SEND Provision at the Shipley Art Gallery

All of our workshops can be adapted to suit the needs of learners.

Please contact the learning team to discuss your learners’ needs and group’s requirements.

Email learning@shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Telephone 0191 278 1939

The Shipley Art Gallery is situated on Prince Consort Road adjacent to Durham Road.

Shipley Art Gallery (Tue and Wed)

Prince Consort Road

Gateshead

NE8 4JB

There is priority disabled parking to the right of the gallery. Mini-buses and coaches can drop of classes immediately outside the gallery.

The Shipley Art Gallery location can be viewed on google maps here

For the most up to date information about public transport visit here

The 21 Angel Bus and Quaylink bus both currently stop nearby the Shipley Art Gallery from Gateshead Interchange

The main entrance is up a small flight of stone steps. There is an accessible entrance on the left hand side of the building up a ramp. For larger wheelchairs, we have level access on the side of the building which our front of house staff are happy to direct you to.

When you enter the gallery our reception desk is on the left hand side where the group leader should sign in the group. A member of the learning team will come to greet you. The gallery is over one floor. There are female and male public toilets with large cubicles towards the front of the gallery adjacent to the reception and shop. There are portable foldable stools that you are welcome to use during your visit. There is also a wheelchair that visitors can use whilst on the premises.

There are seats in gallery B and C. There are tables and stools in both Gallery D and E our permanent Designs for Life Exhibition. There are tactile panels in Gallery E exploring the materials you will see in the display cabinets as well as a library of children’s books focusing on creativity, play equipment and beanbags/cushions. In the Henry Rothschild Study Centre there is a large circular table and chairs, this room is bright and quiet.

Throughout the gallery light levels can be low, to help conserve the artworks. Some groups have found coming on a short self-led pre-visit before a workshop helps familiarise their group with the surrounds of the Shipley. A SEND teacher found that making an initial visit helped their group feel more confident in the space. You could also download and explore our pre-visit resource from the resources section of our website or watch a short video about our Dare to Enquire programme which includes scenes filmed in the gallery which may help learners visualise the space.

The school workshop is in the basement that can be accessed via our accessible life or down a step flight of stairs with handrails on both sides. The workshop is a light private space that will just be used for your group during your visit. In the workshop there is a unisex toilet and larger accessible toilet.

During the Visit

There are no limits on the number of adults who can attend to assist. If the group wish to have a packed lunch the workshop is available on most days or space in gallery D.

After the Visit

Your feedback is essential. It helps us reflect upon and improve our service.