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Our dedicated Creative Learning department provides support for teachers as well as opportunities for students of all ages to explore the process of making and performing theatre.
If you are planning your school trip here we provide you with some useful information and tips to make it go as smooth as possible:
Plan A School Trip
Have you been given responsibility for organising the school trip and you are wondering where on earth to begin? Some might believe it’s as simple as choosing an activity/venue and letting everyone know the date. No, unfortunately there is a bit
more to it than that, so we’re here to help make it easier. Hopefully we can give you some ideas for what you need to think about when it comes to planning your school trip to us.
Educational Value – As teacher/leader, the first things you may need to do is justify the trip in terms of educational value. A day, half day or week out of the classroom must have an educational benefit to the children you are planning to take.
Support Materials – On most of our educational based shows we offer support materials, you can find them online on the show page or call our Creative Learning team to inquire, call 01253 290 111, alternatively you can email creativelearning@blackpoolgrand.co.uk.
The Cost – We’re aware school budgets are tight so you will need to carefully work out the cost of transport and tickets. Blackpool Grand aims to offer School Tickets on as many educational shows as possible; please note, however, that any Early Bird offers must be paid on the required date (these will not be extended) to qualify. Don’t forget that your Schools Pupil Premium could be used towards show tickets.
Booking Tickets – Contact our Box Office on 01253 290 190 to discuss your booking and they will arrange an invoice. Further information regarding booking can be found on our School Bookings page.
Adult to Pupil Ratios – The ratio of adults to children is a very important consideration for school visits. The ratio will vary with age and with the activity being undertaken. Check those LEA school trip guidelines. You may need to find volunteers to accompany you, perhaps even some parents if your school cannot spare enough members of staff to accompany the trip. Blackpool Grand Theatre offers one free ticket for every 10 children attending to help cover costs.
Transport – Shop around for coaches, you’ll be surprised at what you can save. The council may be able to assist in certain circumstances (accessibility), Blackpool Transport are another supplier. Other local private coach companies include:
Jacksons Coaches – t. 01253 792222
Archway Travel – t. 01253 874358
Bradshaws Travel – t. 01253 810058
Costal Coaches – t. 01772 635820
Familiarisation Visit – Blackpool’s Grand Theatre offers free Familiarisation Visits for organisers (by appointment only), contact our Front of House Manager to arrange, call 01253 290 111, or email foh@blackpoolgrand.co.uk. This website offers a virtual tour of the building (great to show the children before coming) from entrance to seat .
Accessible needs – Available on our website are PECS Cards and Visual Stories to assist with a visit. An accessible toilet is available on the ground floor (Stalls). If you require any individual assistance needs, contact our Front of House Manager to discuss foh@blackpoolgrand.co.uk.
Risk Assessment – Whilst we are not able to supply individual risk assessments for your visit, we can help answer your questions creativelearning@blackpoolgrand.co.uk and even arrange a site visit if required. As you would expect, the theatre has its own risk assessment as required by health and safety regulations which are available at the theatre for the relevant enforcement bodies to inspect. Include in your risk assessments any pupils with disabilities so that reasonable adjustments can be made.
Download our generic Schools Risk Assessment
Drop-off Points – The designated point for coach drop-off/uplift is Adelaide Street (FY1 4LA). Please inform your driver they must not use dedicated Blackpool Transport Bus slots.
Waiting Areas – Blackpool’s Grand Theatre does not have any large waiting areas, we do however have an outside covered area if needed. During Pantomime season it can be a busy turnaround of shows, please follow the directions of our Front of House Manager for the comfort of parties leaving and arriving.
Ice-creams and refreshments – We highly recommend you pre-order ice-creams and refreshments prior to your visit so we can have them ready for you. Contact the Box Office on 01253 290 190, alternatively email them on box@blackpoolgrand.co.uk for an order form (please ensure all allergies are recorded). The order will be delivered to you on your performance interval.
Other drink and foods must not be brought into the theatre for consumption.
Keeping Everyone Informed – Once you know what you are planning, you need to make notes, both for your assistant guides/helpers, and for the children so they understand what will happen from start to finish on your trip. This will assist greatly for your party and make the trip easier to co-ordinate.
Disclaimer – It’s not possible to write a comprehensive guide that will be suitable for every school. Each school will have different needs and requirements. The detail we give is intended to give a few suggestions to teachers for thought who perhaps not so familiar planning a school trip to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.
