Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum
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Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum Maclure Road, Rochdale, Lancs, 0L11 1DN
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Day Trip Destinations | History | Historical Heritage | Museums | Self-Led Workshops
What we offer on a school trip
Manchester formed England's first municipal fire service in 1826, whilst the country's earliest motorised fire engine was delivered to Eccles in 1901.
We provide the opportunity to learn about the history of fire and fire brigades from before the start of organized firefighting right to the present day, with the help of our wonderful collection of full-sized fire engines, equipment, uniforms, medals and insignia and images. We are located on the site of a 1930s heritage fire station. Whilst built around the most popular topics such as The Great Fire of London, the Victorians and World War II, the Museum's educational offer is adaptable and can be tailor-made to suit teachers? requirements. We can therefore provide for additional subjects such as science, textiles, art and journalism and teachers are invited to discuss any special requests in advance.
Our aim is for every child to have maximum enjoyment at the Museum whilst learning about the intended topic, as well as safety and life skills. We are completely flexible in subject matter and delivery with long experience of the subject matter and engagement with young people.
What makes us a great choice for education?
All educational sessions and tours are delivered by genuine ex-firefighters or control room staff, adding credibility and reality to every topic. All sessions also include appropriate fire safety lessons, interwoven with the topic and explained by people with related experience and knowledge . There are plenty of opportunities for hands on experience, too and our aim is for the children to thoroughly enjoy their session at the Museum whilst learning.
Accreditation and Awards
Yes, LOTC and Visit England Quality Assurance accreditation for visitor attractions
What is typically included on our school trips?
Typically, we begin with a classroom session of up to an hour, illustrated and with object-handling, uniform-trying etc. This session will depend on the subject matter requested, eg The Great Fire of London or The Blitz etc.
We then go into the Museum for a guided tour, which can take between 45-60 minutes typically, looking at the fire engines, equipment and uniforms at close quarters. Again this will also be linked to the topic where appropriate. This is the end of a short session.
For the longer session offered, it would be the same as above, followed by (bring-your-own) lunch and then a more relaxed session back in the classroom for activities such as drawing, design, quizzing, etc, appropriate to age and topic, for which we will supply all necessary resources.
Group Sizes Catered For
Normal maximum group size is 30, although there is some flexibility available in the case of a slightly larger class. Please speak to the museum about class size when booking. Very large classes (eg 60) would normally require more than one visit. For the museum tour part of the visit, the class is usually split into smaller groups for convenience and ease of movement.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
We will provide resource material in the case of the longer visit with activities after lunch. Otherwise we do not have teacher's packs or worksheets at this time.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
We are happy for this if it is for individual or school use, however we do not encourage photography or video of the museum to be published on the internet
Risk Assessment Details
Risk assessment available from the Museum if requested; we can also facilitate if teachers wish to pre-visit and carry out their own assessments
Education Officer Information
Education sessions are delivered by Museum staff. Please contact the Museum in the normal way through our published contact methods
Pricing Information
A short visit costs £1.50 per pupil, the longer session is £2. There is no charge for accompanying adults.
Do you have first aid on site or will the group need to bring a qualified first aider?
Qualified and experienced first aiders on site
Available Facilities
Light refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) are available on school visiting days. There is also a small souvenir shop with items ranging from 20p upwards. For schools we can also offer pre-packed goody bags from the shop of £1.50 or £2 each with a range of suitable items inside.
School (packed) lunches are taken in the classroom as the Museum cafeteria area is very small. There is however some outside space where children may let off a bit of steam under supervision.
There is ample room for parking, including coaches.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
The Museum and classroom is all on one (ground) floor, with ramp access available for any steps. There are girls,? boys? and accessible toilets available, though the boys? toilet is up a flight of stairs. Please advise the Museum in advance of any special needs, including wheelchairs or children with specific issues (eg no loud noises) and we will work with you to help everybody enjoy their day
