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You are here: Home: Education and learning: Schools: Services for schools: Traded services

Traded services

Discover - learning with Libraries, Museums and Arts

  1. What is the purpose of this document?
    1. The purpose of this document is to:
      1. describe Discover: children's and schools' services - libraries, museums and arts offered by Calderdale Community Services to schools;
      2. provide information about the service provider and how the key personnel can be contacted;
      3. explain, in outline, the main terms of the service;
      4. give details of the services to be provided;
      5. identify the ways by which the service will be provided;
      6. identify levels of service provision;
      7. describe service provider obligations and commitments;
      8. establish customer commitments;
      9. describe quality assurance systems and procedures for redress if things go wrong;
      10. describe charges and methods of payment.
    2. The purpose of this specification is to ensure that both provider and user are clear about the services to be offered and the ways the services are delivered. This will help regulate the dealings between the user and the provider by setting out respective obligations relating to performance and payment for the services.
  2. Who are the service providers?
    1. The service provider is Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Community Services.
    2. This service is available to all schools and education settings within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale and, in the case of Museums and Arts education programmes, to schools, colleges, further and higher education institutions in the region.
    3. If you have any questions about this service, or would like further information, please contact:
      • Name
      • Lynne Hackett, Education and Schools' Services Manager
      • Address
      • Discover
        Central Library
        Northgate
        Halifax HX1 1UN
      • E-mail
      • lynne.hackett@calderdale.gov.uk
      • Telephone
      • 01422 392618/19
      • Fax
      • 01422 392615
      for more information on the Museums and Arts Education Programme:
      • Name
      • Jeffrey Andrews, Senior Education Officer
      • Address
      • Discover
        Spring Hall Mansion
        Huddersfield Road
        Halifax HX3 0AQ
      • E-mail
      • jeffrey.andrews@calderdale.gov.uk
      • Telephone
      • 01422 284459
      • Fax
      • 01422 284445
      for specific information about the Museum Education Programmes delivered to schools please contact:
      • Name
      • Michala Watson, Museums Education Officer
      • Address
      • Discover
        Spring Hall Mansion
        Huddersfield Road
        Halifax HX3 0AQ
      • E-mail
      • michala.watson@calderdale.gov.uk
      • Telephone
      • 01422 284427
      • Fax
      • 01422 284445
      for information about the Schools' Library Service:
      • Name
      • Alison Roberts, SLS Co-ordinator
      • Address
      • Discover
        Central Library
        Northgate
        Halifax HX1 1UN
      • E-mail
      • alison.roberts@calderdale.gov.uk
      • Telephone
      • 01422 392620
      • Fax
      • 01422 392615
  3. Service Standards
    1. All core and traded services have agreed to the following principles to ensure that the customer receives a consistently high level of service. This service will:
      1. set standards;
      2. be open and provide full information;
      3. consult and involve;
