FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NOTES:

• Teachers/school staff are responsible for discipline throughout the day.
• Please do not promise paddling or playing on the beach. Time allocated for studies DOES NOT allow for this.
• There is a Risk Assessment for each study option, which is sent out with booking information.

DO I NEED THE BUS ALL DAY?

YES. The coach is needed to transport your party to the various study sites, where it needs to wait for the group to return to after fieldwork is finished. Your coach must also be available at all times in case bad weather cuts short fieldwork or any emergencies.

IS THERE A CHARGE?

The cost of a day visit is £3 per primary or secondary pupil, accompanying adults are free.

The cost for an ‘A’ level or University student is £4 per day.

There is a minimum daily charge of £80, which only applies if the £3 or £4 per pupil charge totals less than £80.

Your school/college will be invoiced after your visit and you can pay by cheque or by BACS transfer.

A cancellation fee of £50 will be incurred for cancellations made within 4 weeks of the date of a booked visit.

HOW MANY CHILDREN CAN I BRING?

The maximum number we can accommodate in one visit is 40 pupils. The maximum of 40 is applied for a number of reasons - the amount of space in our classroom; for safe supervision of the group whilst away from the Visitor Centre at fieldwork sites; the amount of toilets and handwashing facilities available in the Visitor Centre; and to be compliant with regulations for safe exit in case of fire.

IS THE VISIT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN WITH SEND / ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

We will always do our best to accommodate pupil needs, which can be shared with us confidentially, in advance,  through the booking confirmation form.

For pupils in wheelchairs / using walkers - the path to the North Gare beach from the North Gare car park is very bumpy and uneven. Wheelchair users will need help from two adults to assist with negotiating this stretch, but is is manageable with a "can do" attitude. Adaptations to the planned work can be made if the wheelchair is not suitable for use on sand.

Pupils who may not manage a whole day visit can leave or join during lunchtime or at any point in the day, with prior notice; schools can send additional staff with a car for this purpose. School staff are responsible for behaviour management during the visit.

HOW LONG CAN WE STAY FOR?

The Centre can be booked from 09.30 onwards. Most schools leave around 2.30pm depending on the length of return journey and end of school time.

WHAT HAPPENS AT LUNCHTIME?

All members of your party (pupils and accompanying staff/helpers) will need to bring a packed lunch with them. Lunch is always eaten at the Field Centre where toilets and hand washing facilities are available. In good weather lunch can be eaten outside in the picnic area.

Please take all your rubbish away with you (bin bags useful).

Please note the Centre does not provide lunches and there are no facilities on site to purchase food.

WHAT DOES EACH CHILD NEED TO BRING?

• A pencil
• Wellies or old shoes/trainers. For Health & safety reasons footwear must be worn on the beach. Ideally each pupil should also bring a change of socks and shoes. We do have some wellies to loan if needed.
• Suitable warm clothing: the more layers the better, which should be checked before leaving school. Hats and gloves are valuable in summer, essential the rest of the year!!
• Waterproofs: waterproof coats, thick school coats, ski jackets, etc. Track suit tops and hoodies are NOT suitable waterproof clothing.
• No spending money is required

 TEESMOUTH CAN BE VERY COLD, EVEN IN SUMMER. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE TOO MANY CLOTHES RATHER THAN TOO FEW!

DOES IT MATTER IF IT IS RAINING?

No, but some alteration to your planned study may be necessary if the weather is bad.  

If weather conditions are adverse, it may be necessary to re-schedule your visit.

Teesmouth Field Centre staff will not take groups out on fieldwork if, in their opinion, weather conditions put visitors at an unacceptable risk.

IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Clare Gubbins and Clare Shakespeare-Watts

The Teesmouth Field Centre Team

Teesmouth Field Centre

Hartlepool Power Station Visitor Centre

Tees Road

Hartlepool

TS25 2BZ

Tel: 01429 853847

Email: teesmouthfieldcentre@gmail.com