| Your questions answered
Please also see information on Health and Safety,
and Accessibility
PLANNING
BEFORE THE VISIT
How do we book?
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How can we prepare
for the visit?
We recommend that a representative visit the Cathedral ahead of the visit
to prepare a Risk Assessment and to familiarize themselves with the building
and facitilies. We also suggest that teachers, helpers and students (if
of appropriate age) look at the website before they come.
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Do students need
to bring anything?
It would be useful for each student to have a pencil and a clipboard with
several A4 sheets of paper for making notes or drawings to use later in
the classroom. Teachers and/or students may also like to bring a camera.
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What
should the students wear?
We ask that visitors dress appropriately. In addition, please remember
that it can be cool inside the Cathedral even on a warm day. Some of the
flagstones are uneven, so we advise wearing sensible footwear. We suggest
that students do not carry too much with them and that, if you have not
booked the Education Room, you leave as much as possible in your bus.
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Can we bring children
with special needs?
We welcome children with a range of special needs - physical, learning,
emotional, sensory. Please alert us when you book nad we will discuss
with you how we can make appropriate preparations. We can provide parking
within the Close for wheelchair users. Further information on accessibility.
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Can
we visit the library?
The library is not available for unsupervised visits, since it
is used for quiet study and for meetings. If you would like to include
the Library in your self-guided or supported visit, please contact the
Librarian,
Mrs Gudrun Warren (01603 218327).
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What
is expected of teacher led groups?
Please make a formal booking even if you
are directing the students yourself. This enables us to warn you of unexpected
closures, special services or any other factor that might affect your
visit, and also to ensure that the Cathedral does not become overcrowded.
We also arrange special events from time to time, and schools and other
groups on our database are invited personally.
Please bring sufficient adults to ensure that
you can keep students in small, cloasely supervised groups, working around
other tours and giving any services a wide berth unless you wish to attend
or observe - in which case please ensure that your group behaves appropriately.
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Can we take photographs?
No group photography permit is required for school groups that have paid
for a tour as the cost is covered by the fee already paid.
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ON
THE DAY OF THE VISIT
What
if we are delayed on the day?
If this happens, please let us know as soon as is possible, especially
if you have booked a tour. Please either telephone the Education Office
(01603 218320) or the Vergers' Office (01603 218324). The Education Guides
are very generous and will always try to accommodate for delays. However,
if you are delayed for more than 15 minutes it is at the discretion of
the Guide as to what form the tour will take (i.e. short tour, introductory
talk or question and answer session).
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Where can we park?
There is no parking within the Cathedral Close*. Coaches are allowed to
drop off and pick up groups from Tombland, which is immediately outside
the Cathedral. Coaches are also allowed to wait for up to 15 minutes at
the coach parking space in Bishop's Plain, Bishopgate - just a short walk
from the Cathedral. *Special schools may apply for a parking permit within
the Cathedral Close - please contact us.
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What do we do when we arrive?
Please enter the Close via the Erpingham Gate, see route marked on plan.
The Close can become busy with traffic so please ensure that appropriate
care is taken. On approaching the Cathedral all group leaders, including
those who are self-guiding their group, are asked to report to the Welcome
and Information Desk. The Desk is marked on the plan and the welcome team
will know that you are coming. If you have booked a tour or activity,
a member of the Education Department will meet you.
The rest of your group should remain outside the building whilst you
report in. Please ensure that your group leaves the entrance clear whilst
they are waiting. If it is raining, please bring the group in and sit
them quietly under the West Window. Once we know you have arrived, the
visit can begin.
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Behaviour and
discipline
Please take time to talk to your students before entering the Cathedral
about appropriate behaviour. We ask that they respect the building, its
contents and those who are also visiting. Norwich Cathedral is a place
of worship and even if there are no services going on many people come
to the building for private prayer and contemplation.
Teachers and helpers must remain with their group at all times to supervise
and, if necessary, discipline their students. Teachers are solely responsible
for the behaviour and discipline of their students.Should behaviour be
unacceptable the student(s) will be asked to leave and the Guide may choose
to end the tour.
If you are self-guiding, please keep the students in small, closely supervised
groups. Please also work around other tours and avoid any services unless
you wish to attend, in which case please ensure appropriate behaviour.
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Where can we eat?
Schools are asked to eat packed lunches in the Cloisters, which is undercover
from rain.
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Where are the lavatories?
They are situated in the new Refectory on the south side of the Cloisters
(see plan). Please ensure that all students are in small groups and are
supervised.
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Disabled
access
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Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency, a warning will sound asking all visitors
to leave the building. Please exit to either the Upper or Lower Close
Green. In the event of injury during the visit, a member of staff should
seek assistance from the Sacrist's office, which contains a First Aid
point.
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Worship times
Schools are welcome in the Cathedral during worship, but we would ask
that you arrange your visit so as to avoid service areas. If you wish
to attend or observe, please ensure that your students are well supervised
and appropriately behaved.
Guided tours are specifically designed to work around the following service
times:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday - Holy Communion - 12.30pm -The High Altar
Tuesday and Thursday - Holy Communion - 11.00am -The Jesus Chapel
Monday to Friday - Evensong - 5.15pm -The Choir
During the summer, Chaplains are on duty to welcome visitors on the hour
and invite them to join in a moment of prayer. Please ask your students
to be quiet at this time. Thank you.
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Other useful pages
Planning a visit
Learning at Norwich Cathedral
Information for school teachers
Cathedral-led tours and activities for
schools
Self-guiding discovery trails
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