Normal school visits have now resumed.

However, at schools request, the bubble system is still available. In the case of a significant outbreak or change in government guidance the arrangements below will be reinstated.

Our offer regarding Covid 19

We have taken into consideration:

Robust hand hygiene
Enhanced cleaning arrangements
How to reduce contacts and maximize distancing and minimize potential for contamination.

As a result of this we have put in place the following measures, (class bubbles are now at schools discretion)

The requirement that all children wash hands prior to and following a session -in addition, we will require the use of hand sanitizer (which we will provide) prior to and following handling artefacts. Our presenters will observe robust hand and respiratory hygiene.

Historical Lives have purchased extra copies of artefacts to enable continuation of our popular handling sessions within bubbles for up to 3 bubbles a day. Equipment handled by children will be cleaned frequently and meticulously and always between bubbles and schools. They will also be rotated to allow them to be left unused for a period of 48 hours. Our presenters will ensure all personal and demonstration equipment is cleaned between schools and set aside for 48 hours where this is not possible. (for example, ring mail armour) In order to allow 48 hours between use of items in schools you may be offered a narrower range of dates compared to previously.

Sessions to be delivered in bubbles and no equipment to be shared with another bubble. Distancing will be observed between our staff, school staff and children. Where drill takes place, this must be outdoors.

Update: Good ventilation must be ensured during presentations.

For these measures to be put in place we have made some changes to our offer. We will ensure that the above measures are adhered to but we can still tailor experiences to fit your school’s requirements.

When we refer to a ‘bubble’ below – the maximum size we can cater for per bubble is 35 children.

Visits for one bubble:

This would be as per a ‘normal’ day as detailed by period. With the exception of the changes detailed above.

Visits for two bubbles:

There will no longer be an introductory session with all children together. Instead we will work with one bubble in the morning and one in the afternoon, covering all the usual content as per detailed in the period information. The children will still be able to handle weapons, shields and other artefacts and there will be time for questions and answers. Depending on numbers and dates required, training may still take place.

Visits for three bubbles:

There will no longer be an introductory session with all children together. Instead we will work with bubbles in three separate workshops of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes covering all the usual content as per detailed in the period information. The children will still be able to handle weapons, shields and other artefacts and there will be time for questions and answers. Drill sessions will only be available if requested as an alternative to handling artefacts and with less content being covered.

Visits for four bubbles:

This would take the form of an hour long ‘meet a character from history’ but with no handling of any artefacts. Alternatively, you can book a two-day session and run both as per the two-bubble day. These sessions would have to be 48 hours apart.

In addition to this we acknowledge the need for flexibility and as such will not be charging deposits and there will be no cancellation fee*. We would ask however that in the event of a bubble self-isolating or the school being closed due to Covid 19, that you inform us by 10pm the night before. (*Expenses will be charged in the event of a journey being undertaken without notification of cancellation.)