How can I book outreach/virtual sessions?
Email [email protected] with your preferred dates, times, session(s) and year group(s). We aim to respond within 3 working days.
What types of school sessions are available?
During the museum’s planned closure for redevelopment, we are offering both outreach and virtual sessions for schools. Outreach sessions take place in-person at your school and virtual sessions take place on Google Meets.
Can I visit Hackney Museum with my class?
No, Hackney Museum is now closed for redevelopment and will reopen in 2027. While the museum is closed we are still running activities for schools: outreach sessions at your school and virtual sessions. We also have learning resources to support your teaching. Please enquire about sessions by emailing [email protected]
When are sessions available?
We will be delivering virtual and outreach sessions from January 2026 onwards. We can be flexible with the dates and timings of virtual and outreach sessions, but require at least 15 minutes between sessions to reset.
How long are the sessions?
Outreach sessions typically run for 60 minutes. Virtual session timings vary between 45-60 minutes. See individual session pages for timings.
How many children can take part in a session?
The sessions have been designed to take place in a classroom environment and can accommodate up to 30 children per workshop. It may be possible to run some sessions with two classes together in an assembly hall, please enquire: [email protected].
Can I book different sessions?
Yes. You can book up to two different outreach workshops in a day to suit the curriculum topics/themes of your pupils. For example, this could be two Windrush sessions for two Year 6 classes and one Suitcase Stories session for a Year 3 class. You can book as many different virtual sessions in a day as you would like.
How many outreach sessions can I book?
We are able to offer a maximum of three workshops per day. If we have availability, you can book sessions at your school on successive days; we might request to store some items at the school overnight if this is the case.
What do you need to run an outreach session at my school?
We need access to a screen for presentation slides, a table at the front of the class for resources and a captive audience!
Is there a cost to the outreach sessions?
Yes. There is a flat charge of £50 per visit to cover return travel costs between Hackney Museum and the school to transport staff and session resources.
Is there a cost to the virtual sessions?
No. Virtual sessions remain free.
What do you need to run a virtual session?
Virtual sessions take place on Google Meet, so you will need access to a screen, speakers and microphone for us to communicate with the class through. Prior to the session we will send out a teacher’s pack containing resources that will be used during the workshop. We also require a pre-session test meeting with the teacher to test technology and to go over the teacher’s pack and any pre-session activities.
Do you offer any SEND workshops?
We are able to offer sessions for SEND groups. For more information, please contact [email protected] and we will discuss how we can adapt our sessions to meet the needs of your learners.
What if I need to cancel?
There is a £25 cancellation fee for sessions at Hackney Museum cancelled within less than 5 days working notice. Please note, this cancellation fee may be more for projects that only run at certain times of the year, this will be indicated on your booking form.
Do you have an offer for secondary schools?
We are currently reviewing our offer for local secondary schools as part of the wider redevelopment of Hackney Museum. We do have a selection of learning resources and blog posts available on the website that could be adapted to support your students. If you are interested in working with Hackney Museum, please contact [email protected]
Are you running sessions as a part of Hackney Council’s Black History Season this year?
Hackney Museum will be closing for redevelopment at the end of November 2025. Although we will not be offering in-person sessions at Hackney Museum, we have produced an evergreen teaching resource in partnership with Hackney Music Service for KS2 & KS3. These teaching resources are about the Hackney-based British Reggae Artists Famine Appeal team’s 1985 charity single.
Are you an Artsmark partner?
Yes. Read our Artsmark information to find out how Hackney Museum can support your school’s Artsmark journey.