We want to ensure a future for gamekeeping, but in order to do that, we must improve public awareness of what we do. This is the main aim of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust, a charity set up to improve both childrens' and adults' understanding of gamekeeping.
- Did you know that 49 out of 50 people have never met a gamekeeper?
- And most people's opinions of gamekeepers are based on what is reported in the media?
- Science - biology and nature studies.
- Geography - land management, agriculture and the social, economic, and environmental implications of gamekeeping.
- Citizenship - a new subject that will encompass moral and social implications of gamekeeping.
- Careers - to talk about what you do and how you can make a career in gamekeeping,
- Art - using the countryside as a stimulus.
- Music - using the countryside as a stimulus.
- Design and Technology - the practical skills of your job.
The Children are divided into 4 Key stages, each one for a different age group:
Foundation Stage This is before the children reach school. At this stage, gamekeepers can offer lots of play and activities that allow the children to use all their senses, be careful with taste and washing hands. Children of this age may also need open access to toilet facilities and plenty of time to play.
Key Stage One (KS1) This group are from year 1 and 2 of school and can range from 4 to 6 years of age. There will be huge variation in what level of structure they can cope with. Some will need to have lots of time to play and investigate their surroundings whilst others will be able to listen for around 15 minutes.
Key Stage Two (KS2) This group are the older primary school children or the younger part of the middle school, years 3 to 6. They range between 6 and 11 years of age. Most of this key stage should be able to listen to simple instructions and carry out slightly more structured activities. Be aware that their muscle control may not yet be developed enough for fine skills. They may also have varying abilities at working in groups. The teacher will be the best person to put the children into groups. By this stage the children will definitely be becoming aware of issues. They will however have varying abilities at knowing fact from opinion and what is being inferred. It is therefore better to stick to science and nature study rather than opinionated debate. If awkward questions do arise try to offer both sides of the argument even if you do not agree with one side!
Key Stage Three (KS3) This is lower secondary school or upper middle school. The children are between 11 and 14 years of age, years 7 to 9. They really begin to turn into teenagers now, especially late in year 8 and into year 9. They will be discussing issues and have varying abilities in coping with sarcasm and analogies. You should talk to the teacher about what they would like you to cover. We have given you some examples of what you can offer above.
Key Stage Four (KS4) This is year 10 and 11 and it is the time when the children are doing their GCSEs and making further education choices. They will also do work experience. This could be a good time to go into school for careers events and more political debates. It is always a good idea to talk to the teacher about what they would like to cover and research that area.
Post 16 At this stage the young adults don't have to be in formal education but more young people are being encouraged to do further training or academic study. There is a range of game keeping courses and young people should be encouraged to look around for the best course. 
- Talk to people about what you do
- Adopt a local school and offer to talk to children
- Entertain organised visits from interested groups in your community
- Get friends who are parents to approach the local school and tell teachers that their children need to know about gamekeeping as part of their education
First of all, talk to the teacher by letting the teacher know what expertise you have. Then plan together what is appropriate for the children. Think of things you liked to do as a child, try to make the visit FUN. Get advice from the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Charitable Trust. They could also introduce you to someone who can recommend activities or materials they have used before. Think of all the five senses, what could the children, touch, smell, hear and see that would be new to them and make them remember your visit. Remember that most people only retain the information they receive in the first 10 minutes. Try to avoid talking for long periods of time, The helpers can easily be educated whilst talking to children try to keep them involved.
All visitors need to be asked to wear appropriate clothes. In particular long trousers, stout shoes sun cream and hats (insect repellent if necessary).
Ask the group leader to provide a first aider and first aid kit, find out who this is. It would also be advisable to have first aid training yourself, or know the policy for the estate.
Remind the group leader in the summer about making sure that the children have plenty to drink.
Ask the teacher if they have any special needs e.g. physical disabilities, allergies, and safety issues.
Suggest that the more helpers that there are the better, teachers should know the recommended ratios. Make sure you are always free to deal with an emergency; this means that you should not be responsible for a group of your own.
Be aware of the specific risks of the estate; the estate may even be able to devise a risk analysis to show awareness of the present dangers. Be aware of the insurance implications for children visiting the farm, public liability insurance should cover you, but check. Know your route, what are the dangers? Where can you stop and talk to the whole group? Be aware of how you could get help if it was needed and let someone know your route.
Make sure you are never left alone with children, this is easy to arrange and it is always better to be safe than to put yourself in a position where you could be accused. Visitors need to be reminded to wash hands, especially before eating. It is always worth allowing time for a toilet stop before starting a walk or activity (the younger the visitors the more important this is). Always make sure everyone is listening when you are giving instructions or safety information. If you are going on a walk, always arrange one adult to bring up the rear. Smile, relax and try to make sure everyone has a safe, but enjoyable visit.
National Gamekeepers Organisation Educational Trust,
PO Box 3360,
Stourbridge,
DY7 5YG
Telephone: 01833 660869 Fax: 01833 662878 eMail: ngo.educationaltrust@yahoo.co.uk