Education Centre FAQs
We know your time is precious and we want your visit to be as trouble-free and enjoyable as possible, so we've put together all the information we think you might need to read before you visit.
- What is the Royal Parks Foundation Education Centre?
Our purpose built Education Centre
contains two fully equipped classrooms which can each accommodate up to 30 students. The gardens are a enclosed, secure space for children and young people to explore.
Please note that some activities may also take place outside of the centre in Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens but always under the supervision of one of our expert education officers.
- How do I get to the Royal Parks Foundation Education Centre?
Check out this page, which contains everything you need to know about finding us.
- Is there somewhere to park?
If you’re travelling to our Education Centre by coach or minibus, we will need to arrange a permit for you. For classes with special needs, we are able to make special arrangements.
- Who do you teach at the Education Centre?
Our experienced team delivers interactive, national curriculum linked sessions, for early years foundation, primary and secondary school students. We also have a number of activities tailored for students with special needs.
- What happens in a typical teaching session?
Our sessions are written to complement the seasons and are delivered according to
weather and resource availability. As a result, it is difficult to provide detailed lesson plans in advance. Please see our pre-school, primary, secondary and SEN pages for further details. If you have any specific requirements for your session, please ask during booking.
- How much are the sessions?
Read our information about prices and bursaries here - if you have any questions, give us a call on 020 7036 8056.
- How do I pay?
After invoicing you, we prefer to receive BACS transfers but can also accept cheques.
- Do you offer risk assessments?
Whilst one is included in your booking confirmation, teachers are encouraged to come and look around the site in order to carry out their own risk assessments. You can make an appointment to do so when you make a booking.
- I’m concerned about Health and Safety
Our Education Centre is purpose built, fully accessible and run by qualified staff. However, you are responsible for your groups’ Health and Safety. We will give guidance at the start of each session to help ensure your safety, but keep in mind that the park is a natural ecosystem used by a variety of people and animals.
- What should we wear?
All sessions at our Education Centre include a large amount of work outdoors.
Students must wear suitable outdoor clothing and be dressed for all weathers. It is essential to bring waterproof jackets, suitable footwear like wellies, a hat or hood and layer-up. We will go outside whatever the weather so sessions will continue regardless of rain or intense sunshine.
- What do we do for lunch?
Most groups bring a picnic to eat outside in the park. There is a small café by the Serpentine Lake, but the most convenient thing is to bring packed lunches. We do not sell food or drinks at our Education Centre but there is a drinking-water fountain in the building for student and teacher use.
Sometimes we can offer you our classrooms as an indoor space for lunch breaks, just ask for this during booking. However, please be aware that school session bookings take priority, and will over-ride any lunch-time holdings.
- Do you have toilets?
We have toilets, including baby changing and disabled facilities at our Education Centre. During lunch, teachers can ask for a fob to gain access to these.
- What if we need to amend or cancel our booking?
Upon booking you will receive our booking T&C’s. Please note, that whilst we will do our best to accommodate your requests, last minute changes may incur a charge. Early booking and forward planning are the best steps to ensure your session is just as you need.
- What if we can’t come to you?
Our education team love to deliver sessions in our purpose built classrooms and grounds, but if you really can't make it to Hyde Park, we can offer you an alternative.
- How do I get in touch?
Please contact us online or call 020 7036 8056 for more details or to discuss the specific needs of your group.
*Based on a class size of 30 students.