As the needs of each group are different, group leaders will need to complete their own risk assessments for every visit. To assist you with this, we provide guidelines that can be used to inform a full assessment.
We've put measures in place across our sites to make them as safe as possible for both visitors and staff. Keep up to date and informed about our current safety measures before your visit by familiarising yourself with our visitor safety information.
Familiarisation visits are free for up to two school group leaders per prebooked session. Please note that, as some sessions take place in locations not accessible to the public, access to the learning spaces is by arrangement only. To conduct a pre-visit on-site risk assessment, please refer to your confirmation statement for further information.
We are looking forward to welcoming your school to Royal Museums Greenwich.
The following information is designed to help you risk-assess your visit.
National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House
Hazard: Fire
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum has a Fire Evacuation procedure. A loud, sustained bell will sound in case of emergency and the Visitor and Sales Assistants are trained to get all visitors out of the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to follow all the instructions given by Visitor and Sales Assistants to get them out of the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Never use lifts in the event of fire.
Any booked groups should inform us on booking of any condition that may impair rapid evacuation.
Hazard: Sickness or injury
What is in place at the Museum
There are First Aid trained staff at The National Maritime Museum at all sites. These can be contacted by radio by any member of the Visitor and Sales Team.
Things you should think about
Please ensure you inform a member of Museum staff as soon as possible if any member of your group is sick or injured.
Hazard: Terrorist attack
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum monitors terrorism threat levels and has a tiered response plan so that as threat levels change, the museum's response and approach do too.
The Museum has direct liaison and meets regularly with a counter-terrorism security advisor. The Museum adopts a range of physical, system-based, and human security procedures to mitigate risks.
There is a museum-wide Emergency Response Plan in place.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to immediately notify a member of staff if they come across
unaccompanied items such as bags/suitcases and to report any suspicious behaviour
that they see.
Hazard: Safeguarding incidents
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum has a safeguarding policy and whistleblowing policy known to all staff.
All freelance staff and Museum staff have a standard DBS check when starting, which is renewed every 3 years.
Things you should think about
Please ensure all children are accompanied by teachers in school sessions and around the Museum and not left alone with Museum or freelance staff.
Please report any concerns you have to Museum staff so we can act on these as soon as possible.
Hazard: Lost children
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum has a lost child procedure, which all staff are aware of. All Visitor and Sales Assistants can be identified by a uniform and name badge and are present in all areas.
The Museum is clearly laid out and sign-posted.
Things you should think about
Learners should be briefed by teachers to find a Visitor and Sales Assistant who can then locate their group.
Teachers are responsible for their groups at all times. Groups should follow the recommended ratios: KS1 = 1 adult: 5 children; KS2 = 1:8; KS3&4 = 1:10; KS5 = 1:16
Hazard: Trips, slips and falls
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum adheres to strict health and safety rules, including use of safety glass. The Museum checks all visitor routes are free from hazard before opening and have a Duty Cleaner on call during opening hours.
Things you should think about
Due care and attention from teachers and pupils. Visitors should always walk and never run inside the Museum buildings. Teachers are advised to remind children to walk in single file holding handrails on stairs.
Hazard: Use of toilets
What is in place at the Museum
All toilets are accessible by all visitors. There are no security cameras in toilet areas.
Things you should think about
We advise teachers to supervise pupils in toilet areas (not inside cubicles).
Hazard: Theft of belongings
What is in place at the Museum
Each school is given a closable locker to leave their belongings in one of our learning spaces. These areas are labelled as for Schools and Groups only but not locked. Visitor and Sales Assistants patrol the area. Items are left at owners' risk.
Things you should think about
We suggest that no money, cameras, mobile phones or other expensive equipment is left in the lockers.
Please advise our Visitor and Sales Assistants immediately if an item is lost or stolen.
Hazard: Activities in Museum-led sessions
What is in place at the Museum
All Museum sessions are risk assessed by the Learning team to ensure we minimise the hazards involved. Our risk assessments are regularly reviewed to ensure that they are up to date. We ensure all objects and activities are safe and appropriate for the year groups involved.
Things you should think about
Ensure that your learners are supervised by staff during school sessions. If any of your learners have specific needs that should be considered in handling or craft activities, please inform the Museum in advance and the Learning Facilitator on the day.
Cutty Sark school visits
Hazard: Fire
What is in place at Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark has a Fire Evacuation procedure. A loud sustained bell will sound in case of emergency and the Visitor and Sales Assistants are trained to get all visitors off the ship as quickly and safely as possible.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to follow all the instructions given by Visitor and Sales Assistants to evacuate as quickly and safely as possible.
Never use lifts in the event of fire.
Any booked groups should inform us on booking of any condition that may impair rapid evacuation.
Hazard: Sickness or injury
What is in place at Cutty Sark
There are First Aid trained staff at Cutty Sark. They can be contacted by radio by any member of the Visitor and Sales Team.
