Open House Families Evaluation Report 2019

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.
COM 2
OPEN HOUSE FAMILIES 2019
SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 3

EVALUATION
BRIEF
An evaluation framework had already been created in 2018. To compare results, this evaluation used the same framework, with some minor
adjustments to update best practice and cater for the new styles of events specially commissioned this year. The Open House Families team
collected and entered the data. Independent impact, evaluation and engagement consultant Sally Fort was asked to advise on the original
framework, ensure the new types of events were appropriately included, analyse the data and write this final report.
METHODOLOGY
The surveys included:
• Paper surveys completed on the day and online surveys completed after the event
• A survey for visitors to the general programme, comprising of marketing and event feedback, demographic information, outcomes for
visitors, and suggested improvements and one family tours, with the same mix of survey content.
• A survey for families bringing children with special needs and disabilities (SEND), with extra questions about how appropriate the event was
for their child’s particular needs. A copy of the SEND survey is included as Appendix A to show all the questions included used.
• All data is provided as percentages of the total number of people who responded to that specific question
• Percentages are rounded to the nearest full unit
DATA AVAILABLE
• 181 surveys returned
o 170 surveys from general programme visitors
o 10 surveys from families visiting events specially designed to cater for children with special needs and disabilities (specialist events)
o 1 survey from a family on a family tour
The surveys returned are a fairly accurate representation of the total audience. 181 surveys from 6647 people means Open House Families can be
95% confident that answers represent what all visitors would say, give or take 7%. An ideal representation would be at least 99% confident give or
take 5%. The minimum reliability usually found to be acceptable is 90% confident give or take 10%. So these results are strong but could be more
accurate with a higher number of survey responses.
LIMITATIONS
• SPECIALIST EVENTS: Of the data given in specialist event surveys; 60% came from specialist events (all at The National Gallery). The rest were
at standard events but completed the SEND survey, and so have been included as specialist event data.
• FAMILY TOURS: Only one family gave feedback about a family tour. This is included in full in the Appendix

SUMMARY
THE 2019 OPEN HOUSE FAMILIES WEEKEND WAS A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL EVENT IN TERMS OF DIVERSITY
OF VISITORS AND THE EXPERIENCES THEY ENJOYED.
OBJECTIVE: EXCITE AND ENTHUSE FAMILIES ABOUT LONDON’S AMAZING ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Very strongly met
• 6647 visitors came to 50 events across 18 sites and venues.
• 6412 came to the general programme in and around London’s public spaces and cultural venues.
• 56 came to five events for families of children with special needs and disabilities at five cultural venues (specialist events).
• 179 came to four tours by families, for families, created in partnership with local schools and held at four cultural venues.
• Families were keen to praise the friendliness and welcome from staff and volunteers.
• Fun was by the far most regularly used word to describe visitors’ experiences across the weekend.
• 94% would definitely or probably come to Open House Families again (similar to the 96% in 2018).
• 100% of families at specialist events said their child’s needs were well or very well catered for.
• Activities also contributed to quality family time, understanding of environmental factors, opportunities to play with other children, learning,
and wellbeing.

OBJECTIVE: ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO THINK MORE ABOUT THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS AND CITIES.
Very strongly met.
Positive reactions to the events and inspiring wonder, new ideas, creativity, learning, sense of place, and environmental factors were all clearly
evidenced.
OBJECTIVE: ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO VISIT AND ENJOY BUILDINGS AND AREAS UNKNOWN OR UNFAMILIAR TO THEM.
Very strongly met.
51% of visitors had never been to the event site or venue before (an increase from 43% in 2018).
18% had never been to that part of London before (a good increase from 10% in 2018).
OBJECTIVE: ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO DESIGN, MAKE AND BUILD

Very strongly met.
98% of families built something and 62% designed something. Although these results were also strong in 2018, families this year were much more
involved with building, and slightly more involved in designing. (Building in 2018 = 72%; designing in 2018 = 57%).
DIVERSITY & DEMOGRAPHICS

The weekend’s events were extremely successful in attracting a very diverse range of visitors.
• Many more very young children aged 0-4 came this year. (53% compared to 36% in 2018).
• 92% of visitors came from within Greater London (similar to 88% in 2018).
• 12% had a disability or condition affecting daily life (a good increase from 7% in 2018; though not yet meeting the average 19% of London’s
population).
• 45% came from non-white ethnic backgrounds (a good increase on 30% on 2018; and higher than the London average of 40%).
• 33% of all family visitors were from the most deprived 20% of England (higher than London’s average of 22.5%).

