I think there are a few on here that know I have a niece with Down's Syndrome, she visited the 2014 weekend & had an absolutely fab time, she still talks about it today. This deal won't be for everyone, but I thought it worth sharing anyway as it's such a wonderful event.
Special Children's Day is a unique annual event at ZSL London Zoo welcoming children with special needs and their families and friends. With increased specialist facilities and number of staff, as well as special interactive events and discounted entry, Special Children's Day is an exciting and exceptional event not to be missed.
All Special Children's Day activities are free and all Zoo visitors are welcome to join in the fun!
Highlights include
A Very Special Welcome: Our staff and volunteers will be ready to greet you at the dedicated Special Children's Day entrance. Pick up your Special Children’s Day planner. There are friendly animal-costumed characters to meet too!
Singing Hands: Meet Suzanne & Tracy in person as they introduce you to the amazing world of animals through Makaton themed signs, songs, rhymes, stories and games. Shows are free and run throughout the day
Wildlife Gardening: Plant a seed to take back with you and grow at home, or build a mini-beast hotel to attract wildlife to your garden
Sensory Storytelling: Immersive and interactive stories about the natural world. Shows are free and run throughout the day
Discovery Zone: Investigate the naturlal world with our hands-on activities
LIVE! talks: Our amazing animal talks will be accompanied by British Sign Language interpreters throughout the weekend
Animal Adventure: Meet some of our fantastic animals and Keepers, get close up and hands on in the 'Touch Paddock', or play in the splash zone, secret garden and tunnels.
Art Zone: Get creative with our fun family art activities
Land of the Lions: visit our pride of Asiatic Lions in their amazing new home
Facilities
Charity Hub: an onsite hub where charities will be on hand to offer guidance, advise and networking opportunities for families
Chill Out Room: somewhere to take a break from all the excitement!
Additional friendly staff and volunteers on hand to assist
Additional facilities, including changing hoists, and a reserved picnic area for Special Children's Day families
Dedicated first aid & lost children's post with qualified staff
Free all day parking for blue badge holders in the main ZSL car park
Top comments
h82think
12 Mar 163#4
It really should be called a "Day for all individuals with special needs".
All comments (29)
afnoor
11 Mar 161#1
I plan to go to Zsl this yr with my daughter on the special children's days thanks :wink:
daisyb212
11 Mar 16#2
heat added
frakison
12 Mar 162#3
Aren't ALL children special? I certainly think that mine are!!! Stupid over-PC nonsense, LET ME STRESS: I have no problem with the principle, its great, but lets call it what it is, is a "Day for children with special needs", what's wrong in just saying that? :smiley:
h82think
12 Mar 163#4
It really should be called a "Day for all individuals with special needs".
jimmyandmel
12 Mar 161#5
Heat added
Guba
12 Mar 16#6
Thanks.
Who is classed as a carer? I want take my D who is 2 but, not sure if I need to get an adult ticket or a carer ticket for me.
wishihadadonkey to Guba
12 Mar 16#7
All, I can find on the site is "One free entry for one essential carer per paying disabled visitor", so would say that because she's under 2 so would not be paying, you you have to buy an adult ticket, but it may be worth contacting them direct to clarify :smiley:
The animals will be so happy to see you, it gets so boring for them just walking round in circles, you will make their day.
steveo73 to Madchester
2 Apr 17#20
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz boring !!!!!
1DuaneDibbley
28 Apr 162#11
Places normally class a carer as being someone who recieves carers allowance - you are normally required to show the letter confirming your carers allowance on the gate as proof
be2st
1 Apr 17#12
I just want to pointed out if you have Tesco clubcard boost you will save a lot to use it at ZSL Whipsnade or London. It's £2.50 x 4.
mickael28 to be2st
2 Apr 17#16
The problem with this might be that London Zoo warns: "Please be aware there are a limited number of tickets available for this event and we strongly advise booking early to avoid disappointment." whereas Tesco informs "Your tokens will be delivered to you within 7 working days of your order being placed.", so if one waits, maybe at the end you get the vouchers but you don't have tickets anymore?
eatmorefish
1 Apr 172#13
For an average family with 2 kids (mine for example) it costs the best part of NINETY quid to visit London Zoo. I don't expect anything to be free in this life, and wish to support the Zoological Society, but its a little steep for most families.
I remember going several times as a kid and it can't have cost my parents anywhere near this amount.
Speculator to eatmorefish
25 Apr 17#28
Remember to ask to pay without the "voluntary donation".
heeljames
2 Apr 17#14
What's wrong with "special children's day"? Your over sensitivity at people of over sensitivity is a little ironic don't you think?
frakison
2 Apr 17#15
You have seen that this thread is over a year old right?!? Where do you get that I'm being oversensitive? The point is and remains, they are not "special children", ALL children are special, its just that some have special needs, there is a huge difference!! Why not call these children "fluffy pink elephants" as that's equally as inaccurate?!?! I personally find the term "special children" a bit derogatory, as lets face it, you're singling them out and MAKING an issue of their differences, which is surely all it is, is it not?!
