Frequently Asked Questions

We appreciate the amount of planning that goes into preparing for a school visit. Please scroll down to see useful information about bring your class to the Museum.

If you have any questions which aren’t answered here or in our Teacher Information Pack, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

  • How many pupils can you accommodate per visit?

    We are a small Museum so only welcome one school per day with a maximum of 60 pupils across two classes. Booking is essential for all visits.

  • How do I get to you?

    We are easily accessible via public transport and minibus. Please see the Plan your visit section of the website for directions and more information on how to find us.

  • Is there coach parking?

    Yes, just let the Learning Team know in advance on your booking form, so we can reserve a space for you. Please note, we only have a small car park with space for one coach or two minibuses.

  • Are lunch facilities available?

    You are welcome to use the Steam Hall to eat your packed lunch or picnic in our Museum Garden. The Museum has a small café where teachers and accompanying adults are very welcome to purchase refreshments. Please note the café is closed on Wednesdays.

  • How do I book?

    Please complete the School Booking Form, which is available from our Learning Team or to download from our Link and Downloads page, and return it to the Learning Team at [email protected]

  • How do I pay?

    Payment for teaching sessions must be received two weeks in advance of the visit. You will be invoiced following confirmation of your visit date and on receipt of your booking form.

    Payment for school sessions can be made by cash, cheque, credit/debit card or bank transfer. Details will be found on your invoice.

  • Is there a charge for accompanying teachers?

    To meet health and safety and safeguarding requirements we require the following adult to child ratios:

    • Early Years and Key Stage 1 – 1:5
    • Key Stage 2 and 3 – 1:10

    Teachers and adults fulfilling these ratios are admitted free of charge, as well as adults needed for 1-to-1 support. Additional adults will be charged the standard group rate which is currently £7.50 per adult.

  • What should I do on arrival?

    When your school party arrives, please report to the main welcome desk where a member of the Learning Team will come to meet you. Please note, access is via the museum car park and care should be taken.

  • What happens if I am late or have to cancel?

    Please call the museum on 020 8568 4757 as soon as possible if you are going to be late for a visit.

    We regret that no refunds can be given for cancellations made less than two weeks in advance of your visit. If a cancellation has to be made due to exceptional circumstances, every effort will be made to reschedule your visit.

  • Can we do a pre-visit/risk assessment?

    We encourage teachers and educators to come free of charge for a pre-visit to conduct their own risk assessments. If you would like to do so, please contact the Learning Team at [email protected] to arrange a time.

  • Special Educational Needs

    Our Learning Team are passionate about offering inclusive learning opportunities to all. Please answer the questions on our booking form to help us support your pupils during their visit.

    We also offer visits for SEND Groups. We will work closely with you to ensure we need the needs of your group.

  • Is the Museum accessible?

    Please visit our Access and Facilities page for more information. Our Learning Team will work with you to adapt the visit to your needs.

  • Is there a gift shop?

    The shop is located in the entrance of the museum, adjacent to the café and Welcome Desk. If you would like to visit the shop please let us know in advance.

    You will be able browse in the shop during the lunch break but we kindly request that this done in small groups of no more than 10.

  • What do we do with our coats/bags?

    As the Museum is housed in a 19th century building with high ceiling and stone walls, it can get cold, particularly during the winter months. We therefore recommend pupils bring a coat and wear it around the museum if needed.

    We have limited facilities for storage of coats and small bags. For a large school group pupils may need to carry their coats and bags with them.

    We cannot take any responsibility for any loss or damage to personal belongings. We recommend that pupils do not bring valuable items to the museum.

  • Is photography/filming permitted on site?

    You are more than welcome to photograph your school pupils enjoying their visit, along with our site and exhibitions, however we kindly ask that you do not film or video any of our educational sessions.