school visit faq
What sessions can I book?
You can have any mix of talks or workshops you like for the hours you book me for.
How does payment work?
I’ll invoice you after my visit. I’m registered as a sole trader with HMRC, and my invoice will include my UTR and NI details. Terms are 30 days.
Will you sign books for the students?
Absolutely! Getting a signed book is a lovely way to make the visit extra special for your students and inspire reading for pleasure, so I’m always happy to do this.
How can we arrange book sales?
I don’t bring my own books to sell. Most schools either buy the books from a wholesaler like Browns Books (usually at a discount on a sale or return basis) or use their local bookshop to sell copies. Giving students the option to pre-order books in advance is usually the most effective. I can also usually leave a few signed bookplates with you, for any students who decide to buy a book after I’ve gone.
Will you meet the LGBTQ+ Society / student newspaper /The Library Gang at lunchtime?
Of course!
What is the maximum number of students at your talks and workshops?
There’s no limit for the talks. Workshops have a maximum of 30 students, so that everyone gets the chance to participate and share work.
Do you need any equipment?
If it’s a really large hall, I may need a microphone for the talk – I prefer a hand-held, or lapel, radio mic. However, very often I’m fine without. I will need projection facilities for the talk, including a school laptop I can run a PowerPoint presentation off. I’ll send you a copy of the presentation in advance, and will also bring it with me on the day. There’s no sound on the presentations.
For my workshops, students will generally need paper and pens, and I’ll need a flip-chart with pens. Some workshops have additional requirements, which I’ll confirm with you on booking.
Can we take photos of your event and post them social media?
Yes, you can.
Can we film your event?
Generally, I don’t allow my talks or workshops to be filmed – but get in touch if you would like to discuss options for this.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes, I’m insured for £10 million.
Do you have an enhanced DBS check?
The Department of Education and Ofsted are clear in their guidance that a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is only needed when there is ‘Teaching, training, or instruction of children, carried out by the same person frequently (once a week or more often), or on 4 or more days in a 30 day period, or overnight’. It is not required for a one-off, supervised visit. It is also condition of my Public Liability Insurance that I am not left unsupervised with your students.
What are your expenses likely to be?
I’ll be travelling to your school from South East London. Wherever possible, and depending on start times, I’ll aim to make this journey on the day. Where that isn’t possible, I’ll come up the day before and book into a Premier Inn (or similar). I always aim to book tickets and hotels in advance to secure the cheapest rates for you, and will provide a bespoke quote for your approval once we have dates.
Can we have a picture book event with illustrator Garry Parsons too?
Garry and I do fantastic joint events, and as well as all the usual great stuff, Garry will also show your students how to draw Larry and Frankie during a live draw-along, there are some really fun extra elements, plus loads of fab banter! It does cost a bit more to have us both though, so drop me a line if you’d like to discuss options for this; it might be cost-effective if you can organise a larger event for multiple schools at once, for example, or share us with another local school on the same day.
What is your cancellation policy?
I will usually book train tickets (and hotel accommodation if needed) in advance to secure the best possible rates for you. These will need to be repaid in the event of any cancellation. In addition:
· The full fee applies if you cancel the event within 6 weeks of the event date.
· 50% of the fee applies if you cancel within 8 weeks of the event date.
There are no cancellation fees for COVID-related closures.
We would like to give you lunch! is there anything you don’t eat?
How lovely, thank you! I don’t have any dietary requirements.