Can I just turn up?

Places at workshops are limited and we need parental/guardian permission and information before children can be left in the library with us. Therefore, please book your place in advance here: https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/resources/the-blank-page-project

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‍We're not eligible for free school meals, can we still book a workshop?

Our workshops are open to ALL regardless of Free School Meals eligibility. Please make sure that when you complete the booking process, you select the correct ticket type, either Free HAF-eligible or Free non-HAF eligible.

Free HAF eligible is a ticket for those who are eligible and in receipt of free school meals. Free NON HAF eligible if for those who are not. As a library visitor, you are eligible for all free activity within our libraries.

Please note that all bookings will be sent to Suffolk County Council for checking and approval. This is just part of the normal process and we will aim to confirm your booking within three working days.

We are working on securing some additional funding for Blank Page for 2025 onwards but going forwards, we are likely to be in a position where we can only offer free places to children who are eligible for free school meals. For those not in receipt of free school meals, it is likely that we will have to ask for a contributory payment towards the cost of their workshop place in 2025.

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How can I book for a workshop?

We use eequ as our booking system for The Blank Page Project. To book for a workshop:

• Visit the eequ page for the library you want to attend a workshop at (you can find the individual eequ links on this page)
• Click the green ‘Book’ button, select the workshop you want to attend, where you will be prompted to create an eequ account. You must create an account in order to book onto a workshop.
• After you’ve created an account, select the workshop dates you want to attend
• Enter in the name and date of birth of your attending child
• Select your eligibility (HAF or non-HAF)
• Enter in your booker information and your child’s attendee information
• Request your booking

If you encounter any issues with the eequ booking system, please get in touch with Katie Puls at katie.puls@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

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Who will have access to my personal information on eequ?

‍Your information will be accessed by Suffolk Libraries and Suffolk County Council, who approve all bookings. Your anonymised data will not be shared with anyone other than our funders who may use this for reporting, monitoring and evaluation purposes only. Unless you have given us permission, you will not receive marketing correspondences from Suffolk Libraries regarding your booking, other than booking confirmation emails and any notices regarding event cancellations or changes. Read Suffolk Libraries’ full privacy policy and Eequ’s Privacy Policy for more information.

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My child is 9 but is turning 10 later this year, can they still attend?

These workshops are specifically for teens aged 10-16. However, on certain occasions, exceptions may be able to be made. To discuss, please contact our Youth Activities Producer, Katie Puls at katie.puls@suffolklibraries.co.uk  

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‍Can my child bring their younger sibling along to a workshop?

Siblings are welcome, so long as they are aged 10-16.  ‍

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What lunch options are available? 

Lunch, drinks and snacks will be provided at every workshop. Choices vary from library to library given that each location uses different catering providers but usually a selection of sandwiches are available along with crisps, fresh fruit, cake and drinks. Please contact your library where the workshop is taking place if you require more details. We are happy to cater for dietary requirements (provided the booking is made within 72 hours of the workshop). Please note this on the booking form. There is also a tick box for you to select if you would prefer to bring your own lunch.

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Can my child bring their own packed lunch?

Yes of course! Make sure you tick the box on the booking form to let us know you’ll be bringing your own food.

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My child has a medical issue, can they bring their medication?

Yes – Please note any medical needs on the form and what medication your child will be bringing so that the staff on the day can see at a glance on the register. All medication will need to be labelled clearly with the child’s name and handed in to staff upon registration. Please note that your child will need to administer this themselves.

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Can my child leave a workshop early?

Our workshops are deigned to be full day workshops. Children will need to plan and be prepared to stay for the whole day. Bookings will not be permitted from those who cannot stay for the duration of the workshop since spaces are limited. However of course, if during the day the child wishes to leave for any reason, we will contact you for collection.

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My child sometimes gets anxious and overwhelmed, is there a quiet space they can go to if they need to?

Yes, staff will be on hand to support and there are plenty of quiet spaces where children can decompress. Please note that your child has anxiety on the booking form so that we know to watch out for your child.

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Will there be adult supervision at the workshop?

Yes! There will be at least three adults at each workshop. The artists and two members of support staff form the library. Take a look at our mentors on the library listing page to find out more about the adults who will be working with you before you arrive!

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How will the day work and what are the timelines for the day?

Here is sample timetable of how the day will run:

• 9:45 - Young people arrive, register and settle in. Everyone will be given their own lanyards to complete with their name and self-portraits.
• 10:00 - Session beings with introductions, expectations, safeguarding (fire exists, toilet locations), quick tour of the library space, code of conduct
• 10:30 - Activity begins
• 11:30 - Break and snacks
• 12:00 - Activity resumes
• 13:00 - Lunch break and library browsing
• 13:45 - Activity resumes
• 15:00 - Activity finishes, snack and drink, tidy up, group evaluation and photo time
• 15:30 - Session ends.