Things you should think about
Please ensure you inform a member of staff as soon as possible if any member of your group is sick or injured.
Hazard: Terrorist attack
What is in place at Cutty Sark
Royal Museums Greenwich (Cutty Sark is one of its sites) monitors terrorism threat levels and has a tiered response plan so that as threat levels change, the museum's response and approach do too.
Royal Museums Greenwich has direct liaison and meets regularly with a counter-terrorism security advisor. Cutty Sark adopts a range of physical, system-based, and human security procedures to mitigate risks. There is a museum-wide Emergency Response Plan in place.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to immediately notify a member of staff if they come across unaccompanied items such as bags/suitcases and to report any suspicious behaviour that they see.
Hazard: Safeguarding incidents
What is in place at Cutty Sark
RMG has a safeguarding policy and whistleblowing policy known to all staff.
All freelance staff and RMG staff have a standard DBS check when starting, which is renewed every 3 years.
Things you should think about
Please ensure all children are accompanied by teachers in school sessions and around Cutty Sark and not left alone with RMG staff or freelance staff.
Please report any concerns to staff so we can act on these as soon as possible.
Hazard: Lost children
What is in place at Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark has a lost child procedure, which all staff are aware of. All Visitor Service Assistants can be identified by a uniform and name badge and are present in all areas. Cutty Sark is clearly laid out and signposted.
Things you should think about
Learners should be briefed by teachers to find a Visitor Service Assistant if they are lost.
Teachers are responsible for their groups at all times. Groups should follow the recommended ratios: KS1 = 1 adult: 5 children; KS2 = 1:8; KS3&4 = 1:10; KS5 = 1:16
Hazard: Trips, slips and falls
What is in place at Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark adheres to strict health and safety rules, including the use of safety glass. Cutty Sark is checked daily to ensure that all visitor routes are free from hazard before opening and have a Duty Cleaner on call during opening hours.
Things you should think about
Visitors should always walk and never run. We advise teachers to remind learners to walk in single file holding handrails on stairs. Cutty Sark is a real ship and has working parts, visitors should not climb or try to move anything unless specifically instructed to do so.
Hazard: Use of toilets
What is in place at Cutty Sark
All toilets are accessible by all visitors. There are no security cameras in toilet areas.
Things you should think about
We advise teachers to supervise pupils in toilet areas (not inside cubicles).
Hazard: Theft of belongings
What is in place at Cutty Sark
There is a locked trolley available for storage of belongings during your school's session.
Self-guided visitors will need to keep their belongings with them.
Things you should think about
We suggest that no money, cameras, mobile phones or other expensive equipment is left unattended. Please advise our Visitor Service Assistants immediately if an item is lost or stolen.
Hazard: Activities in school sessions
What is in place at Cutty Sark
All Cutty Sark school sessions are risk assessed by the Learning team to ensure that we minimise the hazards involved. Our risk assessments are regularly reviewed to ensure that they are up to date. We ensure all objects and activities are safe and appropriate for the year groups involved.
Things you should think about
Ensure that your learners are supervised by staff during school sessions. If any of your learners have specific needs that should be considered in handling or craft activities, please inform RMG in advance and tell the Learning Facilitator on the day.
Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre (PPMCC)
Hazard: Fire
What is in place at PPMCC
PPMCC has a Fire Evacuation procedure. A loud sustained bell will sound in case of emergency and the staff are trained to get all visitors out of the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to follow all the instructions given by staff to get them out of the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Never use lifts in the event of fire.
Any booked groups should inform us on booking of any condition that may impair rapid evacuation.
Hazard: Sickness or injury
What is in place at PPMCC
There are First Aid trained staff at PPMCC.
Things you should think about
Please ensure you inform a member of staff as soon as possible if any member of your group is sick or injured.
Hazard: Terrorist Attack
What is in place at PPMCC
Royal Museums Greenwich (PPMCC is one of its sites) monitors terrorism threat levels and has a tiered response plan so that as threat levels change, the museum's response and approach do too.
Royal Museums Greenwich has direct liaison and meets regularly with a counter-terrorism security advisor. PPMCC adopts a range of physical, system-based, and human security procedures to mitigate risks. There is a museum-wide Emergency Response Plan in place.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to immediately notify a member of staff if they come across unaccompanied items such as bags/suitcases and to report any suspicious behaviour that they see.
Hazard: Safeguarding incidents
What is in place at PPMCC
Royal Museums Greenwich has a safeguarding policy and whistleblowing policy known to all staff. All freelance staff and RMG staff have a standard DBS check when starting, which is renewed every 3 years.
Things you should think about
Please ensure all children are accompanied by teachers in school sessions and around PPMCC and not left alone with museum staff or freelance staff.
Please report any concerns to staff so we can act on these as soon as possible.
Hazard: Lost children
What is in place at PPMCC
PPMCC is a closed site with security gates at each of the two entrances. There is an onsite security officer. Visitors are always accompanied by staff inside the buildings.
