School-age kids will be able to head to Chester Zoo for free during the planned teacher strikes.
Children are being invited to explore the zoo with their families during the planned teacher strikes this week. Hundreds of thousands of teachers across England and Wales will walk-out on several days in February and March unless the government and the National Education Union reach a late agreement over pay.
The strikes mean the vast majority of schools in the country could close or partially close on multiple days through a combination of national and regional walk-outs.
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Chester Zoo is inviting school age children on Wednesday, February 1 to learn about about its mission to prevent extinction of endangered species. The zoo’s ranger team will be hosting interactive and educational events throughout the day.
The initiative is part of the conservation and education charity’s mission to inspire a new generation of conservationists, with young people playing a vital role in creating a sustainable future for the planet and its wildlife.
Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education at Chester Zoo, said: “Our education team will be hosting lots of extra fun interactive activities on Wednesday – all aimed at helping educate children about the incredible animals here at the zoo, as well as equipping them with the skills they’ll need to become the conservationists of the future.
“As one of the world’s leading conservation zoos, we put everything into our work to prevent extinction both here in the UK and globally. Our huge team live and breathe wildlife conservation – so we want to give children and young people the opportunity to learn all about how they can help play a vital role in creating a more sustainable future for people and wildlife.”
Staff at the zoo are supporting a move to see conservation education, including issues such as climate change and sustainability, embedded into the UK curriculum - having already seen it work successfully in the north west of England.
A range of in-zoo activities will be available at no extra cost on the day. Free tickets will be available on the zoo’s website and must be pre-booked, with children accompanied by a paying adult.
To find out more about the offer and activities planned, visit: www.chesterzoo.org
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