Battlefield centre praised

BOSWORTH Battlefield’s school programme has achieved a national quality mark.

The programme at the Leicestershire County Council-run heritage site has been accredited with the Sandford Award, an independently judged assessment of education programmes at heritage sites, museums, archives and collections.

Judges visited Bosworth Battlefield this year, where they observed and assessed a school visit.

Judge Chris Green said he was impressed by the organisation and presentation of the site, the delivery and how well the staff worked as a team.

Councillor Richard Blunt, the county council’s cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “An enormous amount of hard work and dedication goes into the provision of the exciting, stimulating and educational schools programme.

“The Sandford Award is a welldeserved honour for all of those involved.

“We hope this award will encourage more schools to come and visit.” Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre will retain the Sandford Award accreditation for five years, after which it will be reinspected.

The full citation said: “Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is an invaluable resource to national heritage.

“The programme is focused on highly significant events in England’s history, with clear interpretation for the public interest nationally and locally, and with links to the curricula of different schools and colleges.

“It is firmly grounded in the long and rich history of the immediate area. Visits are exceptionally well managed and the presentation of interactive exhibits, sessions and walks is of the highest order.

“Guides and facilitators share their excellent knowledge generously and have empathy with learners.

“There is a strong sense of cohesion across the centre’s team, with a culture of inclusive partnership and cooperation with visitors and the wider community.”