      4. encourage access and the promotion of choice;
      5. treat all fairly;
      6. put things right when they go wrong;
      7. use resources effectively;
      8. innovate and improve;
      9. work with other providers;
      10. provide user satisfaction.
    2. The following paragraphs explain our service standards and what we are doing to improve them.
      1. Quality awards
        The service has achieved Investors in People accreditation in April 2003 as part of Calderdale Community Services commitment to quality standards.
      2. Education expertise
        All officers are professionally qualified in their field and maintain up-to-date information and knowledge in libraries, museums and galleries education.
      3. Qualified staff
        All officers are professionally qualified in their field and maintain up-to-date information and knowledge in libraries, museums and galleries education.
      4. Secure identification, CRB checks
         All Discover staff have undergone CRB disclosure screening and wear identity badges when delivering workshops in libraries, museums, galleries and on school premises.
      5. Responsiveness
        The service will respond to enquiries as follows:
        • Telephone: 48 hours
        • E-mail: ten working days
        • Fax: two working days
        • Letter: ten working days
      6. Courtesy
        You can expect us to be courteous and helpful at all times. When you write to us, telephone us or visit our office, the person you are in contact with will tell you her name and, where appropriate, telephone number.
      7. Properly equipped
        Health and Safety risk assessments are carried out for our education programmes and premises.
        Discover's stock of high-quality books and original and replica artefacts is selected in accordance with our guidelines.  The stock reflects both the subjects needed in the National Curriculum and tries to ensure that a breadth of stock is carried so it is appropriate to children of different ages and abilities, and the collections maintained by Calderdale Museums.  Stock and artefacts are professionally maintained and updated regularly.
      8. Meets all statutory requirements
        All Calderdale Museums and Galleries have achieved registered status under the scheme operated by Resource (the Council for Museums, Libraries and Archives).  This guarantees standards of operation in all areas of service provision.  The service is affiliated and grant aided by the Yorkshire Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Arts Council Yorkshire.
      9. Fully insured
        The service has public liability insurance.
  4. Performance
    1. The following section shows our level of performance, how we have improved over time and how we compare with our metropolitan neighbours.
      1. The service has been successful in securing significant grant aid from the heritage Lottery Fund; Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and the Arts Council of England.
      2. The service attracted the following individual children and adults to formal Education programmes in 2007/08: 
        • Shibden Hall: 6553
        • Bankfield Museum: 1086 
        • Piece Hall Art Gallery: 1954
        • Outreach: 3029
        • Smith Art Gallery: 140
        • Total: 12762
      3. The service issued 34552 items to subscribing schools in 2007/08.
        Cost of the SLS per child across all sectors
        YearCalderdaleMetropolitanAll
        2005/06£1.57£2.01£3.10
        2006/07£1.75unavailableunavailable

