NCT's Big Weekend - FAQ

I’ve heard that there are free tickets available to attend NCT's Big Weekend. Is this correct and how do I go about getting one?

Yes this is correct however, the deadline for returning these tickets has now passed. Full details of how to book your place can be found at www.nct.org.uk/members/telford2010/booking.

Is accommodation included in the free tickets?

No. Accommodation is NOT included in any conference tickets and must be booked separately. See www.nct.org.uk/members/telford2010/travel for further information.

What happens if I have been unsuccessful in securing a free ticket?

This depends on your role within the NCT. If you are an NCT member, branch team member or volunteer you or your branch can also choose to buy additional tickets. If you are a specialist worker you can either use your study day allowance to attend (one study day will cover attendance for both days) or you can buy your ticket. If you are a student, tutor or PSA you can buy your ticket. Tickets cost £65 per day or £120 for two days and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to availability.

I am a student, may I use my study day vouchers to attend?

Student study day vouchers may not be used to attend. Whilst the content of the weekend is both relevant and interesting to students, it does not equate to the focused study on one particular subject which is required on a study day. Student study day vouchers must be reserved for study days that genuinely meet students' learning needs.

As a qualified Specialist Worker may I use my study day allowance to attend?

Yes, specialist workers may use their study day allowance to attend. One study day will cover attendance for both days of Telford 2010. If you are attending to meet your re-registration requirements you should use a study day to fund your attendance.

I am thinking of bringing my partner – does he/she need a ticket to attend as well?

If your partner wishes to attend the conference sessions he/she will need a ticket in order to do so. If your partner is attending to take part in the family activities and will not be attending the conference sessions then no ticket is required.

I have secured (or am hoping to secure) a free ticket to attend. Who covers my expenses?

If you have secured a branch free ticket your branch will cover your expenses. If are a PSA or specialist worker, your PSA area will cover your expenses. If you are a student your expenses will be covered by your branch. If you are a tutor your expenses will be covered by the education budget.

Are there guidelines regarding the expenses that will be covered?

Ultimately it is for the branch, PSA or tutor concerned to decide what is appropriate with respect to expenses. However, there are some general guidelines. For example, the limit for accommodation for all NCT employees and staff is £70 per night. Mileage is paid at the rate of 20p per mile. Rail or other travel is paid at the standard class rate. You are advised to confirm arrangements for expenses in advance of submitting your claim.

What about expenses for partners/family - are they covered?

Branches, PSAs and tutors are not expected to cover expenses for partners/family to attend. However, some may choose to do so in certain circumstances. In many cases the additional cost will be minimal - for example, if you are driving and staying in onsite accommodation at the Telford International Centre where prices are per room rather than per person. You will need to talk to your branch, PSA or tutor before submitting your claim if you would like them to consider paying family expenses.

Can free (golden) tickets be shared between more than one branch member?

Yes, if your branch has two members one of whom would like to attend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, you may use one golden ticket for both of these members. When the golden ticket is returned to Profile Productions an explanatory covering letter will need to be sent with the details of the second delegate.

My branch has secured a grant for conference attendance – are there any rules on who we can send using this money?

No. If you have secured a grant it is up to the branch to decide who should benefit from this funding. You may use it to fund students and specialist workers if you wish. You may also choose to use the money to pay the expenses of those individuals who are attending on your branch golden tickets (you will still need to use at least one of your golden tickets as per the booking terms and conditions).

What accommodation is available in Telford, are there preferential rates for NCT members and how do I go about booking?

There are three hotels onsite at the Telford International Centre and a wide range of offsite accommodation nearby. Further information about the options and booking can be found at www.nct.org.uk/members/telford2010/travel.

Is there crèche available?

Yes, a FREE crèche will be provided by Just Learning Nurseries throughout the weekend. Just Learning Nurseries provided the crèche at this year’s event in Swansea and the delegates who used it spoke highly of the care provided.

What age of children will the crèche accept?

The crèche will cater for all ages from the youngest babies to older school age children. The older children who attended the crèche in Swansea reported that they had a great time!

How do I book a crèche place?

To book a crèche place contact May Ghaghda at Profile Productions on 020 8832 7311 or email her at may.ghaghda@profileproductions.co.uk. Please note that crèche places are likely to fill quickly so early booking is recommended.

What activities are you offering for families attending NCT's Big Weekend?

At the moment we are still drawing up plans but rest assured there will be plenty to keep the family occupied. The Telford International Centre is set in over 50 acres of glorious park land and we have many options for activities ranging from teddy bears’ picnics and treasure hunts for the younger children to cycling, horse riding and tree planting for older kids. Keep an eye on the website for further details as our plans progress.

What local attractions are there in or near to Telford for the family?

There are lots of great things to do just on the doorstep for all the family. Information can be found on the Telford International Centre website or by downloading a visitor guide. You'll also find lots of useful information at Visit Ironbridge, the official tourism website for the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge and Telford.

Will food be available for partners and children?

Yes, lunch for partners and children will be available to purchase at the venue on both days. A children’s tea will be provided on Saturday at around 5pm, though it has yet to be agreed whether this will be provided at the venue or at one of the on-site hotels. If it is the latter you will not need to be staying at the hotel for your child to have tea there.

I cannot find details of timings for the weekend on the website – please can you advise?

Although we now have many speakers confirmed we are still working to finalise the details of the programme for the weekend. The timings for the two days are currently 9.15am to 5.30pm on Saturday (with a wine reception from 5.30pm to 7.00pm) and 9.40am to 3.30pm on Sunday. It is possible that these timings may change slightly but unlikely that they will alter by much.

Is there an easy way that I can communicate with other members who are attending and keep myself up-to-date with your plans for the weekend?

Yes, you can join the Telford 2010 Yahoo Group, where you'll be able to find out lots more about what's going on, hear at first hand from those who've been before and share everything from your ideas and questions to coordinating travel plans with fellow delegates.

What do I do if I have a question that isn’t answered here?

You can contact our conference organisers, Profile Productions, on 020 8832 7311 if your question is about the event generally or anything to do with the venue and accommodation. If you have a question that is more specific to the NCT or your role within the NCT (such that the conference organisers may not be able to give you an answer) please email conferences@nct.org.uk or call 020 8752 2311.