Discover the wonder of our annual early years exhibition in a relaxed environment.

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For Ages 0-16

Discover the wonder of our annual early years exhibition in a relaxed environment during our early opening hour, every Wednesday, between 9am -10am, during the school summer holidays. Places are limited to support smaller numbers accessing this open-ended play space, that will engage those with SEND in a peaceful, sensory infused play experience. Our early hour opening is a calm environment for families who would benefit from a quieter environment.

Jurassic Playground is this years theme for our annual early years exhibition, but we also know how much this space supports children with additional needs, particularly those seeking sensory input. We will be limiting numbers for the early hour opening sessions to 15 participants (inclusive of adults and children). This will allow for a much quieter environment and reduce the volume of people using this shared space.

What to expect:

You will be visiting the museum before our public opening. Please enter the museum via the Bayley Lane entrance (the doors next to the museum café). You will be let in by a member of our team, who will then direct you to the early years exhibition.
During the early opening hour, please note you will have limited access around the museum and if you wish to leave before 10am, please inform a member of staff who will guide you to the exit.
When you enter Jurassic Playground, you will be greeted by a member of our team who will remain in the space throughout your visit. This team member is there in the role of play facilitator and has received training in supporting families with additional needs.
The quieter session will continue through to 10am. At this time, the museum opens to the general public and the space will become busier. You are welcome to stay as long as you would like to, and we encourage you to explore the rest of the museum afterwards if you wish to.
Should you choose to stay in the museum after public opening, we do have sensory backpacks available from the main Welcome Desk (on the ground floor, next to Dippy). These can support you in exploring the museum further and reduce feelings on anxiety and support sensory input for the duration of your visit. You watch a short video about them here: Accessibility – The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

If you have any questions ahead of your visit, please do get in touch: ctm.info@cvlife.co.uk