FRIENDS OF BLAKE MUSEUM - MUSEUM SUB-COMMITTEE

MUSEUM & LEARNING

(Interim arrangements paper)

Friends of Blake Museum:

In response to the Interim arrangements paper submitted by Bridgwater Town Council on 7^th August 2009, the Friends outline below the details of opportunities and safe procedures for learning for young people at the museum. We will comply with the constraints during the trial period between September and December 2009 as follows:

* Learning Opportunities - Work is in progress to update the information available in the museum together with a web site for on-line learning opportunities. The Learning Co-ordinator will be approaching local schools and other organisations for young people to let them know what is available and offer a visit to the museum to consolidate and enhance any previous learning experience

*CRB Checks - The process for obtaining CRB checks for appropriate volunteers is already underway. The necessary documents required for compliance of conditions laid down by legislation, and to the satisfaction of the umbrella organisation, have been prepared.

*Trial Period - The Learning Co-ordinator will monitor progress made during the trial period to assess whether the constraints have an effect on the number of visits made by schools and other organisations for young people. A review will take place at the end of the trial period which will be extended if necessary.

*Risk Assessments - Group leaders from schools and other organisations for young people will be advised by letter that they are required to visit the museum at least one month before the visit is to take place. They must demonstrate that a formal written full risk assessment has been made at least one week before the visit takes place.

*Visits outside opening hours - During the trial period visits by organised groups of young people are to take place at times when the public are not admitted to the museum. These times must be convenient to the organisation and the Friends.

*Size of groups - Groups of young people will not exceed 30 at any one time. They will be under the direct control of the group leaders who will be responsible for supervision at all times whilst the group is on the premises. No less than 2 CRB qualified volunteers will also be present.

*Guidelines - Written copies of the approved guidelines will be read to the visiting party at the commencement of the visit.

*Outreach - The Friends accept that Outreach services are not to be offered to schools and other youth organisations in the future.

This statement will be reviewed on or before 31^st January 2010

Kay Robins (Learning Co-ordinator, FOBM)

10^th August 2009