Frequently Asked Questions

Do Open Minds have experience in schools?

Yes! With over 15 years experience of teaching, coaching and guidance in a vast array of learning environments (classrooms, special schools, curriculum centres, clubs, teams) Open Minds has developed a wide range of activities that are ideal for any age group from Early Years and Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4, to adults. Ensuring learning through fun activities, we help to develop initiative, teamwork and leadership skills underpinning the many facets of the curriculum.

Do Open Minds provide equipment for the activities?

Yes! All equipment is supplied by Open Minds. We ask participants to be suitably dressed for active situations and to wear appropriate footwear. Some schools choose to change into PE kit while others are happy to be in uniform. It's your choice and how want Open Minds to support your focus.

Are there any extra or hidden costs?

See our pricing lists for exactly what the cost of your activity will be. The only added cost may be to add a B&B charge if the booking requires staff to travel the day before. We only do this with your permission. Any other costs such as use of a venue or purchasing a prize will be discussed with you.

Do I need to book a venue?

Open Minds has the advantage of delivering activities to you wherever you are - therefore no transport costs for your school! So we can deliver wherever YOU want us to be. Participating schools have chosed to work on playgrounds, school fields, playdecks and in school halls and classrooms.

If you would like to book Open Minds in another location, perhaps for staff training purposes or if you would like your group to link Open Minds Activities in a different learning environment, we are more than happy to help you find a venue which suits your needs or deliver at your chosen location. Just ask!

Do I need insurance?

Open Minds carries £5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance (copy of the Certificate wording available on request).

How are Open Minds activities supervised?

It is requested that there be two members of your staff available during the activities to observe their group and in case of incident. It is also strongly recommended that staff participate with the group then solve problems and work together. This enhances relationships and identifies strengths and areas for development.

Are there risks involved?

Open Minds activities carry a very low level of risk. Any activity involving humans moving will involve risk and Open Minds staff consider the safety of all participants as their first priority. Risk assessments are available for all activities here.

Are Open Minds staff CRB checked?

All Open Minds staff have enhanced CRB status.

Do we win a prize?

All participants recieve a certificate stating they have taken part in Open Minds activities. If you would like a prize for individuals or a team we can discuss how you would like to celebrate achievements. Please be aware that we do tend to mix teams throughout activities, though.

Can we book Open Minds if we're not a school?

Of course! Open Minds delivers activities for:

• Cubs and Scouts
• Rainbows, Beavers and Guides
• Combined Cadet Forces
• Church groups
• Probation Services
• Staff Training

Are your events accessible to disabled participants?

Our activities are very flexible. We encourage inclusion of all our participants and we discuss any requirements or needs of your staff or students during the preliminary meeting.

How do I book Open Minds?

Call us on 0775 3825900 or 0161 790 6409 or email us at info@opmi.co.uk

We will then organise a meeting with you and your staff to discuss your focus and aims, confirm dates, times and requirements.

Can we book you again within a time period without fear of repeating the same activities?

Of course you can! We have so many varied and dynamic activities to bring to you even if you would like us to use the same focus as last time, yet want to utilise our delivery we'll provide different activities and enhance previous learning. Remember we can provide units of work over weekly or termly periods for a discounted cost.

How do I pay for Open Minds activities?

We accept payment by cheque or by BACS transfer. We provide an invoice for services provided and retain a copy for our records.

What if participant numbers increase or decrease?

Our activities are open to groups of any size up to 40 participants and confirm your group size at the preliminary meeting. If there is an increase in numbers please let us know as soon as possible to cater for this.

What happens if I need to cancel my event?

We really hope this isnt going to happen! If you do need to postpone to a later date please contact us at the earliest possible time. If we are not notified within 7 days of a cancellation we reserve the right to invoice you for half of the cost of that booking.

What happens arter our Open Minds activities?

At Open Minds, we take pride in the service we provide and welcome feedback from both staff and students. A straightforward feedback form for supervising/observing staff and reviews for students are provided. We also supply forms for parential consent for release of images for filming or photographs for promotional purposes. We will also give you the option of keeping you updated with our occasional e-newsletter which includes our work with other groups that you want to link to.

We bring a digital camera to all our activities and are happy to email or post you a CD with all the photo's taken for no additional charge for use on your school website or displays.

Where is Open Minds based?

We are based in Worsley, near Manchester, and have experience of providing activities all over the country. Our contact details are below.

Have we managed to answer all your questions? If you would like to discuss or ask any more questions that are not covered here please call us on 0775 3825900 or 0161 790 6409 or email us at info@opmi.co.uk