I read with interest the article on school trips (TES, October 15). As learning officer at a National Trust property that caters for over 34,000 school visitors each year, I felt I should point out the strategies we use to ensure visits to our working Georgian cotton mill are safe and educational.
Risk assessment here is carried out by qualified National Trust health and safety officers and these are given to schools on booking. Preliminary visits are recommended so staff can reassure themselves about safety. These visits are free for teachers and their families so they can make it a “day out”. We also offer experienced guides to ensure the learning experience is of the highest standard.
As an ex-teacher I understand teachers’ concerns but would point out the advantages of a visit here. It gives students a real insight into the lives of people in the past, and experience of the creative work and environmental studies at Quarry Bank Mill.
David Watts Learning and interpretation officer The National Trust Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate Styal Cheshire
