Sessions for students with Special Educational Needs

‘Dave and Amy pitched it really well, good pace, good use of signs and simple language. I liked their approach to the young people, offering them to look, touch or hold. Good use of pictures with the autistic young people.' - Senior teacher, special needs school

We provide sessions for different ability groups, and can cater for mild or complex learning difficulties, and physical, emotional or behavioural difficulties. We can suggest suitable topics, and will ensure the level is appropriate for the group’s needs. We use large and small images of animals with corresponding biofacts, as well as live animals.

Session topics

You may want to choose a general ‘Discovery session’ designed for groups with special educational needs; alternatively if your group is studying a specific topic, you can choose a session from the most appropriate key stage and age group. For more information about the sessions we offer please contact education@bristolzoo.org.uk to discuss your requirements.

Session details

Duration: 45 - 55 minutes;
Price: £48 – Please note that this does not include entry into the Zoo. Please click here for admission prices.

Accessibility Information

We will use one of our themed classrooms to create an exciting learning environment where you will meet live animals including tame reptiles, small mammals and invertebrates. We also use items such as skins, furs, tusks, horns, shells and stuffed specimens.

Sensory sessions are available for students who are unable to access the curriculum.

Suitable short film clips are often shown to support your chosen topic and we can also use large images for those who are visually impaired.

Our classrooms are accessible to wheelchair users; please let us know when booking if any of the students in your group will be using wheelchairs.

There are disabled toilets in the Conservation Education Centre, as well as accessible toilets around the Zoo; we have an adult changing table and a hoist available to use in the toilets nearest the Butterfly House. To download a general map of the Zoo click here

There is also a hearing loop in the classrooms, for groups who are hearing impaired, You can find further information including a copy of our accessibility statement here.

Visual story

We have developed a visual story to support children with autistic spectrum conditions, to help them prepare them for their Zoo visit and education session, and to introduce them to some of the experiences they might have while they are visiting. Click here to download the story.