The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has just been recognised with two prestigious awards.

The Museum’s Education Team has won the Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Education for the second time. The awards are run by the Heritage Education Trust and are an independently judged, quality assured assessment of education programmes at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections across the British Isles. Judges are drawn from professional educationalists including Ofsted inspectors, former head teachers, education consultants and heritage property based education officers.

The judge’s report stated: “There can be few places where magic is better managed. The museum is not just about boats, though boats are its star attraction: it is about humanity’s relationship with the sea – past, present and future – in a region where that relationship has been both tragic and triumphant, sometimes simultaneously: in short, a London experience without the crowds.”

Stuart Slade, Education Manager at the Museum says: “The Education Team at the museum is made up of paid staff and a dedicated team of volunteers. We strive to provide a unique and unforgettable learning experience for schools across the county and it is a huge credit to the team that they have achieved the Sandford Award for Excellence for the second time.”

The museum has also received a Platinum Provider certificate from Cornwall Education and Business Partnership for their support of the ‘Make it Work’ project. The project works in partnership with registered charity United Response to help people with learning difficulties and disabilities access work opportunities. The Museum was recognised for their approach and commitment to organising an outstandingly supportive work placement for a young person with learning difficulties.

Helen Field from CLEBP said: “In order to achieve the Platinum Provider you have to meet a number of elements including planning, health and safety, regular reviews and providing a workplace mentor or ‘buddy’. Businesses which achieve Platinum Provider have demonstrated their commitment to providing high quality, well planned and meaningful work placements.”

- ENDS -

Notes to Picture Editor:

Two thumbs up for the Education Team at the Maritime Museum.