FUTURE EVENTS WOULD BE EVEN BETTER IF…
1. Families could be sure to get a look inside the host buildings (e.g. The Gherkin)
2. Directions, maps and signposting are clear and specific online, on site and in print
3. Facilities for all weathers and needs are ensured. Water and shade were in high demand (and not always available) for outdoor events this year;
and all locations need clearly signposted and accessible toilets very nearby.
4. Programming specifically designed to engage with families from Black and Black British backgrounds can be provided, given their presence was
noticeably lower than the average percent of such families living in London – in contrast to the other successes in attracting diverse visitors.
5. Programming and partnerships continue to benefit children with disabilities and life affecting conditions. A good start has been made but more
growth is needed.

CONTEXT OF FEEDBACK FROM FAMILIES
CONTEXT: WHICH SITES DID FEEDBACK COME FROM?
GENERAL PROGRAMME SPECIALIST EVENTS
157 families 10 families
Canary Gasholder 30 St Mary Axe, Here East The National Gallery The Here East Canary St Paul’s
Wharf Park The Gherkin 13% 60% Wallace 10% Wharf Cathedral
35% 34% 18% Collection 10% 10%
10%
CONTEXT: HOW DID FAMILIES HEAR ABOUT THE EVENTS?

Other (please state 6%
2%
where) 70% Other options for the general programme:
online, including 15%
15%
social media 20% • Many families just happened on the events as they were
word of mouth
19%
19%
walking past
10% • Some came because of the Open House Families email
newspaper/magazi 23%
24%
bulletin
ne/press 0%
festival brochure 45%
or leaflet 48%
At specialist events, notifications via school were by far the most
0%
All General Specialist
effective means of communication

CONTEXT: WHY DID FAMILIES COME TO THE EVENTS? CONTEXT: WHAT ACTIVITIES DID THEY TAKE PART IN?
16% What Did Any of You Do at This Event? (Tick all that apply )
Something else (tell us) 69%
20% 44%
38% learned something 36%
to draw, design or make 38% 80%
40%
69% 48%
to spend time together as a family 37% laughed at something 40%
70%
80%
38%
to attend one of the events 16%
60% 45%
talked about
39%
9% something
to go to a new part of London 8% 50%
20%
36%
9%
chance to see a specific building 8% listened to something 28%
20% 90%
50%
Other reasons at general events were: watched something 42%
• Social - meeting friends and a chance for children to play with others. 80%
• Programming - like being attracted by something different, the Lego or golf, 62%
or having had a good experience at last year’s events. designed something 55%
• Architecture - wanting to learn about the buildings, architect or building 60%
materials 50%
• Wellbeing - such as a chance to be outdoors drew something 45%
And at specialist events: 30%
• Programming – attracted by the specially arranged events
98%
• Social – spending time together as a family built something 86%
• Creative / sensory – wanting to draw, design or make 90%

EXPERIENCE: WHAT DID FAMILIES THINK OF THE EVENTS?
“creative messy “One of the few events

fun!” that can really appeal to
all ages (even adults)”
“Community
involvement about city
“Very inclusive, fun,
and people”
environmentally
friendly”
“Very friendly staff,

and original
“A lovely child-
entertaining activities”
friendly space to
stumble upon”
“A great opportunity to let

“It's a route to re-
young people work
engaging the mind”
together in a team
(socialise).”
“Wish this was a

permanent feature
“Amazing initiative to in London”
raise awareness re
architecture”
“Just perfect for fun, learning,

playing with other children”

EXPERIENCE: REPEAT VISIT POTENTIAL
How likely would you be to come to Open House
Families again?
74%74%
70%
21%20% 20%
10%
5% 6%
0% 0%
Specialist General All

EXPERIENCE: HOW FAMILIES SUMMED UP THEIR EXPERIENCE IN ONE SENTENCE
Visitors to the General programme

Visitors to the specialist event
EXPERIENCE: WHAT CHILDREN THOUGHT, IN THREE WORDS
Visitors to the General programme Visitors to the specialist event

EXPERIENCE: HOW PEOPLE FELT ABOUT BUILDINGS, ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN OR LONDON AFTER THEIR VISIT
Visitors to the General programme Visitors to the specialist event
The events had a positive impact on 94% of visitors, including general enjoyment, new ideas, feeling more informed, improved wellbeing, being
more environmentally aware, and being part of a local community.
The remaining 6% had no response as the events reinforced their existing position, usually because they were from an architecture background.
65% gave generic positive feedback, such as feeling good, fun, interested.
From the remainder who gave more specific feedback:
• 23% had new ideas such as feeling inspired or creative.
• 20% came away feeling more informed.
• 17% had improved wellbeing, for example feeling uplifted, transported or optimistic.
• 13% felt more conscious of the impact of buildings on the environment.
• 17% of the 30 (6% of the full total) felt no different, as mentioned above.
• 10% felt a sense of community, feeling proud of the area or more included.

