Public Servant Lifestyle

Museums staff praised over education provision.

The Museums, Libraries and Archives (MLA) Council has released the results of the 2006 Museum Learning Survey - the first review of education provision in the sector since 1999. The study indicates that museum education in England has made a significant step forward in terms of the quality and range of services provided; staffing; facilities; expenditure; consultation; evaluation and partnership working.

In February of 2006 the MLA commissioned a specialist team to carry out research to map and review education and learning provision within museums in England, that incorporated MLA and Regional Agency support, including the impact of two major museum education programmes managed by the MLA: Renaissance and Strategic Commissioning. A total of 567 museums responded to the survey.

A previous report, A Common Wealth, was published in 1997 with a second edition published in 1999 and mapped museum education provision across the UK in 1994, emphasising the capacity of museums and galleries as educational resources.

Key figures from the 2006 report show that museums are providing more effective learning opportunities and offer a broad choice of services for a wider range of users and potential users than ever before. In 1994 research showed that only 37% of museums made some limited provision for education and just 51% offered any educational services whatsoever. In 2006 86% of museums are used by formal educational groups and 88% by informal education groups.

Chris Batt, Chief Executive of the MLA said: “The message loud and clear from the survey is that museums more and more are putting learning at the heart of everything they do. There is some way to go to provide a consistent 'cultural offer' across the country, museums have made very significant strides towards engaging learners of all ages and background. These examples of excellence will help those museums taking their first steps towards educations services to develop rapidly. The report illustrates important links between the work of museums and government education priorities and programmes such as the Department for Education and Skills' Every Child Matters and Skills for Life."

Another key figure shows that significant numbers of museums are extending services beyond traditional educational users: 40% of museums report outreach to community groups, and 29% of museums report outreach to older visitors.

Key Facts from the Museum Learning Survey 2006 include:

In 1994 research only 37% of museums made some limited provision for education and just 51% offered any educational services whatsoever. In 2006 86% of museums are used by formal educational groups and 88% by informal education groups

Significant numbers of museums are extending services beyond traditional educational users: 40% of museums report outreach to community groups, and 29% of museums report outreach to older visitors

77% of museums have facilities used solely or primarily for educational purposes. 53% of museums have an education room - compared to 36% in 1994 - and 18% have a gallery for children or families

In the 1994 survey, one-third of museums (37%) received help and advice from education authority advisors. Twelve years later, over three-quarters (78.5%) of museums receive extensive free support from partners such as Regional Agencies and the Renaissance in the Regions museum Hubs and national museums

Fewer than half the museums responding to the 1994 survey conducted any evaluation of education provision. In 2006, more than three-quarters (77.4%) of museums evaluate the education services they provide using a wide range of methods, with almost half (48%) using ILFA as an evaluation tool

Within two years of its launch, around half of museums are using Inspiring Learning for All as both a planning tool (51%) and as an evaluation framework (48%)

85% of museums state that the quality of their museum education service has improved since 1996 (and only 2% that it has worsened)

David Lammy, Minister for Culture, welcomed the results saying: "This survey shows museums and galleries are igniting the flames of learning in greater numbers than ever before. They inspire creativity, confidence and enjoyment in children and adults alike. By supporting the development of learning, they nurture a sense of personal achievement which is essential for every generation."

"I congratulate museum professionals and teachers across the country for all they have achieved since 1999, supported by record levels of Government investment in education."

The Museums, Libraries and Archives is the lead strategic body for museums, libraries and archives in England, advising the government on policy and priorities for the sector. MLA's roles are to provide strategic leadership, to act as a powerful advocate, to develop capacity and to promote innovation and change.

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