Children can play in the historic harbourside setting of this industrial museum. By Claire Munro, learning and access manager
The Scottish Maritime Museum
The Scottish Maritime Museum

The Scottish Maritime Museum is an industrial museum with two homes, one on the Irvine harbour, south of Glasgow, in a former engine shop, and one to the north in Dumbarton that focuses on naval architecture.

Little Sea Monsters runs weekly at both sites and focuses on engaging families of children aged six months to five years. We wanted to combat the stereotypes of museums being viewed as places where you must‘act like an adult’, and instead reframe the museum as a place where families with young children can play. We also wanted to make Little Sea Monsters accessible to all.

Both of our museum sites are in areas that are high on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, and face barriers that include social and financial deprivation and issues engaging with the education system. We therefore offer the sessions for free, keeping the environment relaxed, and ensuring fruit snacks and water are available to attendees on demand to help focus attention.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here