Before your Visit

• Teacher Inset It is essential that you make a free preliminary visit to IWM North.  Our Formal Learning Manager will meet you and go through the practicalities of your visit.  It will also help you to appreciate the Museum’s unusual architecture, Timeline, themed Silos, Big Picture Shows and Special Exhibition spaces.  You will get a chance to assess how to use the Museum and build an affective itinerary.
  


• Decide how the visit will relate to areas of the curriculum and whether it will be for reinforcing knowledge and skills or for acquiring new knowledge and skills. 
  


• Please ensure that helpers have all the necessary information, such as times of activities, briefing notes, photocopied maps, a copy of the Confirmation of Visit Form and a detailed itinerary.
  


• When you have planned your visit and booked with the Learning & Access Department you will be sent your Confirmation of Visit Form.  Please return this form at least seven days before the visit and keep a copy, which you should bring with you on the day.
  


• If you wish to take Photographs or video in the Museum, please complete a permission form.  Photography is allowed everywhere, except the Special Exhibitions Gallery and the WaterWay.
  


• If you have booked the Cloakroom you will need a £1 coin (refundable) for each locker used.  Each locker fits approximately 30 bags and coats.
  


• The Green Room can be booked in advance for the eating of packed lunches.  It can be booked for half hour sessions and is located next to the Information Desk.  It is essential that you keep to your pre-booked times to use this room.
  


• The Museum Shop sells a variety of posters, pens, books, badges etc.  A pre-visit order of goody bags for your class can be arranged for set prices, for quick, easy collection on the day of your visit. Please contact the Museum Shop directly on 0161 836 4114 for details.
  

On the Day

• Groups should go to the Group Entrance, clearly marked at the front of the building, facing Trafford Wharf Road.
  


• The Museum opens from 10.00am – 6.00pm summer season and from 10.00am – 5.00pm winter season. There is free coach parking for pre-booked groups. 
  NB: You will not have access to the building before 10 am.
  
  
• Please ensure that helpers have all the necessary information, such as times of activities, briefing notes, photocopied maps, a copy of the Confirmation of Visit Form and a detailed itinerary.
  


• Remember to bring your downloaded activity sheets, maps, itineraries and Conformation of Visit forms with you.
  


• Group sessions and tours meet under the Harrier Jump Jet in the Main Exhibition Space 5 minutes before the session is due to start.
  NB: Late arrival may mean cancelling the activity.
  


• If you have booked the Cloakroom you will need a £1 coin (refundable) for each locker used.  Each locker fits approximately 30 bags and coats.
  
  
• The toilets are on the Ground Floor at the far end of the building past the Shop. There are accessible toilets available.
  

Points to Note

• Teachers are responsible for the behaviour of their group and should therefore be vigilant throughout the visit and accompany all students below Year 12 at all times.
  


• We ask for a minimum staff/pupil ratio of at least 1:10 for adequate supervision.  You will be given Group Leader badges to wear during the visit, which can be deposited in the Group Leader Badge Box in the Green Room at the end of the visit
  
  
• Please ensure your party is divided into small, supervised groups particularly in the Shop, Your History and when visiting the Air Shard, where access is limited.  Unfortunately, access to the Air Shard Viewing Platform, is only via a long staircase.
  


• No food or drink to be consumed in any of the Museum spaces other than consuming own food in the Green Room.
  


• Please remind students of the sensitive nature of the collections and that other visitors may be veterans of conflict.
  
  
• Late arrival. If you think you may be late, then please ring the Learning & Access team on 0161 836 4064. If you are late we will try and facilitate your visit, but cannot guarantee this. If you have missed your appointment it is advisable to leave coats and bags on the coach to speed up your entrance to the museum.
  


• Students must be supervised when in the Museum shop.
  

Behaviour

• We welcome well-behaved groups. Please plan your visit thoroughly and ensure your pupils respect other visitors and the Museum objects.
  


• Students are the responsibility of their teachers/group leaders and must be supervised at all times.
  


• Please remember the sensitive nature of the collections and that other visitors may be veterans of conflict.
  

If you have any questions then please contact the Group Bookings Team on 0161 836 4064 or email learningnorth@iwm.org.uk - open Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays, 9am - 5pm.