EVC Spring 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 9
National Guidance
Spotlight on
uidance
OEAP National G
7.1n Museums, Galleries
and Heritage Sites
Katy Warwick is Associate Adviser at EVOLVE Advice
OEAP National Guidance 7.1n
Museums, Galleries and Heritage
Sites applies to a wide variety of
venues, including museums, libraries,
archives, galleries, science and cultural
centres, historic buildings and sensitive
locations such as battlef ields and
concentration camps. Visits don’t
need to be far af ield; valuable learning
opportunities are often available in your
local area, which can make them great
places to visit, often at minimal cost.
HOW THESE SITES
SUPPORT LEARNING
Educational visits to museums, galleries and
heritage sites bring learning to life through
hands-on, place-based learning. Many sites
employ education officers who develop and
lead curriculum-focused activities. They
may also offer outreach sessions, additional
learning materials and help with evaluation.
Beyond the many educational benefits, these
sites also create an opportunity to explore
culture, identity, history and heritage.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
OEAP National Guidance emphasises
the safety aspects of visiting heritage
sites: 'Sites open to the public must meet
legal health and safety standards.' Look
for venues with the LOtC Quality Badge
and other recognised awards, such as the
Sandford Award for heritage education.
The STAGED approach (Staffing, Travel,
Activity, Group, Environment, Distance)
provides a helpful structure for identifying
and addressing specific risks at these sites.
In particular, consider:
Travel: Use Local Learning Area or routine
visit policies where applicable. For longer
distances, plan how you will use public
transport or coach travel.
Activity: Participation in adventurous
activities, such as archery, will require a
provider form if the provider is not an LOtC
Quality Badge holder. Clarify supervision
responsibilities between staff and venues.
Group: Consider behaviour, medical, SEND
and mental health needs. Make reasonable
adjustments and be particularly mindful
at emotionally challenging sites (see OEAP
National Guidance 4.4n Mental Health).
Environment: Is the venue in a busy public
place? Check OEAP National Guidance
7.1j Visiting Cities and the venue’s
preparedness under Martyn’s Law. Also be
aware of site-specific hazards (e.g. moats,
steep staircases).
Download the guidance at →oeapng.info and ask your Educational Visits Adviser
for support with applying OEAP National Guidance to your own context.
This publication is a general summary of guidance. It should not replace advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
THE EVC MAGAZINE – SPRING 2026
9
