We welcome home educated groups for both self-led visits and our facilitated workshops. There are some considerations to be aware of when booking.

  • We can take a maximum of 20 children and 10 adults
  • The minimum number of pupils we can take for a workshop is 10
  • Our Painted Ceiling Investigators workshop enriches upon themes from the National Curriculum Y3-Y6. To ensure the quality of learning, please ensure all children have some familiarity with the curriculum areas in the teachers pack.
  • To guarantee a good learning experience for children, the maximum learning age range of the group can be no greater than 2 years, eg. Y3-4, Y4-5, Y5-6
  • There must be a nominated supervisor in attendance who is responsible for the group.
  • Children under the age of 7 will be unable to participate in the workshop and will not be permitted access to the Observation Deck. This includes babes in arms and toddlers.
  • There are no storage facilities for pushchairs or buggies.
  • The whole group is to meet the Learning facilitator in the Visitor Centre no later than 10:20. We cannot admit latecomers access to the observation deck.
  • Please advise us of any special educational needs of children in the group at the time of booking.
  • For Health and Safety reasons only one wheelchair user can be on the Observation Deck at any one time.

The observation deck and restrictions

  • There are approximately 70 steps to observation deck. Due to the number of steps involved, we recommend that you wear sensible footwear.
  • The space at the top of the observation deck will be lit according to the work that is taking place but may be quite dark in places; the facilitator will guide you while on the deck.
  • The space between the floor and the ceiling will be 220cm (6’8). Any members of your group taller than 6’4 may find it difficult to move within this space.
  • Your group will be given a safety briefing prior to ascending to the deck and all visitors will be asked to wear a hard hat and high vis jacket for the duration of the workshop.

Cancellation policy

  • Cancellations come with a cost in planning and facilitator time. If you wish to cancel, 28 days’ notice in writing to [email protected] is required. Cancellations made with less than 28 days’ notice will incur a cancellation fee of £150
  • The minimum number of pupils we can take for a workshop is 10. If numbers fall below this on the day you will incur a fee of £150. Please notify us in advance if there is a change in your numbers.