EXPERIENCE: HOW WELL DID THE SPECIALIST EVENTS CATER TO CHILDRENS’ NEEDS?
The specialist events met the needs of children very well. “This was one of the better events - if not the best!”
How well did the event accommodate the specific needs, “Visually Impaired (registered blind). Cerebral Palsy. I
conditions, barriers or strengths in your child’s life? would say that it's always going to be difficult to cater
67%
for these disabilities but this was definitely one of the
better events - if not the best. A lot of museums etc
make a kind of token concession (such as a sensory
zone) which takes the child about one minute to
33% navigate!”
"Visually Impaired. Guide described clearly what could

be seen in the painting and the building. provided tactile
0% 0% 0% 0% materials (bark, slate,...) for children to feel. Asked the
very well well unsure badly very badly Not applicable children themselves to describe/explain their needs
('Can you tell me how you see?')."
Families at Specialist Events were asked about how well the events catered for their
children’s needs. Feedback was very positive about this with 100% saying the event
met their child’s needs well or very well. They explained further, to help Open House “He has a genetic condition that affects his brain, and
from brain to everything! But the staff were just amazing
Families better understand the types of factors that affected this feedback:
and helped us a lot!”
One family also talked about how they felt more able to
visit the venue generally: “It gave us encouragement to visit the National Gallery - guidance in
navigating the collection, & on context of 2 paintings and one space -
opportunity to engage with the material by building and playing around.”

EXPERIENCE: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THE FAMILIES AND EVENTS?
"friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere”
"Very helpful and "Perfect volunteers”

friendly volunteers”
"It's very well organised, delivered and friendly atmosphere.”
Many families wanted to thank volunteers and staff for being so very
"Lovely positive volunteers” "Very helpful volunteers”
helpful, friendly and welcoming. This was by far the biggest response to this
question.
A few added further gratitude saying how much they love the events and
hope the programme continues in future years. "Nice friendly and "the staff were very
helpful volunteers” helpful with us”

FAMILIES: WHAT KINDS OF FAMILIES VISITED?
FAMILIES: LOCATION
• 92% of families came from within Greater London
• 4% came from other parts of England (Midlands and South)
• 1% each came from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and North Africa.
FAMILIES: NEW VISITORS

• 51% of all visitors had never visited the venue before (51% of general programme / 50% of specialist events).
• 18% of all visitors had never visited the area before (17% of general programme / 30% of specialist events)
FAMILIES: GROUPINGS
• Overall, families brought very young (0-4 years) and young (5-11 years) children in almost equal amounts. Teenagers barely registered, with
only 8 in total from over 300 children.
Ages of all children Childrens' Ages by Programme Strand
11-15 58%
3%
37% 38%
29%
5-11
46%
0-4 5%
51% 2%
0-4 5-11 11-15
Specialist General

• Overall, the ‘average’ family comprised 2.16 adults with 1.41
Number of Children Per Family / Group
children
50%
• At general events, most families came with 2 adults and usually 42% 41%
one, sometimes two children in the group. Children aged 0-4
were slightly more common than those aged 5-11. 30%
• At specialist events this was more likely to be between 1 and 3

adults, with one or two children being equally likely. Children at 10% 10%
8%
specialist events were most likely to be aged 5-11. 6%
3%
0% 0% 0% 0% 1%
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven
General Specialist
Single children by age range
44%
40%
36%
20%
0% 1%
Only 0-4 Only 5-11 Only 11-15
Specialist General

HOW SUCCESSFUL IS OPEN HOUSE FAMILIES AT ATTRACTING DIVERSE VISITORS?
FAMILIES: ETHNICITY
The programme is very successful in attracting a wide range of ethnically diverse families and has improved significantly on last year’s progress.
• BASELINE: The general population in London is 60% white (Office for 55% 55%
National Statistics, 2015)1 Last year’s Open House Families reported
50%
62% of visitors coming from White ethnic backgrounds.
• This year around half of all families described their ethnicity as white
(55% in total), so the programme is doing very well at attracting a 30%
wider range of ethnically diverse families.
20% 18% 20%
• More could be done to attract Black / Black British families, who 12% 13%
make up 13% of London’s population in general, but only visited in 8% 9%
5% 5%
very small numbers. 0% 0%
Asian or Asian Black or Black Mixed White Other ethnic