To be honest, you sound like one of the PC type I referred to and we'll never agree so lets just leave it there shall we flower before it all kicks off! :wink:
And on that note, I had not noticed the part of 'special needs' tbh, I was about to book it when I just realized when I had to create a new account. It seems the Zoo page doesn't even ask for any kind of requirement to confirm a child with special needs is going?
Is this deal then only for childs with special needs or is their day but the zoo is welcoming other children with the same deal?
frakison
2 Apr 17#19
Good point, perhaps they are just relying on good will of the people to self police? You would hope that they wouldn't pull someone aside and say that their child doesn't look "special" enough to enter?! :confused:
Smallwhitecat
2 Apr 17#21
You can only receive carer's allowance if you earn less than £110 per week, so if you somehow manage to juggle being a carer with also managing to work, you won't receive carer's allowance (or any help with the costs of being a working carer,). If you are a carer not in receipt of Carer's Allowance, in this case, you will need to take the disabled person's DLA or PIP award letter with you.
frakison
2 Apr 17#22
That's how most places work that I've visited. From my experience, the "Carer" is there to help the person to get around etc probably so that their staff don't have to? They have never asked me for evidence of carer allowance as its a different thing, they just need to see evidence of the disability as smallwhitecat said :wink:
heeljames
2 Apr 17#23
Special - better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.
Lol, Pc type, good one. I'm a teacher, I've worked with dozens of special needs kids - I know more about them than you'll ever understand. My point was, and still is, that the only person getting upset here is you. You're literally complaining about something that is A) by dictionary definition accurate and correct, and B) none of your concern or business. Where do I think you're over sensitive? Well you've labelled this harmless act "derogatory" for a start :laughing:
As you seem quite uneducated on the matter, I'll very briefly fill you in. Many special needs children life their lives not knowing of their labels. They know that they're different of course, but many don't receive diagnosis until they're at least 10 years old - and that's only if parents are helpful and understanding of what is best for their kids (many aren't). Using a term like "special children" allows these kids who already have daily struggles adapting to the real world to feel good about themselves without having it thrown in their face that they are different. It's a tiny gesture to allow these children to avoid feeling further isolated and different (it plays on their lack of understanding in a nice way)
If you're truly bitter and synical enough to believe that children who already struggle daily to fit in and adapt at school - children who are often bullied or targeted for their needs - don't deserve a small token gesture to make them feel better than your kids, then fine. There is nothing I can say or do to change your narrow minded perspective on the world and the conversation will end here. But have a real hard think about it before you reply: Does referring to special needs kids as "special children" really harm your children even 1/10000th of the amount that having a special need would?
frakison
2 Apr 17#24
Utter claptrap and typical of someone who works in one of the most PC sectors as its what you lot get drummed in to you daily. I suppose you also agree with taking unruly toe rags to Alton Towers because they haven't punched a teacher that week? :smiley:
The only one getting stressed is you flower, you're the one that replied a year old thread :stuck_out_tongue: I'm just having a discussion. However, with your narrow view on life and lack of reason, I'm just glad you don't teach my kids :wink:
I find it laughable that you say that "using a term like "special children" allows these kids who already have daily struggles adapting to the real world to feel good about themselves without having it thrown in their face that they are different"..... and you do this by making them feel different to other kids?!?! :smiley:
Does it harm my kids? Have I ever said it does? This happens a lot, but with you, I find it extremely disappointing. As a teacher, surely you should be able to read what people say as opposed to reading what you THINK they say? :wink:
heeljames
2 Apr 17#25
"Blah blah blah back in my day....blah blah blah immigrants stole my shoes.....blah blah blah bring back the death penalty....blah blah blah.
You're right, I did reply to a year old thread...A year old thread that had been replied to mere hours before and was on the front page lol. As for "flower", I'm a male you tit.
I look forward to your points on bringing back corporal punishment...the slipper perhaps? Im glossing over all your comments as I spend my week imparting knowledge and frankly have better things than schooling you at the weekend.
P.s. Immigrants stole my phone box!
frakison
2 Apr 171#26
Do you really think it's acceptable to start name calling? You're not in the playground now, besides, who's mentioned anything about immigration etc? You're clearly harbouring a lot of anger, hate and racism, it's worrying that someone with your disgusting attributes is actually teaching our kids? :confused:
Chill out flower, you're on one of your many holidays either this week or next, you should be happy? :laughing:
mumofthree1982
2 Apr 17#27
Thinking the same
Speculator
25 Apr 17#29
it says "We have a designated special welcome and entrance for Special Children's Day ticket holders". "Our staff and volunteers will be ready to greet you at the dedicated Special Children's Day entrance."