  5. How long will a contract for this service last?

    1. Contracts for the core SLS service, and additional services at reduced cost from the museums and arts education programmes, are for two to three years.  Individual contracts may be negotiated for some Museums and Arts activities; the cost is 20 per cent higher for non-subscribing schools.
  6. How can the contract for this service be changed?
    1. Schools contract to the service for an agreed period of time.
  7. What services will be provided?
    1. We lend resources to Calderdale schools to support teachers in the delivery of the curriculum.
      1. Our resources include books, artefacts, bog books, AV materials, puppets and role-play materials.  We also offer a discounted book purchase scheme from a national library supplier.
      2. We provide learning programmes and workshops covering library skills, storytelling and museums and arts education.
      3. We offer support, training, advice and guidance on all aspects of resource provision.
      4. Further detail may be found in the Discover guide and in the Teachers' Guide for Museums.
    2. Artefacts and Objects 
      1. Individual original and replica artefacts in various subject areas - as diverse as a pair of Victorian drawers, a Chinese new year mask, a Punch and Judy puppet theatre to a Roman centurion helmet, three per teacher per half term.  Half term loan.
    3. Big Books for KS1 
      1. Collection of stories and non-fiction to support the curriculum.  Full term loan.
    4. Book Purchasing Scheme 
      1. Shelf-ready books at 15 per cent discount.  Small processing charge.  Minimum £50 order.  ring for details.
    5. Curriculum Support Boxes - general 
      1. Tailor-made projects to support teachers' curriculum needs and QCA units.  Contents may include books, posters and AV material.  Full term loan.  Delivered and collected. 
    6. Curriculum Support Boxes - step into history! 
      1. Covering World War II evacuees, Victorians and Tudors, and with further topics in development.  Each box contains original artefacts with supporting information - teachers may order an accompanying project loan of books, high-quality posters, and a DVD or CD.  Half term loan.  One box per half term subject to availability.
    7. Curriculum Support Boxes - step into art! 
      1. Each box contains an exciting collection of original art work/s from a local artist with support materials exploring the subject.  Sculpture (Mick Kirby-Geddes|), textiles (Sue Lawty), photography (Ian Beesley).  Half term loan.  Delivered to school; teachers return directly to Discover.  One box per half term subject to availability.
    8. Local Studies Packs 
      1. Each box contains copies of census returns and other archive materials, based on an original photograph from past times.  Related to various locations throughout Calderdale.  Half term loan. One box per half term subject to availability.
    9. Here & There Packs 
      1. Looking at contrasting locations and supporting the geography curriculum.  Half term loan. One box per half term subject to availability.
    10. Instant Displays 
      1. Containing replica artefacts on all major religions and popular historical topics, eg Egyptians, Aztecs, old toys, Islam.  Half term loan.  One display per half term subject to availability.
    11. Fiction Collections 
      1. KS1, upper and lower KS2 general fiction, BookBox4Boys, Christmas.  Collections of 30 titles.  Full term loan.
    12. Literacy Support Boxes - story plus! 
      1. Fiction collections supported by puppets and/or role-play materials and related activities: traditional tales and picture book classics.  Half term loan.  Up to three boxes subject to availability. 
    13. Literacy Mini Packs 
      1. Small selection of books to support the Literacy Narrative Strategy Units.  Half term loan.
    14. Toy Library 
      1. The Resource Service acts as a gateway to the Toy Library Service - please ring for details.  Order via Discover.  Collected from and returned to designed local libraries.
    15. Student Teachers 
      1. In any Calderdale school student teachers may borrow one collection of curriculum support materials for their teaching practice.  Chosen, collected and returned by the student.  Appointments necessary.
    16. Education Programmes and Workshops
      1. Museums and Arts Core Education Programmes
        • Shibden Hall
        • Bankfield Museum
        • Halifax Visitor Centre and Art Gallery
        • Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse
        • Heptonstall Museum
          Available on a variety of subjects (see Museums' Teachers' Guide).  Delivered at the above museums and galleries, or as outreach sessions in schools.  £3.25 per child for subscribers (minimum charge £90).  School visits are generally for two hours and include practical arts and crafts, object handling and costume role-play depending on the workshop theme.
      2. Art Weeks
        1. Support is available by negotiation and tailor-made to schools' individual needs.  Twenty per cent reduction and priority will be given to subscribers.
      3. Storytimes for Bookweeks
        1. All subscribers will be entitled to half a day per year free of charge in schools.  £15 per hour for additional time.  Story Development Sessions based on either circle stories, dice decisions or using artefacts are available to be delivered in school or at a museum or library.  Fewer than 250 pupils - 45 minutes pa; more than 250 pupils - 90 minutes pa - free.
      4. Exhibitions for Bookweeks
        1. During term time we will be able to offer a book exhibition service at £30 per exhibition.  Talks about reading for parents or children may also be booked - these are free, but subject to staff availability.
      5. Storytelling Packages
        1. On pre-set themes of Quest Myths, Traditional Tales and Stories from Around the World.  These are available at £45 for 45 minutes in school or on one of our sites.
      6. Library and Information Skills
        1. For Y2 to Y6 and including e-research skills for KS3 transition.  Free to subscribers if delivered in libraries.  Charge of £45 per session for delivery in school
      7. Calderdale Children's Book of the Year
        1. Available at a reduced rate to subscribers.
      8. Young Brilliance
        1. Young Brilliance offers schools the opportunity to exhibit their visual artwork in museums, galleries and community venues in an annual summer exhibition and will give priority to subscribers.

