Schools Programme - Q & A Kingston

Any questions? We hope these answers might help.

How much does it cost?

Places are free to every pupil, teacher and parent helper in state maintained schools in London.

How do we book?

Just fill out and submit the online booking form. Bookings are made in order of receipt and demand is high so early booking is recommended. Subject to availability, you’ll receive an email from us confirming your booking.

How many places can we book?

We are requesting one year group per event please. This means that more schools can take part.

Where do the events take place and how do we get there?

The Rose Theatre

Our events in Kingston take place in The Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL, located in Kingston town centre, opposite the Guildhall and the Police Station, a one minute walk from Kingston’s Marketplace.

The Rose Theatre is a 10 minute walk from Kingston Rail Station.

The following bus routes serve the town centre: K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, X26, 57, 65, 71, 85, 111, 131, 213, 216, 281, 285, 371, 406, 411, 418, 465, 481. For detailed bus information for Kingston visit TFL Buses or Kingston Bus Route Map.

https://rosetheatre.org/your-visit/getting-here

Please allow plenty of time to arrive before the scheduled start of your event.

How long do events last?

All of our events last for one hour which includes an opportunity for the children to ask their questions.

Where are our seats?

Schools will be seated in their school ‘bubbles.’ A member of our Schools team wearing one of our red aprons will greet you when you arrive and guide you and your class to your seats. All of our seating is unreserved.

Can we have our books signed?

Our authors love meeting their young readers and wherever possible events are usually followed by book signing. Otherwise we will organise pre-signed copies or signed bookplates.

Authors are also very happy to sign a pupil’s own books, school or library copies and sometimes pupils’ notebooks.

Do we have to buy a book?

Buying a book is not obligatory but all schools will receive an order form when their bookings are confirmed and they may wish to send this out to parents/carers.

Can the children buy copies of an author’s book on the day?

There will also be an opportunity for pupils to buy books from our book stall in the theatre foyer both before and after the event. Please do try and ensure the children have the correct money wherever possible.

TUE 13 JUNE 

10.00am: Rob Biddulph – The Blue-Footed Booby RRP £12.99 (Hardcover), The Blue-Footed Booby RRP £6.99 (Paperback)

11.30am: Nadia Shireen – Grimwood: Let the Fur Fly! RRP £6.99

1.00pm: Jenny Pearson & Sam Copeland – The Underpants of Chaos RRP £7.99

The Attack of the Robot Librarians RRP £7.99

We need to change our booking. What should we do?

If you need to change your booking, please let us know as soon as possible at schools@barneskidslitfest.org. We may be able to reassign your seats to another lucky class or school from our waiting list.

We need to cancel our booking. What should we do?

What if we’re running late?

All our events start on time so if you’re delayed on the day please do let us know so we can arrange to slip your class in at the back if necessary.

Can we go on a waiting list if our event is fully booked?

Please contact us at schools@barneskidslitfest.org if the event you have chosen is fully booked to discuss our waiting list procedure.

I’d like to carry out a Risk Assessment. Can you help?

If you’d like a copy of our Risk Assessment template, please contact us at: schools@barneskidslitfest.org

Why are you taking photographs?

We want you to know that official Festival photographers and film crews may be present at your event. We use this material in our reports and for promotional purposes. It’s possible that your school may be named but we never name individuals.

If you have any other questions please contact us at: schools@barneskidslitfest.org

Is the venue accessible to children with mobility issues?

Yes, the Rose Theatre is fully accessible and we will help accommodate you in any way we can. Please let us know at the time of booking about any special access requirements. 

What should we bring?

Your pupils might like to bring a packed lunch – Kingston Marketplace provides a pedestrian area for eating, which is just a one minute walk from the Rose Theatre. Sadly, we can’t guarantee perfect weather, something to sit on or a place to eat inside if the weather is poor. Don’t forget your sunscreen and plenty of water if the sun shines!

Don’t forget to bring your books with you if you would like them to be signed, or money if you would like to buy a book.

Are there toilets nearby?

Yes, the Rose Theatre has accessible toilets on every floor. 

We’re coming by minibus or coach. Where can we park?

There is a Coach Stop just on the other side of the main road opposite the Rose Theatre. It is for drop off and pick up only.

You will find a full list of coach stands/stops in Kingston here. 

If you have any other questions please contact us at: schools@barneskidslitfest.org