Following the recommendations made in the feasibility study undertaken by GFA-RACE in 2003, the Countryside Agency has been working in partnership with the Access To Farms Consortium in order to develop a training programme aimed at farmers offering...

Pilot Accreditation Scheme

Following the recommendations made in the feasibility study undertaken by GFA-RACE in 2003, the Countryside Agency has been working in partnership with the Access To Farms Consortium in order to develop a training programme aimed at farmers offering educational visits to farms.

110 farmers were subject to 3 face-to-face modules held all over England at various locations, the majority on farms. The three modules are outlined below and include details of evidence required for assessment. The modules are registered with the Open College Network who independently assess the first phase of accreditation.

The second phase of the accreditation process involves a self-assessment by the farmer of the premises used for educational visits. The final stage will be to secure a credible organisation who will be able to independently assess the premises. Full accreditation status will be awarded once the farmer/farm employee and the premises have both passed the assessment phases.

97% of the initial trainees have passed phase one of the accreditation process and we are exploring ways to assist Access To Farms in mainstreaming the programme. Negotiations are currently on-going regarding an organisation to undertake independent assessment of farm premises.

The three modules  (click on the titles for more information)

(1) Preparing for Farm Visits (92kb pdf)

(2) Food, Farming and the Countryside in the National Curriculum (99kb pdf)

(3) Talking to Pupils, Students and Teachers (98kb pdf)