FAQs

Q: Do pupils from different schools mix?
A: We are delighted to say that the answer to this is no! All schools and groups are accommodated in their own accommodation unit with their own common room, boot room and kitchenette. All groups eat their meals separately. All activities are run for the school that booked it. You will inevitably see other groups around and may enjoy a break from activities at the same time but you will not be asked to share facilities or otherwise. You can also book shared facilities such as the Aelfric Hall for your sole use if you want to run a specific activity with your group.

Q: What is included in the fee?
A: The basic fee always includes accommodation, meals from the evening on day one through to packed lunch on your departure day. Free staff places are offered on a ratio of 1:10. A free preview visit is also included. The 3 day activity programmes also includes a full programme of tutored activities. The booking price does not include transport to and from the centre, or between the centre and off-site locations.

Q: What about dates and prices?
A: Our prices are listed on this web site but for availability please call us on 01308 862260.

Q: How secure is Hooke Court?
A: Hooke Court is located on the edge of a very rural village and is some distance from any towns. Each accommodation unit is secure and each group is issued with its own key to ensure their children are secure at night. We ensure that the premises are well lit. So peaceful is the setting that there is absolutely no need for security fencing, CCTV or other such measures. When you come on a visit you will see for yourself just how safe a place Hooke Court is!

Q: Do you have fire drills?
A: All group leaders are given a full briefing on what to do in the event of a fire on arrival. A fire drill will be conducted on the first day of your visit.

Q: What are your accommodation arrangements like?
A: Pupils sleep in bunk bedded dormitories. You can allocate children to rooms as you see fit. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided. Toilet and shower facilities also form part of the accommodation blocks. There are also boot rooms, common rooms and a kitchenette equipped with squash, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits!

Q: Where are staff accommodated?
A: Staff are accommodated in single and twin bedroom interspersed amongst the dormitories. There are staff bathrooms and also a staff ‘common room’.

Q: What is your payment process?
A: Once you have reserved your dates for a Hooke Court visit you will be informed when your non-refundable deposit is required. Thereafter the remainder of the payment will be due at the time your first activity commences.

Q: What care is available during the night?
A: Teachers are accommodated within the same accommodation as the children. There are also several members of staff at Hooke Court who live on site and can be contacted at night to support you in the case of an emergency.

Q: Will pupils need additional spending money?
A: We do have a small shop which sells souvenirs and gifts and confectionary to take home. Group staff run this facility and can therefore limit children’s spending as they feel fit. We would recommend that children bring no more than £5 pocket money with them.

Q: What about pupils with special needs?
A: Hooke Court has plenty of experience of caring for and teaching individuals of all different needs. Where appropriate children with special needs can be brought on a preview visit of their own to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. There is a mobile home which can be used to accommodate a child and carer when necessary. We require you to notify us of any special needs children in advance so that we can ensure we have arranged the correct equipment, lighting, staffing etc for that child’s requirements. This will ensure that the children get the maximum benefit from their visit.

Q: How can I be contacted in an emergency?
A: The office is manned from 8.30am - 5.30pm and emergency phone calls can be taken. You should ensure you have adequate mobile coverage for the evening. As at Nov 2009 Vodafone and T-Mobile phones get adequate reception. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Q: Can parents telephone students?
A: There is a pay phone on site which children may use at your discretion. If parents need to speak to their child urgently then they should call the school emergency contact. We ask that parents do not phone the office – you can imagine how busy the phones might get! We strongly advise that children do not bring mobile phones on the trip – the reception at Hooke is poor and therefore they are unlikely to get a signal anyway!

Q: Do you have first aid cover?
A: Groups should bring their own qualified first aider and appropriate first aid kit. In addition we have a number of fully qualified first aid staff. They are available to help and support the group first aider should they be required.

Q: Do pupils need any specialist clothing?
A: No but we would recommend that children bring clothing appropriate to the activity! They should not bring their best clothes in case they get damaged. Some activities do require the children to wear a long-sleeved top and full length trousers. We would advise that children always bring at least one set of this type of clothing. The living history programmes are often enhanced if the children wear period costumes - this can be great fun for children and staff alike. We can provide a recommended kit list.