode, Boothroyd Primary Academy shares how its school farm has become part of school life.
The conversation explores how children are involved in caring for animals, completing practical jobs and learning about where food comes from.
You will hear how farming experiences can support science, communication, teamwork, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
The episode also considers the practical side of running a school farm, including routines, responsibilities, staff involvement and creating opportunities for children to participate safely.
Why Have a Farm in a Primary School?
A school farm gives children the opportunity to experience learning in a real and purposeful context.
Instead of only reading about animals, habitats or food production, children can observe living things closely and contribute to their daily care.
They can learn that animals need regular food, water, shelter, attention and respectful handling.
These responsibilities help children understand that their actions matter.
A school farm can also create a strong sense of community, with children, staff and families working together around a shared project. Explore more Outdoor Learning Ideas for KS1.
Learning Through Caring for Animals
Caring for animals can help children develop empathy, patience and responsibility.
Children can take part in age-appropriate tasks such as preparing food, checking water, cleaning areas and observing animal behaviour.
These activities encourage children to follow instructions, work as part of a team and complete jobs that have a genuine purpose.
They also create natural opportunities for discussion.
Children may ask why animals behave in certain ways, what they eat, how they grow and what they need to remain healthy.
These questions can lead to deeper scientific investigation and research.
Supporting Children’s Wellbeing
Animals and outdoor environments can have a calming effect on many children.
Spending time completing a practical task may provide a welcome break from formal classroom demands.
Some children may find it easier to communicate while caring for an animal or working alongside an adult outdoors.
The predictable routines involved in feeding and caring for animals can also provide a sense of security and achievement.
Children who struggle to recognise their strengths in traditional lessons may develop confidence through practical competence and trusted responsibilities. Head to the Outdoor Learning Hub for KS2 for more active ideas.
Connecting a School Farm to the Curriculum
A school farm can support learning across many curriculum subjects.
In science, children can explore animals, habitats, life cycles, nutrition, plants and seasonal change.
In maths, they can measure animal food, calculate costs, record growth and interpret data.
English opportunities might include writing instructions, reports, persuasive letters, diaries and information texts.
Geography can include farming, land use, food journeys and sustainability.
Children can also explore design technology, art, personal development and careers connected to farming, veterinary care and environmental work.
Teaching Children Where Food Comes From
Many children have limited opportunities to see how food is grown or produced.
A school farm can help children understand the connection between land, animals, plants and the food they eat.
Children can grow fruit, vegetables and herbs alongside learning about animal care.
They can discuss seasonal produce, food miles, healthy choices and reducing waste.
These experiences help move learning beyond packaging and supermarkets, encouraging children to think carefully about food production and sustainability.
Developing Responsibility and Independence
Farm jobs give children responsibilities that are real rather than simulated.
An animal cannot be left without water because someone forgot to complete a task.
This helps children understand the importance of reliability, teamwork and routine.
Adults can gradually increase children’s independence as their skills and confidence develop.
Jobs can be divided into manageable steps, supported by visual prompts and adapted for different ages and needs.
Children can also contribute ideas about how the farm should be organised, improved and shared with the wider school community.
Supporting Children with SEND
A school farm can provide valuable opportunities for children with additional needs.
Practical tasks can support movement, sensory regulation, communication and engagement.
Some children may respond positively to the predictable routines involved in animal care.
Others may enjoy the sensory experience of carrying materials, brushing animals, filling containers or working with soil.
Activities should always be adapted to individual needs.
Children may require clear boundaries, visual instructions, quieter access times, reduced demands or alternative ways to participate.
The aim is meaningful inclusion rather than expecting every child to interact in the same way.
Explore our dedicated SEND Outdoors Hub for more bespoke ideas for children with special educational needs. Start with the Beginners Guide to SEND Outdoors to learn why an outdoors method could work for your learners.
Farm Activities Without a Full School Farm
Not every school will have the space, funding or staffing required to keep animals.
However, schools can still introduce farming and food-growing experiences in manageable ways.
Children could grow vegetables in containers, plant herbs, compost food waste or create a pollinator garden.
Schools might arrange visits from local farms, invite farmers to speak, hatch eggs with specialist support or develop links with community gardens.
Even a small growing area can help children understand responsibility, food production and seasonal change.
The Boothroyd Primary Academy story can inspire schools to think creatively about what is possible within their own circumstances.
For more farm activities head to our Farm Activities for Kids Handbook.
Practical Considerations for Schools
Keeping animals in a school requires careful planning and long-term commitment.
Schools need to consider animal welfare, suitable housing, hygiene, risk assessments, veterinary care and who will look after animals during weekends and holidays.
Staff responsibilities should be clear, and children must receive appropriate guidance and supervision.
The farm should be developed around the needs of the animals rather than being treated only as an educational attraction.
Starting small can allow a school to build experience, confidence and sustainable routines before expanding.
Building a Whole-School Community
A school farm can become a place where different members of the community connect.
Children from different year groups can work together, with older pupils helping younger children understand routines.
Families may contribute knowledge, resources or time.
Local farmers, businesses and organisations may be able to offer advice and support.
The farm can also provide opportunities for events, open days, produce sales and community learning.
When carefully managed, it can become part of the school’s identity and a source of pride for children and families.
About Boothroyd Primary Academy
Boothroyd Primary Academy has developed a distinctive approach to outdoor and practical learning through its school farm.
The farm gives children opportunities to care for animals, learn about food and farming, spend purposeful time outdoors and develop important life skills.
In this podcast, the school shares its experiences, ideas and the positive impact the farm has had on its pupils and wider school community. Contact the school by visiting their site – Boothroyd Parimary Leeds.
About The Muddy Puddle Teacher®
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® helps teachers take meaningful curriculum learning outdoors using practical, sustainable and low-cost ideas.
Founded by teacher, Bloomsbury author and outdoor learning consultant Sarah Seaman, The Muddy Puddle Teacher® supports schools, nurseries and families through resources, training, podcasts, videos and outdoor learning inspiration.
Our approach is not Forest School. We help educators take everyday learning, including maths, English, science and geography, into playgrounds, gardens and school grounds.
Listen and Be Inspired by Boothroyd’s School Farm
This podcast offers an inspiring example of what can happen when practical outdoor experiences become part of everyday school life.
Listen to Boothroyd Primary Academy share how its farm supports learning, responsibility, wellbeing and community.
Then consider what your school could introduce on a scale that works for you.
It might begin with one growing bed, a composting project, a wildlife area or a stronger connection with a local farm.
Listen to The School That Has a Farm
Explore More Outdoor Science Activities
Discover School Gardening Resources
Join The Muddy Puddle Teacher®
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a school farm?
A school farm is an area within or connected to a school where children can learn about animals, food production, growing and farming through practical experiences.
How can a school farm support the curriculum?
A school farm can support science, maths, English, geography, design technology, personal development and environmental education.
Can caring for animals support children’s wellbeing?
For many children, spending time with animals and completing practical outdoor tasks can support calmness, confidence, communication and a sense of achievement.
Does every school need animals to teach children about farming?
No. Schools can explore farming through food-growing projects, composting, farm visits, community partnerships and practical lessons about food production.
What should schools consider before keeping animals?
Schools should carefully consider animal welfare, staffing, hygiene, costs, suitable housing, risk assessment, veterinary care and holiday arrangements.
Is The Muddy Puddle Teacher® the same as Forest School?
No. The Muddy Puddle Teacher® helps schools take everyday curriculum learning outdoors. You do not need woodland access or a Forest School qualification to use the approach.