Things you should think about
Teachers are responsible for their groups at all times. Groups should follow the recommended ratios: KS1 = 1 adult: 5 children; KS2 = 1:8; KS3&4 = 1:10; KS5 = 1:16
Hazard: Trips, slips and falls
What is in place at PPMCC
PPMCC adheres to strict health and safety rules, including use of safety glass. PPMCC is checked daily to ensure that all visitor routes are free from hazard before opening and have a Duty Cleaner on call during opening hours.
Things you should think about
Visitors should always walk and never run. PPMCC has working studios and stores, visitors should only touch what they have been instructed to. We advise teachers to remind learners to walk in single file holding handrails on stairs.
Hazard: Use of toilets
What is in place at PPMCC
All toilets are accessible by all visitors. There are no security cameras in toilet areas.
Things you should think about
We advise teachers to supervise pupils in toilet areas (not inside cubicles).
Hazard: Theft of belongings
What is in place at PPMCC
Each school is given a space to leave their belongings. These are for Schools and Groups only but not locked. Items are left at owners' risk. Only emergency medical supplies are allowed in the stores. There are lockers for adult bags and valuables.
Things you should think about
We suggest that no money, cameras, mobile phones or other expensive equipment is left unattended.
Please advise our staff immediately if an item is lost or stolen.
Hazard: Activities in school sessions
What is in place at PPMCC
All PPMCC school sessions are risk assessed by the Learning Team to ensure that we minimise the hazards involved. Our risk assessments are regularly reviewed to ensure that they are up to date. We ensure all objects and activities are safe and appropriate for the Year Groups involved.
Things you should think about
Ensure that your learners are supervised by staff during school sessions. If any of your learners have specific needs that should be considered in handling or craft activities, please inform us in advance and the Learning Facilitator on the day.
Royal Observatory school visits
Hazard: Fire
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum employs an L1 fire detection system and robust Fire Evacuation procedure across all sites. A loud sustained bell will sound in case of emergency and the Visitor and Sales Assistants will evacuate all visitors from the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to follow all the instructions given by Visitor and Sales Assistants to get them out of the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Never use lifts in the event of fire.
Any booked groups should inform us on booking of any circumstances that may impair rapid evacuation.
Hazard: Sickness or injury
What is in place at the Museum
First Aid trained staff are available at all sites and can be contacted by radio by any member of the Visitor and Sales Team.
Things you should think about
Please ensure you inform a member of Museum staff as soon as possible if any member of your group is sick or injured.
Hazard: Terrorist attack
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum monitors terrorism threat levels and has a tiered response plan so that as threat levels change, the museum's response and approach do too.
The Museum has direct liaison and meets regularly with a counter-terrorism security advisor. The Museum adopts a range of physical, system-based, and human security procedures to mitigate risks.
There is a museum-wide Emergency Response Plan in place.
Things you should think about
We ask school visitors to immediately notify a member of staff if they come across unaccompanied items such as bags/suitcases and to report any suspicious behaviour that they see.
Hazard: Safeguarding incidents
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum has a safeguarding policy and whistleblowing policy known to all staff. All freelance staff and Museum staff have a standard DBS check when starting, which is renewed every 3 years.
Things you should think about
Please ensure all children are accompanied by teachers in school sessions and around the Museum. Children must not be left alone or with Museum or freelance staff. Please report any concerns you have to Museum staff so we can act on these as soon as possible.
Hazard: Lost children
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum has a lost child procedure, which all staff are aware of. All Visitor and Sales Assistants can be identified by a uniform and name badge and are present in all areas. The Museum is clearly laid out and sign-posted.
Things you should think about
Learners should be briefed by teachers to find a Visitor and Sales Assistant who can then locate their group.
Teachers are responsible for their groups at all times. Groups should follow the recommended ratios: KS1 = 1 adult: 5 children; KS2 = 1:8; KS3&4 = 1:10; KS5 = 1:16
Hazard: Trips, slips and falls
What is in place at the Museum
The Museum adheres to strict health and safety rules, including use of safety glass. The Museum checks all visitor routes are free from hazard before opening and have a Duty Cleaner on call during opening hours.
Things you should think about
Due care and attention from teachers and pupils. Visitors should always walk and never run inside the Museum buildings. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a historic building that includes uneven surfaces and narrow and spiral staircases. There are also external areas which maybe slippery in adverse weather conditions. In some cases, there are no step free alternatives available. Teachers are advised to remind children to walk in single file holding handrails on stairs and take extra care in these areas.
Hazard: Use of toilets
What is in place at the Museum
All toilets are accessible by all visitors. There are no security cameras in toilet areas.
Things you should think about
We advise teachers to supervise pupils in toilet areas (not inside cubicles).
Hazard: Theft of belongings
What is in place at the Museum
We ask that school groups keep their belongings with them when exploring the site.
Things you should think about
Please advise our Visitor and Sales Assistants immediately if an item is lost or stolen.