The NUT's training and CPD programme offers unrivalled learning opportunities to Union members. It provides a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional development in a supportive environment. Best of all, courses are free to NUT members.

Courses take place at the NUT's training centre, Stoke Rochford Hall, near Grantham in Lincolnshire. Stoke Rochford Hall is a beautifully restored mansion which offers excellent training and accommodation facilities in an idyllic country environment.

Stoke Rochford Hall STOKE ROCHFORD Nr Grantham Lincolnshire NG33 5EJ

Tel: 01476 530 337

BEFORE YOUR COURSE

Please

• Ensure that your workplace has agreed to your attending the course
• consult your draft programme and letter for any arrangements specific to the course.

Most courses commence at 2.00 p.m., therefore, you should have adequate time to make your journey from most parts of England and Wales. If you are travelling an exceptionally long distance (for example, from parts of Cornwall, parts of Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Europe), please contact the NUT to discuss your travel details in case it should be necessary to authorise an additional night’s accommodation en route or at Stoke Rochford Hall.

Enquiries can be made to the Organising and Membership Department at NUT Headquarters, telephone 020 7380 4781/4837/4761 or email training@nut.org.uk.

You may wish to take advantage of the relaxing accommodation and facilities at SRH by adding an extra day or two either before or after your course. Please see www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk for further information and special rates for NUT members!

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

On arrival, please go to Reception in the Mansion, where you can check in. If driving you can park in the Mansion car park, alternatively your taxi will drop you off adjacent to the main Mansion entrance. The main entrance to the Mansion is in the left-hand corner of the car park as you face the Mansion and Reception is to your left as you enter.

Most courses begin with lunch on arrival. Lunch is available from 12.30 p.m.-2.00 p.m. in the Reflections Restaurant. Before you travel we suggest that you plan your journey to arrive in time for lunch if possible, and allow time to check in. Bedrooms are normally available from midday but should you be earlier then coffee and tea are served in the Grand Hall from approximately 11.15 a.m., where you are welcome to relax until your room is available, or lunch time. At 1.45 pm, please make your way to the training room for your course, which will commence at 2pm unless your draft programme indicates otherwise. Reception staff will be able to advise you where to find the training room for your course.

If the NUT is running more than one course with the same name, then a list of participants for each course will be displayed at Reception. Consult this list to find out which course, A, B or C you have been allocated to and then the blue notice board for the name of the training room.

If you have any queries that cannot be answered by Reception please ask to be directed to a member of NUT staff.

ACCESS

By road:

Stoke Rochford Hall is situated just off the A1, six miles south of Grantham. From the A1 follow the village lane and as it dips down to the left the gate for Stoke Rochford Hall is straight ahead and there is a large SRH sign there.

Arriving from the south, the hall is on the left 2½ miles north of the A151 junction. Travelling from the south, Stoke Rochford Hall is north of Colsterworth.

Approaching from the north the hall is 2 miles south of the village of Great Ponton (there is a BP garage on the right just before the right hand turn. Enter the central reservation to turn right there or head to Colsterworth and turn there to head back north). Look out for the signs to Stoke Rochford on the right. At busy times it may be advisable to travel south to the A151 junction and return north for easier access.

Travelling from the north or south look for a black and white village sign with 'Stoke Rochford'.

After leaving the A1 follow the country lane for a few hundred yards, the road then dips down to the left, but you go straight on - the gates for Stoke Rochford Hall are straight ahead of you (there is a large sign here). Then follow the drive round to the Mansion House, drive through the iron gates and park in the car park. The entrance to Reception, where you can check in, is in the left hand corner of the car park as you face the Mansion.

Satellite navigation systems can be misleading and it is best to follow the written instructions to avoid arriving in nearby farms or villages.

By rail:

The nearest station is Grantham. If arriving by train you will be asked to notify the NUT of your arrival time and then a taxi will be organised to collect you and transport you to Stoke Rochford Hall. Normally the taxi is from Amber cabs and the driver should be displaying a card saying ‘Stoke Rochford Hall’, and will be aware of your name. If a taxi does not arrive to collect you please contact Organising and Membership on 020 7380 4781 or Stoke Rochford Hall to arrange a taxi for you. Alternatively, take any taxi from the station and obtain a receipt for your journey so that you can be reimbursed for the trip. The cost is approximately £15. You will be dropped off adjacent to the main entrance to the Mansion, from where you can go to Reception and check in. Course tutors will ascertain your return taxi requirements on the penultimate day of the course.

Travel Expenses:

You will be reimbursed for the following travel expenses:

• Standard class rail travel. Receipts must be provided so please obtain a receipt in addition to your tickets.
• The NUT will pay for any taxis arranged by the NUT through its account. If a taxi booked for you from Grantham station does not arrive you may book an alternative taxi but must ask for a receipt so that a claim can be made.
• Mileage expenses if travelling by car - though normally you are expected to travel by public transport.

