Bees4Schools
Bees4Schools is a British Bee Charity initiative. Schools which have a secure, safe area to locate a working hive on, can take this opportunity to move the classroom outside. Enabling children to understand the inner workings of a hive and honey production, how bees live, their lifecycle and the modern environmental factors that affect them.
The grant is open to all UK schools that have access to a qualified and experienced beekeeper, preferably a member of staff or a parent.
Successful applications will receive a 100% grant for the following items.
- A full National Bee Hive with Brood Box, 2 x Supers, OM floor, Queen Excluder, Crown Board and Deep Roof
- National Bee Hive Stand with Landing Board
- Colony of Honeybees
- Frames and Foundation
- 10 x Childrens Bee Suits
- 2 x Adult Bee Suits
- 3 x Hive Tools
- 1 x Bee Smoker
- 1 Year membership to The British Bee Charity
What We Expect From You
If you are awarded the grant, the following will help to make your Bees4Schools project a success, we ask that you agree to the following responsibilities.
🐝 1. Care of Bees and Equipment
- Take full responsibility for the health, welfare and care of your honeybees.
- Keep all supplied equipment safe, well maintained and used appropriately.
- Follow relevant legislation, recognised beekeeping practices and animal welfare requirements.
🐝 2. Charity Membership and Insurance
- Maintain Full Membership of The British Bee Charity for as long as you keep any bees or equipment provided through the grant.
- Your first year’s membership is included in the grant. Annual renewal is then required, currently costing £30 per year, although fees may change.
- Membership includes valuable insurance benefits, including bee disease insurance and third-party product and public liability insurance, subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
- Make sure you understand the cover provided and that it meets your school’s needs.
- Contact the Charity if you have any questions about membership or insurance.
🐝 3. Progress Reports
- Send us two short progress reports each year – one in spring and one in autumn.
- Tell us about your pupils’ experiences, achievements, educational benefits, challenges, lessons learned and future plans.
- We may use your reports to showcase the educational and environmental benefits of Bees4Schools.
🐝 4. Beekeeper Supervision and Safety
- Ensure a suitably qualified or experienced beekeeper is present whenever the hive is inspected, managed or maintained.
- Put appropriate safety measures and protective equipment in place, taking account of pupils’ ages and experience.
🐝 5. Returning Grant Items
- If you no longer need or use any items supplied through the grant, including the honeybee colony, you must offer them back to the Charity free of charge.
- The school is responsible for postage and packing costs.
- Please contact the Charity to agree arrangements before returning, transferring or disposing of any items.
