The Rural Life Living Museum Safeguarding Statement

The following has been taken from the Museum's Safeguarding Policy, which can be sent on request by emailing schools@rural-life.org.uk.

Education Visits

School or group leaders bringing children to RLLM premises remain responsible for their care and supervision. Any school, group or organisation bringing children to our site should ensure they have planned, and risk assessed attendance according to the needs of the attendees and our environment. Our own Museum risk assessments are sent on the booking of the trip as guidance. Pre-visits are also encouraged.

It is the responsibility of attending organisations that staff supervising children have been recruited in accordance with recommended safe recruitment procedures and that Disclosure and Barring Service checks have been undertaken in advance for any Regulated Activity.

It is the responsibility of attending organisations to ensure that adequate insurance cover is provided for supervisors and children.

The Museum recognises its duty to safeguard and protect visitors to our premises and consequently will provide safeguarding expectations to be adhered to by everyone visiting or working within its grounds. To that end, appropriate behaviour must be always demonstrated to ensure the safety of the group and others.

In the event of incident or accident, supervisors should contact staff members immediately to allow emergency procedures to be undertaken as appropriate.

In the event of a lost child, attending supervisors must contact an RLLM staff member immediately.

In the event of serious issue, the Head of Learning and Director or Duty Manager should be notified, and further action can be taken as appropriate. Further action may include asking the group to leave, reporting concerns back to the school/organisation and if necessary, the police. Any such action must be documented and submitted to Head of Learning, to ensure that there is organisational learning and to prevent where necessary the same group/organisation attending again.

7.1 Visiting Groups Ratios

• A minimum of two adults must always be present.
• Where possible, female children should have a female adult supervisor, male children a male adult supervisor. Mixed gender groups should have male and female adult supervisors (It is recognised that this is not always possible).
• One adult for every 5 children in school Years R to 3 (children aged 4-8).
• One adult for every 10 children in school Years 4 to 6 (children aged 9-11 years).
• One adult for every 15 children in pupils from school Year 7 onwards (children aged 12+).
• At least one member of staff should be a qualified first aider and aware of the special medical needs of any member of the party.
• Higher ratios may be appropriate for particular groups of pupils. Supervisors must ensure that children are supervised at all times, including during rest or refreshment/meal periods.