All of our schools’ workshops are adaptable for SEND learners. Please contact us to discuss your requirements so we can ensure that your students have a valuable visit tailored to their needs. We have answered some key questions below which may be useful for SEND learners. For details of the content of the school workshops available, general questions and answers and risk assessments, policy & resources, please visit our school visits page.

Accessibility Guide

Our accessibility statement is available here

Our gardens have concrete pathways however tree roots have made them bumpy in places and moss can make them slippery. Please take care whilst walking in the gardens. We have a full accessibility statement available

If you have a suggestion on how we can improve accessibility, please contact us enquiries@powell-cottonmuseum.org

Can I make a familiarisation visit to make a plan?

We are happy to welcome you to the museum to help you plan for your visit. Please get in touch and we will arrange a time and date.

Is there an accessible toilet?

Yes, we have one wheelchair accessible toilet available in the museum building. Dimensions and measurements are all available in our accessibility guide.

Is there a quiet space we can use?

Yes, please speak to your workshop leader who will show you where there is a quiet space available.

Can we access outdoor space easily?

We have extensive gardens to the rear of the museum building and you are welcome to break away from the rest of the group and access them at any time during your visit.

What else can we do?

What’s in the Box? We are excited to offer our new loan boxes to primary and secondary schools in the local area.  You may be interested in our box called Safari Stories.

We have kept this box as open as possible to create play and discovery at any age or level.  It is for everyone to have fun making stories about animals from across Africa.   The loans box contains soft toys, smell boxes, animal puzzles, animal sounds and rubbing blocks. We have included information about the animals and how they eat, their travel and their habitats. There are also suggested activities to get you started in your story journey, and how you might use some of the resources in the box for creative play and learning.

Curriculum Links: Science and Investigation; Life Processes & Living Things; Animals

Our Loans Box page is here

Talk to our Learning Team

Our Learning and Engagement Officers are passionate about making visits valuable for SEND audiences and regularly attend CPD courses, workshops and forums for all aspects of museum-based learning. When you contact our learning team you will talk to:

Emma-Jayne Hamlington, Learning and Engagement Officer 
Alison Day, Learning and Engagement Officer
Janice Le Corney, Learning and Engagement Officer

Emma-Jayne Hamlington

Learning and Engagement Officer

Powell-Cotton Museum Quex House and Gardens

Alison Day

Alison Day

Learning and Engagement Officer

Powell-Cotton Museum Quex House and Gardens

Janice Le Corney

Learning and Engagement Officer

Powell-Cotton Museum Quex House and Gardens

When visiting us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, meet our special guest, Kate from RSPB! Explore Kate’s interactive wildlife display showcasing different habitats and learn all about the fascinating creatures that call them home. Learn about RSPB’s conservation efforts, educational programs, and explore the wonders of local reserves. Join RSPB in protecting our precious wildlife and spreading awareness for a greener, healthier planet!

#Learning #WildlifeConvservation #Easter

@rspb @visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions

When visiting us on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, meet our special guest, Kate from RSPB! Explore Kate’s interactive wildlife display showcasing different habitats and learn all about the fascinating creatures that call them home. Learn about RSPB’s conservation efforts, educational programs, and explore the wonders of local reserves. Join RSPB in protecting our precious wildlife and spreading awareness for a greener, healthier planet!

#Learning #WildlifeConvservation #Easter

@rspb @visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions
...

Calling all parents and guardians of under 5s! Join us on Friday 15th March, for the kick-off of our Friendly Fridays in collaboration with Surestart Children’s Centres. Bring your little ones for a day of fun, learning, and laughter, exploring the animal kingdom through stories and play. Discover animals that awake when the sun goes down and follow the trail to see how many nocturnal creatures you can find.
 
#Learning

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Calling all parents and guardians of under 5s! Join us on Friday 15th March, for the kick-off of our Friendly Fridays in collaboration with Surestart Children’s Centres. Bring your little ones for a day of fun, learning, and laughter, exploring the animal kingdom through stories and play. Discover animals that awake when the sun goes down and follow the trail to see how many nocturnal creatures you can find.

#Learning

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you'll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.

#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker 

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you`ll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.

#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

Happy #WorldBookDay! 

From thrilling adventures to heartwarming stories, there's something for every book lover to enjoy in the Museum Shop! Stop by on our upcoming weekend open day to explore the selection of books we have to offer.

#Learning #WorldBookDay #MuseumShop

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Happy #WorldBookDay!

From thrilling adventures to heartwarming stories, there`s something for every book lover to enjoy in the Museum Shop! Stop by on our upcoming weekend open day to explore the selection of books we have to offer.

#Learning #WorldBookDay #MuseumShop

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster. 

Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!

Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April. 

@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions 
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum 
 
The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @DCMS and @ace_national

As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster.

Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!

Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April.

@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum

The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @DCMS and @ace_national
...

Did you know we have a whole bank of free learning resources on the website? Perfect for a #weekendcraft session, head to  the Learning section of our website to download our 'Fabulous Frog Catcher' craft activity today - or choose from a whole host of other fun and fascinating ideas! 

#MuseumMake #Learning #Museumcraft #Weekendcraft #powellcottonmuseum #quexgardens #frogcatcher #craft

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Did you know we have a whole bank of free learning resources on the website? Perfect for a #weekendcraft session, head to the Learning section of our website to download our `Fabulous Frog Catcher` craft activity today - or choose from a whole host of other fun and fascinating ideas!

#MuseumMake #Learning #Museumcraft #Weekendcraft #powellcottonmuseum #quexgardens #frogcatcher #craft

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

Calling all Drum Shakers, Music Makers and Home Educators! 

Bring your little ones along to our next Home Educators Day on Thursday 29 February where they can create their very own musical instrument with us. The Thunder Drum is a percussion instrument that can be used to imitate the rumble of thunder as well as a range of weird and wonderful noises - a perfect project for a crafty and noisy morning of interactive learning!

We’re also bringing out some of our other musical instruments for you to enjoy and as always you'll have the opportunity to explore the museum and gardens.

This event has limited spaces so book your place on our website today.

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

#Learning #visitkent #visitthanet #homeeducatorskent #homedkent #powellcottonmuseum #quexhouseandgardens

Calling all Drum Shakers, Music Makers and Home Educators!

Bring your little ones along to our next Home Educators Day on Thursday 29 February where they can create their very own musical instrument with us. The Thunder Drum is a percussion instrument that can be used to imitate the rumble of thunder as well as a range of weird and wonderful noises - a perfect project for a crafty and noisy morning of interactive learning!

We’re also bringing out some of our other musical instruments for you to enjoy and as always you`ll have the opportunity to explore the museum and gardens.

This event has limited spaces so book your place on our website today.

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

#Learning #visitkent #visitthanet #homeeducatorskent #homedkent #powellcottonmuseum #quexhouseandgardens
...

This Saturday and Sunday, our popular Spring into the Museum event is back again for a second weekend!  Hunt out the spectrum of scents and colours of Spring at the museum using our popular Scavenger Wheel, explore the awakening gardens and join in the Spring-themed interactive activities on offer! 

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions 

#SpringintotheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #ThingstodoinKent #Kenthalfterm #ThingstodoThanet #Learning

This Saturday and Sunday, our popular Spring into the Museum event is back again for a second weekend! Hunt out the spectrum of scents and colours of Spring at the museum using our popular Scavenger Wheel, explore the awakening gardens and join in the Spring-themed interactive activities on offer!

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

#SpringintotheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #ThingstodoinKent #Kenthalfterm #ThingstodoThanet #Learning
...