Risk assessments

COVID-19 Information for schools: updated 5 August 2020

COVID-19 Hazard Information for Schools

COVID-19 FAQs for Schools

School bookings for the autumn term 2020

Many thanks for your patience while we carefully risk assessed the Milestones school programmes to ensure that we can offer the safest possible visits for schools, other visitors and museum staff.

For the autumn term we are able to offer per day:

• KS1 Toys & Games; one school 'bubble' only; maximum of 64 students

Unfortunately the interactive and immersive nature of the other Milestones’ programmes means that the learning outcomes will be difficult to achieve while adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines that we are all working within. We are proud of our high quality learning offer and want to provide the best possible experience to support schools, and are not satisfied that this will be the case for the other programmes with the current restrictions.

School bookings from January 2021

We are taking bookings as usual from January 2021 onwards, subject to government guidance in place at that time.

Please contact us with any queries: milestones.schools@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk

We apologise for any disappointment caused by this temporary suspension of some school programmes, and will be delighted to welcome you to Milestones when we are able to resume our school programmes in full once more.

Best wishes, Milestones Learning team

Milestones is a large modern building which houses the museum as well as public service areas and staff offices. The museum displays a range of social history, transport and technology collections from Hampshire’s Victorian and 1930s past. Visitors can walk through recreated streets from the past and visit a variety of buildings which house either period interiors or a modern gallery space.

All materials used to create our scenes are real e.g. bricks and stone. The Victorian part of the museum has a predominantly cobbled floor with tramlines. The 1930s area is flat though some areas of the flooring are textured. Both areas have pavements with drop kerbs.

Please read your Teacher's Pack carefully and ensure that you note and share with your group the key safety information either before you arrive or immediately after arrival at the museum. We have first aiders and a first aid room on site. Please report any incidents, however minor, to a member of staff. Mobile phones may not work well in all areas of the building but there is access to landlines in case of emergency. 

Milestones’ staff should be easily identifiable – most carry radios and wear purple uniform with the Hampshire Cultural Trust logo on. There are also Costumed Interpreters on the museum arena.

Risk assessment guidance

All Milestones’ activities and resources are risk assessed in accordance with Hampshire Cultural Trust policy. Milestones is a Hampshire Cultural Trust facility and therefore operates within Hampshire Cultural Trust's rigorous Health and Safety policy. Schools are also required to do their own risk assessments which take into account any specific needs that the group they are bringing may have.

Please see our basic guidance to help you complete your risk assessment for your visit to Milestones on the other tabs on this page. We suggest you take the opportunity to make your own familiarisation visit in order to complete your risk assessment.

Milestones Museum holds the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge accreditation.

What is the LOtC Quality Badge?

If an organisation is displaying the LOtC Quality Badge, schools can be assured that their venue has met required standards, so teachers do not need to carry out their own risk or quality assessments regarding the activities provided.

In addition, applicants must be offering genuinely beneficial services to schools, to support their delivery of the curriculum.

The LOtC Quality Badge is the nationally recognised indicator of good quality educational provision. It provides for the first time a national award combining the essential elements of provision - learning and safety - into ONE easily recognisable and trusted accreditation scheme for ALL types of learning outside the classroom provider throughout the UK. This includes museums, art galleries, adventure centres, nature reserves, science learning centres and farms among many other provider types. The scheme is managed and developed by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. 

What are the benefits of the LOtC Quality Badge for children and schools?

The LOtC Quality Badge means that Milestones Museum has passed a robust assessment designed to ensure that we are meeting schools' learning and risk management needs. On the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’s website you will find an information document here outlining what you can expect when using a LOtC Quality Badge accredited provider, and the benefits of doing so. This can be printed off and incorporated into your health and safety procedures or LOtC/educational

General visit

 

Facilitated sessions

Specific risks for World War Two, Toys and Games, Transport and Travel, Homes and Discovery, Victorians and LEGO (R) Mindstorms (TM):