In this episode host Claire Bown talks with Nicky McIntosh, a museum consultant with over 25 years of experience in the UK museum sector.
Inspired by her own family’s experiences navigating the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, Nicky now specialises in making museums more accessible for children who struggle to attend school.
Listen in as Nicky shares insights from her Arts Council funded research exploring how museums can better serve the estimated 1.5 million children in England who face barriers to education, and learn about successful case studies from institutions making their spaces more inclusive.
Key Topics:
- How personal experience with school attendance challenges led to investigating museums’ role in supporting families
- The growing need for museums to support children learning outside traditional school settings
- Practical strategies for museums to engage with these audiences
- Success stories from museums already doing this work, including Tyne and Wear Museum Service
- The effectiveness of slow-looking techniques for self-directed learning
- Tips for museums looking to develop or expand their programs for these audiences
If you’re interested in making museums more accessible, supporting diverse learning needs, or exploring ways to engage children facing barriers to education, this episode offers valuable insights and practical recommendations.
The Art Engager is written and presented by Claire Bown. Editing is by Matt Jacobs and Claire Bown. Music by Richard Bown. Support the show on Patreon.
Episode Links
Website: Museum Learning Works – supporting education outside of school – includes links to the reports and survey results from my Developing Your Creative Practice grant funded by Arts Council England
Information about barriers to school attendance UK
Not Fine in School – School Refusal, School Attendance
Square Peg (teamsquarepeg.co.uk)
Recommended Publications
‘Can’t Not Won’t: A Story About A Child Who Couldn’t Go To School’ by Eliza Fricker
‘A Different Way to Learn: Neurodiversity and Self-Directed Education’ by Dr Naomi Fisher
‘Square Pegs: Inclusivity, compassion and fitting in – a guide for schools’ by Ellie
Costello & Fran Morgan
Links
‘The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums‘ is now available worldwide through your favourite online platforms and retailers. Buy it here on Amazon.com: https://tinyurl.com/buytheartengager
The Art Engager book website: https://www.theartengager.com/
Support the show with a simple monthly subscription on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheArtEngager