Q. What is the standard of accommodation that you use?
Q. Do you offer inspection visits?
Q. What would I do if there were an emergency while I am away with my group?
Q.
Is my group safe with Encounters Europe?
Q.
Do you have external recognition for your safety management system?
Q.
Is my group’s money safe with Encounters Europe?
Q.
Can you provide risk assessments?
Q. Do all coaches have seatbelts?
Q. Will we have use of the coach during our stay?
Q. Is my group fully insured or do I need to take out separate insurance?
Q.
What if my group is smaller than 40?
Q.
Do the prices include admission fees?
Q. Do you cater for children with special needs?
Q. What is the standard of accommodation that you use?
A. Our accommodation is selected by a senior representative of Encounters Europe and regularly inspected. We also have in place a stringent and externally verified accommodation auditing procedure. The type of accommodation we use for our groups varies from 2 or 3 star hotels to the more basic youth hotels and hostels. We will recommend accommodation to suit your needs and your budget. Please note, we only ever use accommodation that is particularly suited to groups.
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- Q.
Do you offer inspection visits?
A.
Inspection visits play an
important part in the risk assessment process and are encouraged
by the DCSF. We are happy to offer such visits to the Party
Leader (or their nominated deputy) plus one other adult (based
on groups of 40 paying passengers).
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•
We will arrange
for one night's (B&B) accommodation for two people free of
charge (or two nights for one person).
•
We will arrange a channel
crossing (Dover – Calais) for a standard size car and two people
free of charge.
•
If you would rather fly
then we will make a contribution of up to £100 towards the total
cost of the flight and provide one night (B&B) accommodation for
two people. Please Note: Flights should be booked by you.
•
We will include insurance
(as per our group insurance) free of charge if requested.
•
If you wish to go on an
Inspection Visit before you have confirmed your booking, we will
charge you £200 for these arrangements. We will then deduct this
amount, in full, from your booking when you confirm.
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Should you require any
further information, please don’t hesitate to contact your Tour Organiser.
-
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Q.
What would I do if there were an emergency while I am away with my group?
A. We offer a 24 hour helpline, for your peace of mind. Our staff will follow clear guidelines to ensure a fast and efficient response to your call.
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Top Q.
Is my group safe with Encounters Europe?
A. Safety will always be our priority. We comply fully with the DfES
(now the DCSF) guide "Health & Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits 1998" and the appendices added in 2002.
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Top Q.
Do you have external recognition for your safety management system?
A. Encounters Europe is an assured member of the School Travel Forum (STF). STF has established a new and high set of safety standards for school travel operators and its members must adhere to a rigorous Code of Practice
and Safety Management Standards. These at least meet the requirements of DCSF guidelines and are externally verified each year by suitably qualified independent Health and Safety professionals.
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Top Q.
Is my group’s money safe with Encounters Europe?
A. We are fully ABTA bonded and ATOL licensed, and subject to their Codes of Conduct. Your money is therefore fully protected.
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Top Q.
Can you provide risk assessments?
A. We will provide you with a copy of our Safety Management System which contains all the information about our accommodation standards and sample risk assessments. This should provide all the information you or your LEA require, but if you have further paperwork we will be happy to complete it on your behalf.
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Top Q.
Do all coaches have seatbelts?
A. Following Government legislation, all British coaches transporting young people under 16 years of age must be fitted with seatbelts. All coaches hired by Encounters Europe in the UK conform to this requirement. Many European coaches are also fitted with lap belts, though they are not yet subject to the same rules as the UK. However, the coach transporting you from Britain will
fulfill most or all of the transportation required by your group whilst abroad. Wherever fitted, seatbelts must be worn and it is the Party Leader’s responsibility to ensure children comply with this rule. This is now becoming law across Europe also.
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Top Q.
Will we have use of the coach during our stay?
A.
If you are travelling by coach then yes, you will have use of your coach during your tour, subject only to EU driving regulations.
If you are travelling by air then the transfers to and from the
destination airport and hotel are included. If you want the use of a
coach during your stay we can organise this for you. Please
speak to your Tour Organiser.
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Top Q. Is my group fully insured or do I need to take out separate insurance?
A.
Many local authorities provide their schools with appropriate travel
insurance. However, if this is not the case for your school then
Encounters Europe is happy to offer you free insurance cover. This will covers each child and adult for the whole period of the trip including travel to and from your chosen destination.
Please make sure that your Tour Organiser knows that you wish to take up
this option.
You can see a copy of
our policy
here. There is also a 'key facts' document that you
can see
here.
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Top Q.
What if my group is smaller than 40?
A.
If you have a small group, don’t worry. Although our brochure prices
are based on 40 pupils, we will still make the best possible arrangements to accommodate your group. Please ask us for details on small group travel
arrangements.
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Top Q.
Do the prices include admission fees?
A. No, in the majority of cases the admission fees are not included in our prices. We will make it clear on our quotations which fees are included and which are not.
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Top Q.
Do you cater for children with special needs?
A. We are dedicated to providing a wonderful experience to all children, no matter what their needs. Please contact us with your requirements and we will
endeavor to accommodate them.
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