Group information

Group participants frequently asked questions

What will I need to bring?
Your group leader will supply you with a list of things to bring with you. Please see the kit list opposite for our recommendations on what to bring.

Will you provide all of the equipment I need for my visit?
Yes, all the equipment you need to have a safe and enjoyable day is provided for you. This includes harnesses and helmets.

Do I have to wear a helmet?
It is the policy of the Centre that all course participants, tutors, observers and visitors wear a safety helmet while they are on site. Therefore, hairstyles must allow for the correct fitting of safety helmets.

What are the catering arrangements at the Centre?
Your group leader will advise you whether to bring your own lunch or if lunch is being supplied. If you have any dietary requirements please make sure your group leader is aware of them in advance. Please note: there is no electricity at the Centre so it will not be possible to heat up any food items.

Is there an indoor area for us to use?
Your group will be allocated a wooden shelter upon arrival where you can leave your belongings and use as a base for the day. Please note: there is no electricity on-site.

Are there toilet facilities?
There are toilet facilities close to the activities with water and soap provided for hand washing.

Can I smoke on-site?
The Centre is a no smoking area however there is a designated smoking point.  

What happens if it rains and I get wet?
There is always the chance of rain so you need to ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing and bring waterproofs. Please see the kit list opposite for suggestions on what to wear. If you do not have waterproofs please let your group leader know in advance. There are indoor shelters your group can use between activities.

What happens if I lose something?
Any items found or handed in will be kept in lost property for 2 weeks. We recommend that you do not bring any valuables with you and ensure any belongings are clearly labelled.

Are there any phones at the Centre?
There are no public phones at the Centre but a payphone can be found at the National Motor Museum just 1 mile from the Centre.

Is there good mobile phone reception?
This depends upon the company you are with. Generally there is a good signal, however it can vary. If you need to be contacted during your visit we would advise that you give a second mobile number to the person wishing to contact you. Please feel free to give the Beaulieu Development Centre office number (01590 623903) and we will contact our member of staff with any message.

In the interest of safety and courtesy to the rest of your group we ask that phones are turned off during activities.

Is there an area for us to do our own activities?
Beaulieu Development Centre is based in woodland with activities either between or on the trees. There are no areas cleared for other activities so it is not possible to hold your own outdoor activities.

Hazardous Pursuits Regulations

We train our staff beyond the minimum standards to reduce the overall risks associated with a non-residential experience.

There is a recognised element of risk associated with some of the activities we provide. These should be made clear to the parents / guardians of those aged under 18 years prior to the consent form being signed.

The discipline and conduct of groups under 18 years is the responsibility of the group leader in charge. The Centre reserves the right to request payment for wilful damage to property or equipment or for any disturbance caused by members of the group.

Please see the kit lists opposite for our recommendations on what group leaders & participants should bring with them.

The Centre is a no smoking site however there is a designated smoking point.

Our staff are available before and throughout your visit and will be pleased to assist if you have any problems or questions.

Risk Assessments and Pre-Visits

We have risk assessments for all activities. It is a requirement, as part of the School EVC’s role, that a risk assessment is written for your visit.

Non-Hampshire County Council groups must contact their own organisations to check what their requirements are for taking groups on a non-residential trip.

We do not provide copies of our risk assessments. We are an approved Hampshire County Council Centre and therefore follow all of Hampshire's procedures, guidelines and are inspected. You can inspect our Risk Assessments and Operating Procedures during a pre-visit however it is not possible to provide copies.

Insurance

Hampshire County Council has insurance in place for LEA schools. Non-Hampshire County Council schools must check their own insurance arrangements.

It is recommended that you have insurance to cover risk of accident, illness or loss of personal possessions and cancellation.

Hampshire County Council only accepts liability for loss, damage or injury resulting from negligence by the County Council, its servants or agents.

You can request a copy of our insurance certificate.

Weather

In the event of very wet or windy weather activities may have to be cancelled or curtailed. We do our best to be flexible with activities but a full programme can not be guaranteed in these circumstances. It is your responsibility to ensure you take the weather into account when making your booking and have contingency plans in place if the weather is inclement. If you decide to cancel your visit due to the weather then you will be charged the full cost.

Every effort will be made by the Centre to ensure that your visit is as comfortable as possible and Centre staff will be on hand to offer help and advice. We also have emergency procedures in place for the rare event of extreme weather conditions.

The activities we offer are both physical and non-physical to ensure we can meet the specific requirements and abilities of your group. We are sensitive to the needs and goals of individuals so all activities are offered on a challenge by choice basis.

Please advise us of any medical conditions or disabilities at the time of booking so that your programme can be written accordingly.

Medical forms

All those attending the Centre need to complete a medical form in advance of their visit. This includes group leaders and accompanying staff.

Please note: It is not possible for participants to take part in activities without a completed medical form.

Group leaders must ensure that these have been completed by the parents/guardians of those aged under 18 years.

A Group Summary Sheet (see opposite) detailing any medical information must be completed and returned to us at least two weeks prior to your visit. This allows us to follow up on any queries prior to commencement of your visit therefore enabling a prompt start.

Original medical forms must be given to a member of Beaulieu Development Centre staff upon arrival. Please note: Beaulieu Development Centre will retain these copies.

A copy of our medical form can be downloaded, see opposite. There is one version for those aged under 18 years and one for adults.

We will accept your school / organisation medical form as long as it includes the same information as the Beaulieu Development Centre form and has recently been completed.

Hospital information

In the unlikely event you need medical treatment the local hospital is Southampton General, which has a Casualty Department. Please see the directions opposite.

Dietary Requirements

We can provide refreshments and lunches for your group upon request. If we arrange catering for your group we will need to be advised of any dietary requirements at least 10 working days in advance of your visit.

Transport, travel and parking

It is the responsibility of the group leader to arrange transport to and from the Centre.

We have a designated coach drop-off / pick-up point, a minibus parking area and small car parking area. When you make your booking we ask your mode of transport and anticipated arrival and departure times. Please advise us if these alter, as changes can impact on your programme.

We recommend that groups use coaches and minibuses.

Our ‘Map and Directions’ page will help you reach us. Please ensure that these directions, the site map and a contact telephone number are provided to all drivers.

Please note: we are not linked to Beaulieu Motor Museum so please ask drivers to contact us if they have any problems rather than the Motor Museum.

Please avoid parents dropping off and collecting as you are visiting a private estate so will disturb our neighbours, cause site access problems and add to the already busy traffic in the New Forest.

We ask that any visitors park in the correct area and make themselves known to a member of our staff upon arrival.

Hampshire County Council groups can arrange minibus hire through Hampshire Transport Management, or non-Hampshire County Council groups can hire them through Southampton and surrounding area vehicle hire companies.