British British group (including
Chinese)
1
https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/adhocs/005789numbersoflondonresidentsbyethnicitycobandstatus2015

FAMILIES: DISABILITY & HEALTH
Access for families of children with disabilities and conditions is improving, though there is scope to keep growing.
• BASELINE: 19% of people living in London have a disability (Mayor

92% of London DataStore 2019)2. 7% of families to last year’s Open
88%
House Families included someone with a disability.
70%
• Overall 12% of families said someone in their party had a disability
of condition affecting daily life.
• Unsurprisingly the specialist events were far more successful at

attracting these families, 70% of them families identifying as such,
30% compared to 8% of families at general events.
12%
• At specialist events, families were able to say more about the
8% conditions if they wanted to. These included a brain condition
which also affected everything else; several with visual
Yes No impairments; and cerebral palsy.
2
https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/london-s-diverse-population-

FAMILIES: SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND
The events are very successful at attracting families from some of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation Ranking
most deprived areas of the country. 35%
30%
The chart shows where visiting families live in terms of the Multiple 25%
Deprivation Index, which measures the quality of life3 in each postcode 20%
15%
district (i.e. first half of postcode) in England.
10%
• BASELINE: 22.5% of London falls within the most deprived 20 per 5%
cent of England (English Indices of Deprivation, 2015)4 0%
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
most most most most most least least least least least
• 33% of all family visitors are within the most deprived 20%, far
General Specialist All
higher than the average London population.
• Around a fifth of visitors live in the top 10% most deprived areas.
• Around half live in the 30% most deprived areas in the country.
• This applies equally to families at general and specialist events.
On this map the deeper the red, the more deprived the area.
The deeper the green, the less deprived the area.
• The map shows that the majority the families from more
deprived areas tend to live in North / East London boroughs.
3
Such as health, employment, crime, income etc.
4
https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/indices-of-deprivation-2015

IMPROVEMENTS: WHAT DO FAMILIES WANT TO SEE DONE DIFFERENTLY IN THE FUTURE?
• 40% had ideas about improving the programme.
o About a third were disappointed not have been given access to the inside of the building. Given the organisation and event name this
is an important point which needs to be completely clear in future events.
o A fifth explained how facilities could be better. Water stations were mentioned by many, and shady cover was also raised. The hotter
weather does need factoring into planning. A few people mentioned that music would have improved the ambience even more but
were clear this was just a nice extra, not essential. A small number said they needed access to closer toilets (including one family at a
specialist event).
o Most other feedback was all about wanting more! More activities, more locations, more materials, more for older children, for
younger children and for babies.
• 27% wanted more information. Mostly this meant more directions, specific locations, and maps. In publicity, the general site was clear, but
families wanted to know more about exactly where on site the activity would be. This was especially true at Canary Wharf.
• At specialist events in The National Gallery, families wanted more available for children to touch (especially given high numbers of visually
impaired children).
Many of these requests echo those identified in 2018 and will need clear changes next time, in order to keep feedback as positive as it has been the
past two years.
In addition, not something families themselves have commented upon, but future improvements highlighted by survey data:
• More activities specifically designed to welcome Black / Black British families, since these are noticeably lower than the London average,
which is contrast to the general trend of excellent diverse representation amongst visitors.
• Continued work catering for families bringing children with disabilities or other special needs and conditions. Progress via the targeted events
this year has been very successful. Progress has grown from 7% to 12% this year which is impressive. A further 7% is needed to meet London’s
current average of 19%. A new census is due in 2021 and is likely to show far higher rates of disability given the rise in neurological disability
diagnoses and awareness (e.g. autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia etc) so ideally, Open House Families should work towards far exceeding 19% to be
truly representative.
APPENDIX A
SURVEY QUESTIONS
1. Which Open House Families site did you visit today?
2. How would you describe Open House Families in one sentence?
3. Please ask your kids for up to three words to describe the event
4. Had you visited this building / venue before today? No / yes once / yes more than once
5. Had you been to this part of London before today? No / yes once / yes more than once
6. Did anyone in your group (including adults) do any of these things at this event? Built something / drew something / watched something /
designed something / laughed at something / listened to something / talked about something / learned something
7. How likely would you be to come to an Open House Families event again? Definitely / maybe / probably or depends / probably not / definitely
not
8. At the end of your visit, how do you feel about buildings, architecture, design or London in general?
9. How did you hear about today’s event? (Tick all that apply) Festival brochure or leaflet / newspaper, magazine or press / word of mouth /
online including social media / other (please state where).
10. What in particular made you come along today? (Tick all that apply). Chance to see a specific building / to go to a new part of London / to
attend one of the events / to spend time together as a family / to draw, design or make / something else (please tell us what).
11. If you could improve one thing about Open house Families what would it be?
12. What else is important for you to tell us about this event?
13. Our group is made up of: number of children aged 0-4 / number of children aged 5-11 / number of children aged 11-15 / number of adults
(aged 16+)

