Outdoor Classroom

BOOKING AND PREPARING FOR YOUR FSC VISIT

• Choose the type of course you require, the centre you wish to visit and the time of year you would like to go. Check availability for many centres through Head-Office or contact your chosen Centre directly.

There are two types of courses:

Programmes:
The simplest and most often cost effective way of conducting fieldwork at an FSC Centre is by booking one of our fixed length programmes. Full details of each programme can be found on our website: www.field-studies-council.org

Bespoke courses

The FSC prides itself on being flexible so if you cannot find an FSC programme to meet your requirements then contact the Centre of your choice and tell them what you would like. They will work with you to plan and deliver your own fully flexible course.

• Check our risk assessments, if required.

All of our Centres have been awarded the Quality Badge by The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. Each Centre achieved the badge by demonstrating that they consistently deliver high quality teaching and learning experiences and manage risk effectively. This means that you will do not have to assess them and therefore have to complete less paperwork for your local authority. If you still wish to view the risk assessments contact the Centre www.field-studies-council.org/centres

• Confirm your requirements in writing (email is fine).

The Centre will send you:

• A letter confirming your reservation
• reservation acceptance form
• Booking conditions
• Agreement for group leaders
• Insurance information

• Complete and return the reservation acceptance form with a reservation deposit (within 14 days).

The Centre will send you:

• A reservation deposit receipt letter with a request for student deposits
• School information form

• Complete and return the school information form with the student deposits.

The Centre will send you:

• Registration form
• Centre information, what to bring etc.
  
• Complete and return the registration form.

The Centre will send you:

• Final invoice

• Settle the final invoice (due at least 28 days prior to course commencement)

At least a month before you are due to attend the Centre, you will be sent an itinerary of your visit.

If you require a pre-visit inspection, simply contact the Centre to arrange a convenient time.

Help with transport?
Each Centre has a number of minibuses which can be made available to you during your visit. They also have links with local transport companies so please feel free to contact the Centre if you need help arranging transport.

Please note: The booking procedure may differ at some Centres (day Centres in particular).

 

Booking Conditions

Your contract will be with Field Studies Council (hereinafter referred to as FSC)

1. Deposits The deposit paid in respect of each course is accepted as a first instalment of the charge and is not refundable. Until the deposit is paid, the booking is treated as provisional and there is no certainty that a place can be held for more than 7 days after making a provisional booking. If a booking cannot be accepted, notification and refund of any deposit will be sent as soon as possible.
2. A deposit of £30 per person (£50 where course fee exceeds £150) is payable to secure a residential booking.
3. For bookings more than one year in advance a deposit reservation may be taken as confirmation until individual deposits are paid.
4. Final Payment The balance of the course fee will be issued at the latest 28 days prior to course commencement and is payable at least 10 days prior to course commencement. If payment is not received at this time, FSC reserves the right to cancel your reservation, in which case normal cancellation terms will apply. If you anticipate a delay in making your final payment, please inform the Centre.
5. Cancellation If it is necessary for you to cancel your booking, please inform the Centre in writing as soon as possible. Cancellation is effective from the date your letter is received at our offices and may be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
• The deposit is automatically forfeit if the booking is cancelled by the customer for any reason.
• If cancellation is made less than 28 days before the start of the course, whether deliberately or by default, the balance of fees must be paid in full, a condition which is accepted when the booking is confirmed.
6. Other Changes Anyone enrolling for a course will be invoiced for the full fee. No reductions can be made in respect of late arrival, early departure or absence during any part of the course.
7. Acceptance of Bookings FSC reserves the right to refuse to accept any booking without stating a reason.

Other Information

Amendments

The course programme is subject to amendment. FSC reserves the right to alter course programmes or engage alternative tutors if and as circumstances dictate. FSC cancels a course only after careful consideration, but reserves the right to do so if numbers booked have failed to meet a minimum requirement or for other exceptional reasons. In this event, applicants will be informed as soon as possible. They will be refunded any monies paid in respect of that course. FSC will not be liable for any additional cost or expense.
All fees were correct at the time of booking. They may be varied should circumstances outside the control of FSC make this necessary. Any increase in charges will not take place within the 28 days prior to the start of the course.

Departure

Rooms must be vacated by 09.30 on the day of departure, unless special arrangements are made with the Centre.

Special Diets

All FSC Centres provide vegetarian options on request. Please indicate on your booking form if you have vegetarian or other special dietary requirements. Centres, where possible, will make all the necessary arrangements.

Smoking

FSC Centres are generally non-smoking, although some allow smoking in designated outside areas. Smoking is not permitted in the bedrooms, dining rooms, public rooms or minibuses.

Pets

We regret we do not have facilities for pets and therefore cannot normally accept them at our Centres or on courses. However, we are able to make special arrangements to accommodate guide dogs.

Guests with Disabilities

FSC welcomes disabled guests provided they can manage independently or are accompanied by a friend or relative on the same course, able to assist them. Please check with each Centre on the suitability of a course before booking and indicate your disability on the booking form. FSC Centres at Blencathra, Juniper Hall, Malham Tarn and Preston Montford have purpose-built accommodation and facilities suitable for people with wheelchairs.

Travel and Cancellation Insurance

If you are forced to cancel your FSC course you may be liable for payment of up to 100% of the course fees. Furthermore, FSC cannot accept responsibility for loss of or damage to guests' personal belongings, such as baggage or money. Consequently, we strongly recommend that you have appropriate insurance cover in place prior to your visit.

In view of the above, FSC has negotiated a blanket insurance policy with a leading insurer. This scheme offers reasonably comprehensive cover in respect of both Cancellation and Personal Belongings, and also includes Personal Accident, Legal Liability and Medical Emergency/Emergency Travel Expenses cover. This cover is automatically provided to all eligible School Groups at no extra cost and details will be sent to you when you book your first FSC Course.

You can also view more information online.

How To Reach FSC Centres

By rail

All FSC Centres are easily accessible; only Derrygonnelly is more than 40 minutes from a railway station and many much closer. All FSC Centres can advise you on rail services to and from nearby stations and arrange travel from the station to the centre.

Discount Rail Travel

The FSC has negotiated with Shropshire Rail Agency a discount rail service. Very competitive prices are offered for a minimum of 10 students travelling to and from FSC Centres. The service includes timetable planning and seat reservations where possible.

Contact Shropshire Rail Agency for further information on 01691 681010 or at sra@btconnect.com or at Gobowen Railway Station,Oswestry, Shropshire. SY11 3JS.

By coach

Many groups prefer to travel to FSC Centres by coach and Centres can often arrange coach travel for your group at preferential rates.