    17. Training and Support for subscribing schools only, except where part of an outside-funded grant:

      • Management of the Creative Classrooms Partnership
      • Professional training in handling original artefacts, two courses per term - free
      • Primary and high school library evaluation - free
      • School Library Association training courses - priority booking
      • Running and developing a school library
      • Further courses in development
      • Annual one-hour visit offered to all subscribers
      • Disaster recovery if you have a flood or fire in the library
      • Help desk - telephone, online (discover@calderdale.gov.uk) or in person
      • Delivery to school of Booktime and other government book initiatives.
    18. Consultancy
      • MOT on library stock: one person for one hour free, then £15 per person per hour
      • Pre-Ofsted visits and advice on resource provision and stock revision @ £25 per hour
    19. Practical help to re-classify your library
      • Classification @ £30 per hour: £150 per day
      • Re-labelling @ £15 per person per hour: £75 per person per day
    20. Complete re-design of library
      • Librarian and professional designed @ £250 per half day; £450 per day; or
      • Librarian @ £120 per half day: £200 per day
  8. How will the service be provided?
    1. Qualified, creative and experienced staff will provide the services.
      1. The service will respond to the needs of school requests and design specific creative projects where appropriate.
      2. Staff will be available at Discover (Central Library) from 8.45 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays and Christmas week.
      3. We will consult with service users, obtain and evaluate feedback, to ensure that developments meet the needs of schools.
  9. What do the suppliers expect of me as a customer?

    1. Museums and Galleries:

      1. To ensure an effective and enjoyable experience for the children and teaching staff, schools should give a minimum four weeks' notice to allow the service to plan and co-ordinate a museum, gallery or outreach visit.
      2. Schools should arrive promptly at the museum or gallery to ensure a quality workshop.
      3. If the school visit for museums or arts education is cancelled a charge will be made:
        • cancellation four weeks in advance of visit - no charge;
        • cancellation between four and two weeks in advance of visit - half of total charge;
        • cancellation less than two weeks in advance of visit - we reserve the right to charge in full.
      4. Planning and organisation with a pre-visit will ensure that the teaching staff are aware of the gallery or museum facilities and resources.
      5. Any resources loaned should be returned complete.
      6. Replacement charges will be made for lost or damaged resources.
      1. Schools' Library Service:
        1. Planning by both the client and service provider will be required to ensure consistency and efficient use of the service.  Schools are requested to provide either their annual project loan orders at the beginning of the financial year or their requirements for the coming term in the preceding term.  Cut off dates will be specified to guarantee delivery.
        2. Project requests may be ordered online at www.calderdale.gov.uk, and by fax or post on official forms.
        3. Full term loans: delivered to schools in first two weeks of term, collected from school in the last two weeks of term.
          Half term loans: first half term we deliver in the first two weeks, and collect in the last week of half term.  Second half term to be picked up by teachers; Discover will collect from school in the last two weeks of term.
        4. Care should be given to books, artefacts and resources on loan from the service.  Original artefacts in particular should not be left in areas where they may be stolen by opportune thieves.
        5. Schools, after notification of the collection date, should ensure the boxes are ready to be collected from a single, easily accessible point in the school.  Schools who do not have boxes ready should make their own arrangements to return boxes to Discover's premises at the Central Library, Halifax.
        6. Books and resources should be returned complete in the Discover packaging and boxes.  Replacement charges may be made for incomplete packaging.
        7. Projects should be returned, complete, with the correct books in each box at the specified time (half or end of term).
        8. Artefacts should be returned complete in their Discover packaging: any damage must be reported to the staff so that repair work may be commissioned - replacement charges will be made for lost or damaged artefacts.
        9. Replacement charges, as agreed with the Education Manager, will be made for lost or damaged cooks.
        10. The contract should be signed and returned to Discover by the last day of February prior to a new contract period starting.  The contract will operate from 1 April.
        11. Schools will be invoiced in each contract year in the autumn term.
  10. How can I be sure of a high quality service?
    1. All Calderdale Museums and Galleries have achieved registered status under the scheme operated by Re:source (the Council for Museums, Libraries and Archives).  This guarantees standards of operation in all areas of service provision. The service is affiliated and grant aided by the Yorkshire Museums Council and Yorkshire Arts (part of the Arts Council of England).
      1. The service provider regularly reviews and adapts the education programmes in consultation with schools to ensure their quality and relevance to the National Curriculum and contemporary culture.
      2. The range of books, poster packs, artefacts, DVDs, CD-roms and CDs are chosen by a team of library and museum professionals.  Resources are evaluated and targeted specifically to support the curriculum.
      3. The book stock is regularly audited to ensure that the materials provided are of a high quality and appropriate to the educational needs of the children.
      4. All professional staff are active within their professions at local, regional and national level, and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of developments within their fields, in some cases shaping national agendas in the field.
  11. Who do I contact if things go wrong?