An expense claim form will be given to you at the commencement of the course. Payment is normally made to you by cheque within one month of the course. This cheque must be presented to your bank/building society within six months of issue to you.

Unused rail/coach tickets:

If you do not attend the course for any reason you may be able to claim the cost of your pre purchased ticket from the operating company or agency from which you bought it. An administration fee may be charged.

If the NUT cancels a course you should also request a refund from the company or agency as above. In this instance any unrecoverable costs and the administration fee can be reclaimed from the NUT.

Enquiries can be made to the Organising and Membership Department at NUT Headquarters, telephone 020 7380 4781/4837 or email training@nut.org.uk.

ACCOMMODATION

The majority of the accommodation, all of which is ensuite, is located a short distance from the Mansion in either the Old Stables Courtyard or Woodland Lodge. All rooms have full en-suite facilities, towels, colour TV, including Sky News, radio, direct dial telephone, broadband internet socket with a standard internet cable, tea and coffee making facilities, trouser press and hairdryer. There are also irons and ironing boards available at your request.

COURSE MATERIALS and PROGRAMME

Normally you will be given a minimum of one A4 sized training pack plus additional paper based materials to use on the course and as a reference afterwards. Please ensure that you have room in your luggage for taking these home with you.

Usually the programme enclosed with the pre course correspondence is a DRAFT programme. The start and end timings of the course will not change but some of the content may change.

DRESS CODE

There is no formal dress code. Most colleagues wear relaxed casual clothing. Temperatures can vary across the site and you are advised to ‘layer’ clothing so that you can make adjustments according to the temperature. It is necessary to walk outside for short distances between the accommodation facilities, the Mansion, some of the training rooms and the leisure centre, so you will need to have outdoor clothing available.

SMOKING/NON SMOKING

Stoke Rochford Hall and all accommodation blocks are non-smoking buildings, so smoking is only permitted outside.

DISABLED FACILITIES

Some bedrooms, some training rooms and the Reflections Restaurant and Terrace Bar are wheelchair accessible. There is a designated unisex cloakroom (washbasin and toilet) on the ground floor of the Mansion adjacent to Reception and in the Conference Centre.

A motorised buggy is available for use in the grounds.

There are disabled parking spaces in the car park in front of the Mansion, and facilities to park next to all accommodation and training facilities.

Please advise as soon as possible if you will require a hearing loop in the training room.

You will be asked to state your needs on a course requirements form that will be sent to you on receipt of your application form. It is essential that this be completed and returned well in advance of the course so that any special arrangements can be made on your behalf.

LIFT

A wheelchair accessible lift serves the lower ground floor including the restaurant and bar, and ground and mezzanine floors of the Mansion.

CARING FOR A CHILD OR OTHER DEPENDANT

If you have responsibilities for a child or other dependant, please contact the NUT to discuss possible ways in which the NUT may be able to assist you.

Possibilities may include:

• financial assistance for caring costs whilst you are away from home;
• the option of a dependant accompanying you to Stoke Rochford Hall;
• the option of bringing a child and an additional carer to Stoke Rochford Hall; and
• the opportunity to stay at a nearby hotel which has crèche facilities.

Please contact the NUT as soon as possible regarding your specific needs.

Enquiries can be made to the Organising and Membership Department at NUT Headquarters, telephone 020 7380 4781/4837 or email training@nut.org.uk.

DINING

The Reflections Restaurant is situated on the lower ground floor of the Hall. All meals, except dinner, are on a self-service basis and are usually served at the following times:

Morning coffee and afternoon tea are served in the Grand Hall or Conference Hall according to the requirements of each course. Non-caffeinated alternatives are available. The exact times of meals for your course are indicated on the course programme.

LUNCH ON THE LAST DAY OF THE COURSE

If your course finishes at lunchtime you will normally be given the option of staying for lunch OR having a packed lunch to take with you. Tutors will note your requirements on the penultimate day of the course.

TERRACE BAR

The Terrace Bar is situated on the lower ground floor of the Hall. Opening times vary but include the evening from 5.30 p.m.

The bar is non-smoking and has satellite TV, shown on a large screen.

Access to the lower ground floor is from the stairs which are situated along the corridor from the Reception on the right, or by the lift opposite Reception. A bar account can be opened on presentation of a credit card to Reception.

CAR PARKING

Limited parking is available in front of the Mansion and within the Old Stable Courtyard, Woodland Lodge. There is additional parking to the rear of the Mansion adjacent to the William Burn suite.

Alternative parking is available at the Obelisk car park.

RECEPTION

The Centre’s Reception Office is situated in the Mansion. Opening times are 7.30 a.m.-10.00 p.m. Messages taken for delegates are displayed on the message board at Reception. You may request a morning alarm call. If you need any help or assistance, please contact Reception.  SERENDIPITY SHOP (9.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m.)

A supply of toiletries, postcards, etc., may be purchased from the Hall’s gift shop, at the rear of the Reception Office.

POSTAL FACILITIES

Outgoing mail should be handed in at Reception not later than 4.00 p.m. Incoming mail should be addressed as follows:

Name Name of Course Stoke Rochford Hall STOKE ROCHFORD Nr Grantham Lincolnshire NG33 5EJ

TELEPHONE AND INTERNET FACILITIES

One pay phone is located in the Mansion. For incoming calls through the switchboard (open from 7.30 a.m.-10.00 p.m.) the telephone number is 01476 530337. Relevant numbers are detailed below for your information:

Reception - 0 or 200 Night Porter - 228 ‘Gym & Tonic’ - 291 Terrace Bar - 241 Restaurant - 243

Mobile telephone reception is not guaranteed. Broadband Internet facilities are available in all ensuite bedrooms in the Mansion, the Grand Hall, all meeting rooms and the Terrace Bar, but not guaranteed. Internet connection is available in all ensuite bedrooms rooms with the use of a Cat 5 Ethernet cable. There is no charge for this service, though a charge will be made for any missing or damaged cables. Stoke Rochford Hall also has wi fi in some public areas, and this can be used at times that those public rooms are available to your course.

FIRE REGULATIONS

Please ensure that you are familiar with the fire regulations posted in the residential areas and in each training room. They can be found on the back of each bedroom door.

FIRE ALARMS

Please note that on Monday mornings, at approximately 9.00 a.m., the fire alarms will be tested. There is no need to evacuate the building unless a member of staff indicates such. Fire evacuation procedures are detailed in bedrooms and information packs.

FIRST AID

First aid kits are located in Reception, Gym & Tonic, Restaurant and the Terrace Bar. There are lists of qualified First Aiders displayed around the building.

 SECURITY

The Board of Management regrets that it cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal articles. Safe keeping of valuables can be arranged by Reception.

REGISTRATION, KEYS AND CHECKOUT

Bedrooms are not normally available until 12.00 noon on the day of arrival and should be vacated by 9.30 a.m. on the day of departure. Each residential delegate will be requested to fill out a registration key card on arrival. This should be carried with you at all times, as you may be required to produce it in the Bars, Restaurant or Health and Fitness Centre. Keys should be collected from Reception and returned on the morning of departure. Please note that a charge is made for any unreturned or lost key, and that the Union is charged for any rooms not vacated by 9.30am on the day of departure.

ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE

Accidents happen! Please report all damage to SRH reception and to the NUT staff or tutors.

Damage to the property of Stoke Rochford Hall, including furniture, fittings, bedding, decorations or other items or facilities however caused occur from time to time. Stoke Rochford Hall will invoice the NUT for damage caused by course participants. The NUT reserves the right to deduct all or part of any such charges from participants’ expense claims or to invoice participants for any such damage, fully or in part, particularly where such incidents are not declared at the time of occurrence or before departure.

‘GYM & TONIC’ HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTRE is FREE!

The Centre has a comprehensive Health and Fitness Centre. The Centre is open from 1.00 p.m.-9.00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 12.00 noon-8.00 p.m. on Fridays,10.00 a.m-8.00 p.m on Saturdays, and 8.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. on Sundays. The facilities include seasonal swimming pool, open April to December (subject to change), male and female saunas and steam rooms, full size Jacuzzi, sunshower, multi-gym, tennis courts, football pitch and a gymnasium with facilities for playing badminton or table tennis.

Tennis and badminton racquets, shuttlecocks, table tennis bats and balls may be hired. Visitors are advised to bring their own sportswear if they wish to use the facilities. Towels are provided.

Please check in advance of your visit that the facilities you wish to use will be open

Use for residents of the pool, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi and gym are FREE. Costs for use of other facilities are as follows:

• Sun Shower - £3.50 for 5 mins
• Sports Hall - £15.00 per hour
• Football Pitch Lights - £25.00/£15.00 per hour
• Equipment and Racquet hire - £2.00 (+ £10.00 deposit)

Full details on booking facilities and the charges can be obtained from the Health and Fitness Centre Reception, which is situated opposite the football pitch near the Halls of Residence. You will be required to present your registration card which will be issued at the main Reception on your arrival.

BAR GAMES

A pool table, scrabble, monopoly, jenga, chess and playing cards are all available in the Terrace Bar.

WALKING AND JOGGING

There are several public rights of way suitable for walking and jogging. Visitors must also ensure that they do not walk onto the golf course, since this could result in serious injury. MAP TO STOKE ROCHFORD HALL

Updated: February 2011