top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 - UPDATE

We are planning to get classes up and running as soon as is safe and appropriate to do so. We are in the process of preparing our risk assessments and guidance on how we will ensure our class environments are safe and adhere to government guidance. As the information provided by the government is continually being updated we will not publish this until we know official starting dates. As soon as we know this, we will share our guidance here. Please be assured that we will always ensure that we provide a safe learning environment for everyone. 

When will you be taking bookings?

We cannot be certain as yet, as we must wait for the venues to issue their guidance and for the government advice to be updated. We hope these will be running as soon as possible. Places on courses will be limited, therefore if you wish to find out as soon as bookings are available, please sign up to our newsletter and we will keep you updated. 

What ages are the classes suitable for?

We run classes for adults and children. Children's term time classes are for children aged 9+. Holiday clubs may start from age 8, but this will depend on the session. Further details can be found on the booking listing. Attendees to evening or daytime adult classes should be 16 or over. Children aged 13+ may attend adult evening/weekend classes (unless specified otherwise) if accompanied by an appropriate adult. 

Do I need to book in advance?

In most cases, yes, we can only offer classes to learners who have booked in advance. We cannot accept learners who attend without having completed a booking book prior to arrival, and made payment in full. We advise to book with as much notice as possible to help secure a place. Places are strictly limited by number. The exception are the Draw and Create sessions. These can be booked up to 24 hours in advance and there is no expectation to attend more than one session at a time. 

How do I pay?

We accept payments by BACS bank transfer, PAYPAL or cheque in advance of the course start date (all payments must be cleared before the start of the learner's first session). Unfortunately, we cannot take cash payments at this time. Payment details can be found on our T&C page here

Can I book individual sessions?

Most of our term time classes are booked in half term blocks. We only accept bookings in blocks as it is difficult for us to maintain regular numbers if we allow drop in sessions. However, holiday clubs can be booked on an individual basis. Draw and Create sessions can be booked as individual sessions.

Can I book in advance?

Our sessions are released for booking prior to each half term. Current learners will be given priority booking prior to release to the general public. These can only be booked for the following half term. Future bookings will not be released until the current sessions are drawing to a close. This is to allow everyone equal opportunity to continue with us and to also allow new learners the opportunity to join.

 

Can I cancel a booking?

Cancellations are permitted in certain circumstances. Please see our cancellation policy within our T&C section.  

Will resources and equipment be provided?

Equipment and resources will be provided for most courses. The exception is the some of the sewing courses, for which we would anticipate that learners will wish to provide their own specific fabrics. We can provide basic fabrics like calico for basic toiles or samples. We can advise you before the course start date as to which fabrics you might like to bring with you if appropriate. 

Do I need any prior experience?

No, we welcome learners of all abilities. We are teachers and we can help you at any stage of your creative journey. Some courses are more suited to learners of differing abilities, and we can advise you of this when you are booking. 

Why aren't all of your courses available for booking?

We run courses on a rotation, between two locations. We are made up of two permanent tutors and we have to balance to resources and equipment between at least two locations. Therefore, we offer courses on a cyclical basis. Each course will operate in each area at different times. If you wish to get an idea of when a specific course will operate in your area, please contact us (please note, courses are subject to change and any information given is only assumed at this stage).

What if I don't want to do the next course on the cycle?

You only need to book for each half termly course. If you do not wish to proceed to the next course after the holiday break, there is no requirement for you to do so. We cannot guarantee there will be an opening after this point, but you are free to rejoin us at any point that a place becomes available. 

Can I cancel my place during the middle of a block booking?

You do not have to attend a session, but we cannot offer a refund to a learner once a half termly block has commenced. We will be running regular open events so that you can see what we will be offering, meet us and decide if this form of creative learning is for you. 

Are the courses accredited?

At this time, we do not offer accredited courses. 

Do children need to be supervised on courses for under 16?

No, we ask that parents drop off their children prior to the start time and collect promptly at the finish time. We have enhanced DBS checks and First Aid qualifications and your children will be safely looked after. We ask that you provide all relevant and up tot date medical information on the booking form prior to attending. We work on a maximum 1:10 ratio for teacher:student for children and adults. This ratio may reduce depending on the course content and government requirements at the time of the course start date. 

Is there parking available?

We cannot guarantee parking at out venues, although we do our best to chose venues that are accessible and offer parking. Please check with us at the time of booking.

Are the courses accessible for those with a physical impairment or disability?

We try to ensure our courses are accessible to all learners. Please check with us at the time of booking if you require specific access requirements. 

 

Do you provide lunch for holiday club sessions?

No, we do not provide food and we ask that learners bring their own packed lunch and cold drink (in a water-tight bottle or container). Food cannot be consumed during sessions times, but we will provide a space/time when lunch can be safely consumed. We ask that parents do not pack any products that contain nuts for packed lunches, to protect the well-being of all learners.  We also politely request that learners under 16 do not bring energy drinks to our sessions. 

bottom of page