Fireground Museum recognised for safety and learning quality

Photo: Fireground

Fireground on Maclure Road, Rochdale

Fireground Museum, based in Rochdale’s former Maclure Road fire station, continues to earn accolades for the standards of both its educational role and visitor services.

The volunteer-run museum has again been awarded the coveted Quality Badge awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC). Endorsed by the Department for Education, the award recognises quality of learning and effectiveness of risk management, guaranteeing a safe and fulfilling visit for pupils on school trips.

Dr.Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of CLOtC, said: “Educational visits are among the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life. The Quality Badge reassures teachers that the venue is providing high quality educational experiences and a safe environment.”

The museum, based at the former Rochdale Fire Station on Maclure Road, welcomes around 4,000 schoolchildren per year from across the region, offering sessions on the Great Fire of London, People Who Help Us, The Victorians and The Blitz.

As an official partner of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the museum uses its unique offer to teach safety and life-skills lessons alongside the more traditional historical subjects.

Museum curator and retired fire officer, Bob Bonner, said: “We are thrilled to have again been awarded the LOTC Quality Badge.

"Much of the work carried out by our volunteers is related to school visits so we are delighted that all our efforts have been recognised in this way.”

In further recognition of the museum’s high-quality offer, it has also been re-assessed as a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction by the Visit England service, an award it has held continuously since 2012.

Describing Fireground as “an outstanding museum,” the assessment report praises the volunteer team for their passion and welcoming attitude to visitors. Bob added: “We remain the only fire service museum to hold both awards, so I am really proud of the achievements of all our volunteers and teaching staff.”