    1. Any concerns or complaints about the level or quality of service should firstly be made to the officer concerned. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact:

      • Name
      • Barry Sheridan, Head of Education, Arts and Outreach
      • Address
      • Discover
        Spring Hall Mansion
        Huddersfield Road
        Halifax HX3 0AQ
      • E-mail
      • barry.sheridan@calderdale.gov.uk
      • Telephone
      • 01422 284452
      • Fax
      • 01422 184445
      1. If the issue is still not satisfactorily resolved, schools should contact:
        • Name
        • Gary Borrows, Head of Libraries, Museums and Arts 
        • Address
        • Central Library
          Northgate
          Halifax HX1 1UN
        • E-mail
        • gary.borrows@calderdale.gov.uk
        • Telephone
        • 01422 392600
        • Fax
        • 01422 392615
      2.  If the issue cannot be resolved, you may wish to invoke the Council's Complaints procedure .
  12. What is the basis of the service price and what will the service cost?

    1. Costs per annum 2008-10 (with optional third year at these levels).

      • Small schools:
        Nos on roll:
        0-50 - £350
        51-100 - £550
        101-150 - £750
      • Larger schools:
         Nos on roll:
        151-200 - £1,000
        201-250 - £1,200
        251-300 - £1,400
        301-350 - £1,600
        351-400 - £1,800
        401+ - £2,000
        Book allowance based on a figure of children on roll x 3
      • High schools, special and private schools, children's centres and pupil referral units:
        Please telephone for details of rates.
      • Optional, additional charges:
        • Museums and Arts Core Education Programmes Subscribers:
           £3.25 per child (fixed for contract) minimum charge £75.
          Non-subscribers: £4 per child minimum charge £90 (subject to annual increase).
        • Art Weeks Support
           Negotiated costs.  Twenty per cent reduction for subscribers.
        • Storytelling Packages (pre-set themes)
          Subscribers only: £45 per session.
        • Bookweek Storytimes
           Subscribers only: half day free; additional time @ £15 per hour.
        • Story Development Sessions
          Subscribers only: less than 250 pupils - 45 minutes per year, over 250 pupils - 90 minutes per year - free
        • Library and Information Skills
           Subscribers only: free in libraries, £45 per session in school.
        • Calderdale Children's Book of the Year
           Subscribers: £130
          Non-subscribers: £150
        • Training sessions
           Individually priced.
        • MOT on library stock
           Subscribers only: £15 per person per hour plus one free hour for one person.
        • Pre-Ofsted visit
           Subscribers only: £25 per hour.
        • Re-classification
           Subscribers only: £30 per hour; £150 per day.
        • Re-labelling
           Subscribers only: re-labelling @ £15 per person per hour; £75 per day.
        • Library re-design
           Librarian and professional designer @ £250 per half day; £450 per day; or librarian @ £120 per half day; £200 per day.
  13. How will I be charged?
    1. All Calderdale schools are invited to subscribe to Discover for two to three year contract periods.  However schools are charged for only one year at a time.  The charging year is concurrent with the financial year.
      1. The annual subscription will be due in September as a one-off payment for that year.
      2. Non-subscribing schools may request membership at any time during the school year - charges will reflect the point at which the school joins the service.
      3. All optional, additional charges will be invoiced to the school at the time of delivery.

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Page Published: 28/06/2006 : Last Updated: 05/01/2010