IWM London is going through a major transformation and as a result access into, and around the museum is limited. Teachers are advised to carry out a preliminary visit in advance of their school trip in order to conduct their own risk assessment. Responsibility for pupils on school visits remains with the teachers at all times.

Everyday hazards such as slipping, tripping or falling on stairs, trapping fingers in doors and cuts and bruises are inherent in all environments. The following site specific factors should be considered in relation to the individual needs of each group member.

External Environment

• The museum building is surrounded by a public park.
• There is a vehicle access road at the rear of the building near to the schools entrance which will be in constant use by construction vehicles until Summer 2014.

Internal Environment

• IWM London is a public building and has a variety of entrances/exits, galleries and exhibition spaces with different lighting levels and on a number of floors. This can be very disorientating. It is suggested that a meeting point in a highly visible location be agreed with all group members.
• Transforming IWM London – work continues on our major redevelopment to transform the museum and access around the museum will be limited. All construction works will be carried out behind the safety of hoardings, and  the staff and contractors undertaking the works will have completed method statements and risk assessments. Work will continue until we fully reopen in Summer 2014.
• Exhibitions may display material relating to the consequences of conflict. Teachers should consider what is age-appropriate for their students.
• The Holocaust Exhibition contains distressing material and entry is restricted to students in year 9 and above. Students in years 9-11 must have a learning session with museum staff prior to visiting the exhibition.

Supervision

• Groups must have the correct adult-to-student ratio – 1:15 as a minimum, 1:10 recommended.
• IWM London reserves the right to refuse admission to groups who do not meet this ratio on the day.
• Lost pupils should make their way to the Ticket and Information desk where staff will assist them in locating their supervising adult.
• Supervising adults must remain with their students at all times to supervise their activities, monitor their behaviour, ensure their health and safety, and accompany them in the event of an evacuation.

Behaviour

Supervising adults should ensure that their pupils understand how they are expected to behave. If the behaviour of anyone in your group adversely affects the safety or enjoyment of other visitors or staff, or causes damage to exhibits, this person may be asked to leave. Please brief your students about appropriate behaviour and have contingency measures in place in case anyone is asked to leave the building.

Fire and Evacuation

• Supervising adults should familiarise themselves with the locations of all the fire exits. They should brief their pupils and accompanying adults about the evacuation procedures and agree an assembly point outside the building in advance of their visit. A siren and announcements over the public-address system are used to alert staff and visitors of an evacuation. Lifts should not be used.
• At the assembly point, teachers should take the register and report any missing persons to a member of IWM security staff.

First Aid

• IWM London has members of staff trained to provide basic first aid treatment, although first aid provision is ultimately the responsibility of the teacher leading the group.
• Please ask a member of staff if you require any treatment during your visit.
• Please report any accidents to the Information Desk for recording in the accident book.

Museum Staff

• All employees have passed through a security vetting system and carry ID cards with their photograph so they can be recognised by visitors.
• Staff working directly with students are experienced in working with children and have undergone an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure.
• IWM London has a Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults policy in place.
• Please report any incident or allegation of inappropriate behaviour to a member of staff immediately.

Security

• The inside and outside of the museum are covered by a comprehensive network of CCTV cameras. Images are monitored and recorded to help ensure the safety of visitors and the exhibits.
• Please do not leave bags or other personal items unattended.
• If you see anything suspicious please report it to a member of staff immediately.
• Please do not touch any unattended item.

Clothing

Galleries and exhibitions are on a number of different floors. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Activities

• Any materials to be handled as part of programmed activities (such as in learning sessions) have been risk-assessed.
• Staff leading the activities will advise those taking part of any necessary precautions and will ensure safe behaviour.