Therefore, it would be a little embarrassing if the volunteers greet you at the dedicated entrance and you don't have a child with special needs.
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Opening post
Special Children's Day is a unique annual event at ZSL London Zoo welcoming children with special needs and their families and friends. With increased specialist facilities and number of staff, as well as special interactive events and discounted entry, Special Children's Day is an exciting and exceptional event not to be missed.
All Special Children's Day activities are free and all Zoo visitors are welcome to join in the fun!
Highlights include
A Very Special Welcome: Our staff and volunteers will be ready to greet you at the dedicated Special Children's Day entrance. Pick up your Special Children’s Day planner. There are friendly animal-costumed characters to meet too!
Singing Hands: Meet Suzanne & Tracy in person as they introduce you to the amazing world of animals through Makaton themed signs, songs, rhymes, stories and games. Shows are free and run throughout the day
Wildlife Gardening: Plant a seed to take back with you and grow at home, or build a mini-beast hotel to attract wildlife to your garden
Sensory Storytelling: Immersive and interactive stories about the natural world. Shows are free and run throughout the day
Discovery Zone: Investigate the naturlal world with our hands-on activities
LIVE! talks: Our amazing animal talks will be accompanied by British Sign Language interpreters throughout the weekend
Animal Adventure: Meet some of our fantastic animals and Keepers, get close up and hands on in the 'Touch Paddock', or play in the splash zone, secret garden and tunnels.
Art Zone: Get creative with our fun family art activities
Land of the Lions: visit our pride of Asiatic Lions in their amazing new home
Facilities
Charity Hub: an onsite hub where charities will be on hand to offer guidance, advise and networking opportunities for families
Chill Out Room: somewhere to take a break from all the excitement!
Additional friendly staff and volunteers on hand to assist
Additional facilities, including changing hoists, and a reserved picnic area for Special Children's Day families
Dedicated first aid & lost children's post with qualified staff
Free all day parking for blue badge holders in the main ZSL car park
Top comments
All comments (29)
Who is classed as a carer? I want take my D who is 2 but, not sure if I need to get an adult ticket or a carer ticket for me.
I remember going several times as a kid and it can't have cost my parents anywhere near this amount.
To be honest, you sound like one of the PC type I referred to and we'll never agree so lets just leave it there shall we flower before it all kicks off! :wink:
Is this deal then only for childs with special needs or is their day but the zoo is welcoming other children with the same deal?
Lol, Pc type, good one. I'm a teacher, I've worked with dozens of special needs kids - I know more about them than you'll ever understand. My point was, and still is, that the only person getting upset here is you. You're literally complaining about something that is A) by dictionary definition accurate and correct, and B) none of your concern or business. Where do I think you're over sensitive? Well you've labelled this harmless act "derogatory" for a start :laughing:
As you seem quite uneducated on the matter, I'll very briefly fill you in. Many special needs children life their lives not knowing of their labels. They know that they're different of course, but many don't receive diagnosis until they're at least 10 years old - and that's only if parents are helpful and understanding of what is best for their kids (many aren't). Using a term like "special children" allows these kids who already have daily struggles adapting to the real world to feel good about themselves without having it thrown in their face that they are different. It's a tiny gesture to allow these children to avoid feeling further isolated and different (it plays on their lack of understanding in a nice way)
If you're truly bitter and synical enough to believe that children who already struggle daily to fit in and adapt at school - children who are often bullied or targeted for their needs - don't deserve a small token gesture to make them feel better than your kids, then fine. There is nothing I can say or do to change your narrow minded perspective on the world and the conversation will end here. But have a real hard think about it before you reply: Does referring to special needs kids as "special children" really harm your children even 1/10000th of the amount that having a special need would?
The only one getting stressed is you flower, you're the one that replied a year old thread :stuck_out_tongue: I'm just having a discussion. However, with your narrow view on life and lack of reason, I'm just glad you don't teach my kids :wink:
I find it laughable that you say that "using a term like "special children" allows these kids who already have daily struggles adapting to the real world to feel good about themselves without having it thrown in their face that they are different"..... and you do this by making them feel different to other kids?!?! :smiley:
Does it harm my kids? Have I ever said it does? This happens a lot, but with you, I find it extremely disappointing. As a teacher, surely you should be able to read what people say as opposed to reading what you THINK they say? :wink:
You're right, I did reply to a year old thread...A year old thread that had been replied to mere hours before and was on the front page lol. As for "flower", I'm a male you tit.
I look forward to your points on bringing back corporal punishment...the slipper perhaps? Im glossing over all your comments as I spend my week imparting knowledge and frankly have better things than schooling you at the weekend.
P.s. Immigrants stole my phone box!
Chill out flower, you're on one of your many holidays either this week or next, you should be happy? :laughing:
Therefore, it would be a little embarrassing if the volunteers greet you at the dedicated entrance and you don't have a child with special needs.