Essential Information

To book any of our services contact the Learning Team on learning@swheritage.org.uk or 01823 347451. Email is the preferred method of contact.

Please follow current government guidance regarding Covid-19. Wearing a face covering is now a personal choice.

Please browse the FAQs for everything you need to know.

FAQs

Workshops at Museums

  •     What days can I book a workshop?

    School groups can book on Tuesdays to Fridays at the Museum of Somerset and Somerset Rural Life Museum.

    Workshops at Avalon Archaeology and Somerset Brick and Tile Museum are available on limited dates in term time.  Contact us for more information.

  •     How do I book?

    Bookings for school workshops are made by contacting the Learning Team on learning@swheritage.org.uk or 01823 347451. 

  •     Are the sites accessible?

    All the sites are accessible. Please notify us at the time of booking about any specific needs for your children.

    You’ll find access information on the following links: 

    The Museum of Somerset

    Somerset Rural Life Museum

    Somerset Brick and Tile Museum 

    Avalon Archaeology

  •     Can I have a pre-visit before the trip?

    We strongly advise that all lead teachers complete a site pre-visit to fulfil their legal responsibility, and complete school Risk Assessments once a workshop booking is confirmed.

    The Museum of Somerset and Somerset Brick and Tile Museum are free to visit. 

    Somerset Rural Life Museum and Avalon Archaeology are charging museums but the lead teacher can visit free of charge beforehand. Please note that anyone attending with you, will be subject to the appropriate charges.

    Please also note Avalon Archaeology has limited opening times.  Please check the website or contact Learning for more information.

  •     What toilet facilities will be available?

    At the Museum of Somerset and Somerset Rural Life Museum, schools booked for onsite workshops will have access to the toilet facilities within the Learning Space throughout their visit.  Public toilets are also available.

    The Brick and Tile Museum has one toilet for the whole site, and Avalon Archaeology which has access to public toilets within the Avalon Marshes Centre.

  •     Where will our coats and bags be stored?

    For pre-booked school workshops, schools have access to the Learning Space between 10.00 am – 2.00 pm on the day of their visit. Bags, coats and water bottles can be left in the space during these times.

    At Somerset Brick and Tile Museum and Avalon Archaeology schools visit on days when the museum is closed to the public.

  •     What else do I need to bring?

    If your pre-session information mentions craft activities, please bring suitable items to carry these back to school. Clay and paint items may still be wet by the time you depart.

    Clipboards and pencils are provided for use within workshops, there may be spares available for your self-guided tour. You are welcome to bring your own.

    All windows are open for ventilation during workshops, so please dress accordingly for the time of year. Hand sanitiser is available should you wish to use it.

    In line with legal guidelines schools must bring their own First Aider and First Aid Kit.

  •     Can a school group eat their lunch on site?

    Yes, there will be provision to eat lunch on site. School groups will need to take their lunchtime rubbish away with them.

    Please note there are no lunch space facilities at Somerset Brick and Tile Museum.

  •     Will the café and shop be open?

    The café and shop at the Museum of Somerset and Somerset Rural Life Museum will be open to school groups and members of the public. Although the cafe does not have the capacity to cater for school groups, staff are welcome to consume cafe purchases in the Learning Space.

    At Avalon Archaeology there is a café situated within the Avalon Marshes Centre, next to the public toilets.

School Loans

  •     How do I book object loans?

    Bookings for school loans are made by contacting the Learning Team on learning@swheritage.org.uk or 01823 347451.  Due to high uptake from schools we require notice of at least half a term for bookings. 

  •     What loans are available?

    Please refer to the loans section of our website for a comprehensive list of available topics before contacting us. 

  •     How are loans delivered and collected?

    Due to funding arrangements, subscribing Somerset schools (excluding. N. Somerset and B&NES) can have loans delivered and collected. There is an additional delivery cost of £20 to non-subscribing Somerset schools for this service. Alternatively, these schools can collect and return loan items from the Somerset Heritage Centre by prior arrangement with the Learning Team.

    Deliveries and collections will take place in the first/last two weeks of each term in accordance with Somerset County Council term dates. Collections and deliveries before or after a half term holiday will take place in the week immediately before or following. It is the school’s responsibility to notify us of unavailable dates during these periods. We are unable to specify an exact delivery date. 

    Subject to availability out of area schools may be able to access the loans service. Schools must collect and return loan items from the Somerset Heritage Centre by prior arrangement with the Learning Team.

  •     What happens if items go missing or are damaged?

    Upon return of items to the Somerset Heritage Centre all loans are processed by the Learning Team. Within a few days any issues will be communicated to the school, such as missing or damaged items.

    Schools will be given a chance to return missing items, which must be completed in a timely manner so the loan can go to the next school. Please use the pack contents list provided to ensure the correct items are returned.

    Schools will be charged for lost or damaged items, there is a minimum £50 charge.

    DO NOT attempt to repair items in school, return all parts and we will endeavour to repair items. If we can successfully repair damaged items, there will be no charge. 

In School Workshops

  •     What days can I book a workshop?

    Bookings are being taken for in school workshops from Monday to Friday.

  •     How do I book?

    Bookings for in school workshops will be taken in the usual way by contacting the Learning Team on learning@swheritage.org.uk or 01823 347451. 

  •     How does an in-school session work?

    A Learning Officer from the South West Heritage Trust will deliver a fully resourced workshop.  Your pre-session information sent out at booking will outline the specifics for your workshop. This includes staffing requirements and teaching spaces. In line with Safeguarding guidelines our teaching staff have Enhanced DBS certificates but must not be left alone with students at any time. Our current Risk Assessment will be sent with the booking confirmation. Please refer to these documents in advance of your workshop.

  •     What happens if I need to cancel a workshop?

    Cancellations made with less than 10 working days’ notice maybe still be subject charges.

    Please contact us as soon as possible by email for cancellations or any changes to a confirmed booking.

  •     Travel Support

    Somerset schools can benefit from our limited travel bursary offer, aimed at reducing the barrier of high transport costs to schools.  This is offered through the Museums and Schools programme, funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, through the Arts Council.

    Schools requiring support with their travel costs are invited to apply for a bursary of up to the full cost of their transport to and from the museum, or £200 (whichever is lower).  Please mark on the enquiry form that you wish to apply for a bursary, and this will be reviewed by a member of the learning team.  A limited number of bursaries are available each term, and application does not guarantee acceptance.  We aim to respond within two weeks of enquiry to let you know if the application has been successful.

    Schools benefitting from the bursary are required to submit an invoice, with receipts proving their travel costs.