Schools Programme - Q & A Tower Hamlets

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?

Bethnal Green

Our events in Bethnal Green take place at the Genesis Cinema, 93-95 Mile End Rd, London E1 4UJ. The Cinema is about a five minute walk from Stepney Green Tube station, and about a ten minute walk from Whitechapel Tube (District/Hammersmith & City lines). Buses include 25, 205, 106, 254, 309.

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

THU 18 MAY – KEY STAGE ONE

10.00am:  Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola – Speak Up! RRP £7.99

11.30am:  Rashmi Sirdeshpande – How To Change the World RRP £6.99

1.00pm:  Steven Lenton – Genie & Teeny series: Wish Upon a Star RRP £6.99

FRI 19 MAY – KEY STAGE TWO

10.00am:  Ross Welford – The Monkey Who Fell from the Future RRP £7.99

11.30am:  Zanib Mian – Planet Omar: Ultimate Rocket Blast RRP £6.99

1.00pm:  Vashti Hardy – Harley Hitch Inventive Adventures The Iron Forest RRP £6.99

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: partnership@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: partnership@barneskidslitfest.org

Is the venue accessible to children with mobility issues?

Screen 1 at the cinema is accessible with the use of a wheelchair stair climber (maximum load: 150kg). Please contact us in advance if you will need to use this facility: partnership@barneskidslitfest.org

What should we bring?

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?

Toilets are available including an accessible toilet. Our volunteer Schools team will happily point you in the right direction.

AND THERE’S COFFEE!

Our friends at the Genesis Cinema serve the most delicious coffee, tea and freshly-baked pastries.

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