Information for Teachers
If you are bringing a class for one of our learning sessions, you can plan your visit with our handy downloads and information below.
We've taken the hard work out of planning your learning session. Below you'll find everything you need, so all you need to do is bring your class and enjoy the day with them!
Our sessions are created by learning experts, with many coming from teaching backgrounds. If there's anything else that you'd find useful, please do get in touch.
Keep an eye out on our teacher CPD sessions too. These are a great opportunity to meet others in your network and find out more how the museum can make your students learning of key subjects inspiring and create more curiosity about the world around them.
Download our timetables below for more information about how we structure sessions for the best and most effective learning:
We have designed our sessions to cater for a wide range of abilities and learning styles. Museum tutors who are highly experienced working with pupils of all abilities lead the sessions.
You should talk to us about your group and pupils with additional needs. That is so we can tailor the session and activities to ensure that everyone is able to participate fully and enjoy the visit. Check details of any pupil's additional needs are correct on the booking confirmation form.
The Museum is fully wheelchair accessible and has a large accessible toilet. To give your pupils an idea of what to expect before they visit, you can download our Visual Journey through the Museum of Chelmsford and view the Museum of Chelmsford access film, created by students from Thriftwood School.
Risk assessment
You can download our risk assessment here.
Group supervision
The behaviour of pupils remains the responsibility of the school or organisation at all times during your visit. There is no limit on adult helpers, so bring sufficient people to supervise and support pupils when they are working in small groups. We strongly advise the following adult to child ratios:
one adult to every four children (under 5’s, Nurseries, pre-school, EYFS)
one adult to every six children (years 1 and 2, rainbows and beavers)
one adult to every eight children (years 3, 4, 5 and 6, brownies and cubs)
one adult to every 10 children (years 7 to 11, scouts and guides)
We encourage adults with the group to be actively involved in session by asking children questions and listening to their ideas. You can assure your parent helpers they do not need to know the topic.
First aid
We require your school to provide a designated first aider to accompany the trip and be the first point of call as you have the health information sheets for each of your children. There are first aid boxes in the Museum and always a first aider on site who will provide additional support as required.
Souvenirs
Our shop has a good range of ‘pocket money’ souvenirs.
Let us know if your group would like to use the shop during their visit and we can timetable this in. Most children bring between £3 and £5 to spend.
History Heroes booklets
Our History Heroes goody bags are only £1.50.
With stationary, stickers and a special History Heroes trail booklet, these goody bags provide a great souvenir and a fun reason for a return visit to the museum.
We want to make the day run smoothly for you. If you have any questions about the visit you can contact us online or call 01245 605700.
Before your visit
Before you visit you should check all details on your booking confirmation form, add any additional information and then sign and send a copy back to us to confirm your visit.
Getting here
By coach:
The coach stop is on the road directly outside the front gate. You can walk up the drive to the main Museum doors. There are no roads to cross.
The Coach stop is only for drop off and pick up. There is a coach lay-by on Three Mile Hill for whole day coach parking.
By mini bus or car:
There is a large car park with accessible bays for mini bus parking. Let us know when booking if you are coming by mini bus.
By bus:
Buses such as the number 100 run up and down New London Road to the city centre at regular intervals and stop close to the Museum.
Museum led sessions
Our morning sessions usually start at 10.15am. Afternoon sessions start at 12.45pm. We will give you exact timings on your booking confirmation form.
For morning sessions, we recommend you aim to arrive at 10am to allow time to hang up coats and use the toilets before the session starts.
There is the option to have a snack before the session starts. If you would like to do this, please ensure pupils have a snack ready.
In the afternoon, if you need to leave before 2.45pm, let us know when booking and we will ensure sessions fit with your coach times.
Lunchtime
Our indoor lunch space is only available for groups that have booked a led session. This is the same space as used in the Learning Sessions and we do find those pupils who can play outside during the lunch break focus much better in the afternoon.
Picnic and play areas in the park
There are two fully fenced play areas with a range of play equipment suitable for nursery and primary age children. There are picnic benches in the park and plenty of space for pupils to run around on the lawn in front of the museum. There is a quieter ‘secret garden’ to the side of the museum.
Dog walkers enjoy our park too. We ask them to ensure their dogs are under control or on a lead and clear up any fouling that occurs. Please account for this is in Risk Assessment.
Learning outside the classroom
We are a member of the Council of Learning Outside the Classroom and have been awarded a Quality Badge to highlight our pledge to sustaining top quality learning.
