Who We Are
Welcome to Dodford Children's Farm
We are a small, registered children's charity in Worcestershire, offering holidays and short breaks on our farm to children up to 9 years of age who are less fortunate than most and particularly those living in deprived areas. Some of the children who come to stay with us are disabled or have special needs Most of the children are disadvantaged by their situation; School children can come for a residential stay or day visit, families are referred by their social worker, health visitor, GP, headteacher or community worker.
We are also happy to offer visits to other groups and schools who would benefit from a taste of the countryside as regular bookings help sustain the work we do for less fortunate children.
What’s On Offer?
Up to 5 Day residential stays on our farm and also day trips. We can also accommodate overnight stays, a visit in every season, visits for outdoor learning - we are very flexible
Who Comes to Stay?
Children aged 9 and under from Schools & Nurseries. Families on a referral basis. Disabled or Special Needs Children with Parents/Carers or school
Facilities
9 Acres of Meadow, Woodland & Stream Animals to Care For & Ride. Accommodation in a Converted Farmhouse. Indoor & Outdoor Play areas. Paddling Pool, Conservatory. Please be aware that while we do our best to continually improve our accommodation, you should not expect hotel style facilities and bedrooms.
The Stay
The Farm offers breaks, for 5 days or less to children up to the age of nine. Many come as part of a group from inner-city nursery and primary schools. We can accommodate up to twenty two including supervising teachers for residential stays and larger groups on day visits. We can also take smaller groups of children with special needs. Other visitors are families who have been referred by Social Services, where it is thought that they will benefit from a stay in the countryside. We can accommodate up to four families but please note we can only accept bookings on a referral basis. Although Dodford is not a working farm, there are a number of animals including ponies, donkeys, pigs, sheep, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and goats. Feeding the animals is a ‘must’ and donkey rides are also extremely popular with the children. There is plenty to do around the Farm. The Farm staff are always on hand to offer support and help to adults and children to ensure they get the most out of their stay. If you are a Teacher, Social Worker, Health Visitor, or other professional working with families in need please visit the 'Schools' or 'Families' page for more information.
Costs;
5 day booking for schools/groups £700
Split week (changeover on Wednesday) £800
Short stay (per day) £160
Day visits for schools/groups (per person) £6.00 (with food) £4.00 (without)
Families – please see referral form in Downloads section.
Why not come in Winter? we are always very busy during the warmer months but Dodford is just as lovely in the winter and schools/groups can benefit from a discounted price in November, December and January. Below is a testimonial from Heath Mount Primary School who came to the farm in December as well as every year in June;
Our children had a great time at Dodford during December. The cold weather certainly did not stop us working with the animals, going on walks, playing outside, etc. The children really benefited from the experience and saw how the colder weather effects country life.
Through organising a programme where the children were outside and then came in for an activity, they were not only engaged but also not getting cold for lengthy periods of time.
The indoor Play Barn was a great asset as it allowed the children to play in a warm room. Cooking with the centre’s cook also enabled the children to come inside and learn. Overall a great week, the children not only learnt a great deal, they had a great time and are still talking about it months later!
