FAQs

Q: Will children need additional pocket money?
A: We provide all the food, snacks and drinks that your child will need. We do have a small souvenir shop selling souvenirs and a selection of confectionary. It is up to your child’s teacher whether they would like to make use of this facility.

Q: What are your accommodation arrangements like?
A: Children are accommodated in bunk-bedded dormitories. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided. School staff sleep in single and twin rooms in amongst the children’s dormitories. For more information about the accommodation please click here.

Q: Can parents telephone the Centre during the trip?
A: In case of emergency please call your school emergency contact. They will then be able to contact your child’s teachers.

Q: What care is available during the night?
A: Your child’s teachers sleep in the same accommodation as the children so are always on hand. There are also residential staff at Hooke Court who can be called on to help in the case of an emergency.

Q: When is bedtime?
A: This is entirely at the discretion of your school staff. Activities are usually finished by 8.30pm and then school staff will supervise the bedtime routine.

Q: What about children with special needs?
A: We liaise closely with school staff prior to their visit with regards to children with special needs. We will assess the needs of the individual in the context of Hooke Court and will endeavour to provide appropriate accommodation and activities. Where the special needs of a child are severe we are happy for them to come on a preview visit with a carer to familiarize themselves with the Centre and ensure that we have adequate provision. Please note this is only possible in extreme cases. Some of our accommodation has full disabled access. There are also paths around the site which are suitable for disabled access.

Q: What’s the food like?
A: We provide locally sourced, healthy meals which the children will enjoy. We also cater for all special diets. Please click here for further information.

Q: Do children from different schools mix?
A: No. Each group is taught, accommodated and fed separately. Within our extensive grounds each group has its own outdoor play area.

Q: What does my child need to bring?
A: Clothing and shoes worn during activities will often get dirty – so old clothes are best! We strongly recommend that you name all items of clothing so we can send them back to you if they are found after your stay. Click here for a suggested kit list. Your child’s group leaders are best placed to advise you on what to pack – ask them if they have a kit list.

Q: Should my child bring a mobile phone, ipod or other electrical items?
A: We strongly advise that children do not bring mobile phones or other expensive electrical equipment, jewellery etc in case they get lost or damaged. Please ask you child’s teacher for further guidance on this issue. Please note that mobile phone coverage at Hooke Court is poor and only certain networks will work.