Before your Visit

• All UK school groups wishing to visit IWM London must pre-book using our online visit request form.
• We advise that group leaders visit IWM London in advance of their school visit in order to conduct their own risk assessment.
• To ensure that all our visitors have an enjoyable visit we do limit capacity. We are only able to accept a maximum of 15 schools/colleges per day each with a maximum of 60 students.
• Special exhibitions, classroom-based learning sessions and experiences also have maximum capacities. Larger groups may have to be split.
• Due to popular demand it is only possible to book one special (chargeable) activity per school per visit
• We recommend that all groups have an adult-to-child ratio of 1:10. The minimum ratio is 1:15. The maximum group size is 60 students. We reserve the right to refuse admission to groups that do not meet the ratio on the day.

Payment Policy

Pre-booked learning sessions (available 19 September – 21 October and 31 October – 16 December 2011):

• £65 per group (maximum 30 pupils) for a 60-minute session.
• £95 per group (maximum 30 pupils) for a longer session, 60–120 minutes.
• £16 per pupil for full-day workshop/conferences.
• All costs include VAT. Payment is on receipt of an invoice.
• Schools booking charging events will be invoiced. Please do not bring cheques or cash on the day.

To Get the Most from your Visit

• Ensure that you have a structured day with clear learning objectives and defined activities for your students. All students and all accompanying adults should know what the itinerary is and why they are visiting the museum. Occasionally students are left to wander unsupervised and without a focus, which has potential for negative behaviour and can lead to increased safety risk and disturbance to others.
• For many visitors, IWM London is not history but reflects very real events that they have experienced in their own lives. Care and consideration must be given to all other visitors to the museum.

On Arrival

• Groups must enter IWM London via the (West) Park Entrance, which is situated on the right hand side of the building if approaching past the big guns at the front.
• Groups must arrive at least 20 minutes before their first activity is due to start. Please remember that it can take a considerable length of time to get across London and that the entrance can get busy when school groups arrive at the same time.
• The Lead Teacher must report to a member of the Front of House staff and sign in.
• Belongings and packed lunches are to be deposited in the west entrance cloakroom. Please ensure that students do not bring unnecessary valuables.

Behaviour in the Museum

• Teachers are responsible for the behaviour of their groups throughout the visit. Ensure that your party is divided into small groups and that a responsible adult is in charge of and in sight of each group at all times. Other visitors must not be disturbed by inconsiderate behaviour.
• No food or drink, including sweets, may be consumed anywhere in the museum, except the Picnic Room and the café.
• It is not permitted to touch any of the exhibits on display. This is for their long-term preservation and for safety reasons. This does not apply to blind and partially sighted visitors.
• We regret that failure to abide by these rules may result in the group being asked to leave the building and future visits by the school being stopped.

Health and Safety

• For a safe and enjoyable visit please make sure to wear appropriate footwear and adhere to our rules and regulations including not running.
• IWM London has staff fully trained in first aid should you need assistance. In this event please alert Learning staff or a Museum Assistant.
• IWM London has full evacuation procedures in case of emergency or fire. All fire exits are clearly marked and all staff trained in evacuation procedures. Please ensure that your group understand the importance of following such procedures in the event of an evacuation.
• IWM London has £10 million public liability cover.

Shop

The shop is on the ground floor. Only ten pupils, accompanied by a teacher or adult, should go in at a time.

Lifts

The lifts are intended for elderly and disabled visitors only.

Toilets

The schools’ toilets are at the (West) Park entrance. Accessible toilets are available on all floors except 3 and 4.

Picnic Room

The picnic room is situated on the ground floor and is accessed by the stairs at the (West) Park entrance. Schools must pre-book and each time slot lasts 30 minutes.

Departure

You must leave by the (West) Park Entrance and notify staff that you are leaving.

Disabled Access

Please see Visiting Information for more detailed information on accessibility.