14. What is the first half of your postcode?
15. How would you describe your ethnic origin? Asian or Asian British / Black or Black British / Mixed / White / Other ethnic group (including
Chinese)
16. Does anyone visiting as part of your group today have disabilities or health conditions affecting daily life?
Additional Questions for specialist events – designed to accommodate special needs and disabilities
17. How well did the event today accommodate the specific needs, conditions, barriers or strengths in your child’s life? Very well / well / unsure /
badly / very badly / not applicable
18. To help us keep improving the accessibility of our events, could you say what conditions / disabilities / needs your child has and how the
event did or didn’t take account of them?

FAMILY TOUR FEEDBACK
Which Open House Families site did you visit today? Barbican and St Pauls
How would you describe Open House Families in one sentence? A good idea
Please ask your kids for up to three words to describe the event. They can write them
"What's for pudding?"
here, if they like...
Had you visited the building/venue you came to today before? no, it was our first time
Had you been to this part of London before today? yes, more than once before
watched something
listened to something
Did anyone in your group (adults too) do any of these things at this event? (tick all that
talked about something
apply)
laughed at something
learned something
How likely would you be to come to an Open House Families event again? probably
At the end of your visit, how do you feel about buildings, architecture, design or London It's always good to have a reminder of all the great things London has to
in general? offer.
How did you hear about today’s event? (tick all that apply) word of mouth
chance to see a specific building
And what in particular made you come along today? (tick all that apply)
to spend time together as a family
If you could improve one thing about the Open House Families, what would it be? More attendees. I felt bad for the presenters that the group was so small
What else is important for you to tell us about this event? -
Our group is made up of:
Number of children aged 0-4
Number of children aged 5-11 1
Number of children aged 11-15
Number of adults (16+) 2
What is the first half of your postcode? E.g. N1 EN4
How would you describe your ethnic origin? White
Does anyone in your group have disabilities or health conditions affecting daily life? No

Open House Families Evaluation Report 2019

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Open House Families Evaluation Report 2019

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 3

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 4

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 5

OBJECTIVE: ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO DESIGN, MAKE AND BUILD

DIVERSITY & DEMOGRAPHICS

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 6

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 7

CONTEXT: HOW DID FAMILIES HEAR ABOUT THE EVENTS?

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 8

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 9

“creative messy “One of the few events

“Very friendly staff,

“A great opportunity to let

“Wish this was a

“Just perfect for fun, learning,

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 11

Specialist General All

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 12

Visitors to the General programme

EXPERIENCE: WHAT CHILDREN THOUGHT, IN THREE WORDS

Visitors to the General programme Visitors to the specialist event

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 13

Visitors to the General programme Visitors to the specialist event

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 14

"Visually Impaired. Guide described clearly what could

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 15

"friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere”

"Very helpful and "Perfect volunteers”

"It's very well organised, delivered and friendly atmosphere.”

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 16

FAMILIES: NEW VISITORS

Ages of all children Childrens' Ages by Programme Strand

0-4 5-11 11-15

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 18

• At specialist events this was more likely to be between 1 and 3

One Two Three Four Five Six Seven

Single children by age range

Only 0-4 Only 5-11 Only 11-15

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 19

Asian or Asian Black or Black Mixed White Other ethnic

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 20

• BASELINE: 19% of people living in London have a disability (Mayor

• Unsurprisingly the specialist events were far more successful at

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 21

• This applies equally to families at general and specialist events.

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 22

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 24

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 25

SALLY FORT, JULY 2019 WWW.SALLYFORT.COM 26

You might also like