FAQs | Focus Education

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions about Focus Education. If the answer you’re looking for isn’t here, get in touch and we’ll be glad to help.

Need to contact us?

Email: Click to email Customer Services

Tel: 01457 821 818

Fax: 01457 878 205

We’re open Monday – Thursday 8:00 – 17:00

Friday 8:00 – 16:30

How do I order a publication?

Our publications and downloads can be purchased through our online store. Alternatively you can call the Focus Education office on 01457 821 818 or email us here.  

How much is postage?

Delivery Charges

On orders of £149.99 and under: £5         On orders over £150: FREE       Next day delivery: £15.00* (these prices only apply to UK Mainland orders only)

Postage charges for outside of the UK are on a per order basis. Ring the office on 01457 821 818 for details or if you wish to place an order for next-day delivery.

*Orders that require next-day delivery must be placed by 12pm. Any orders placed after this time will be sent out the following working day.

Delivery charges are not applicable on the Downloads range or Update Service as these documents are emailed to customers.

Do you have approval copies of publications I can view?

There are sample pages available to view on our online store - check the specific product you're looking for and there is a tab labelled 'sample pages' next to the further information tabs. These documents are security protected and cannot be printed or copied. Please note: Focus Education does not send out physical goods on approval.  

Can I receive an e-copy/eBook version of the publication?

Our Downloads Range is designed to be delivered and used digitally. Many publications include a eBook and there are limited publications available with an CD version. eBooks are sent manually and aren't automatically downloadable. An email with download instructions will be sent to the email provided on the order. We try our best to send orders placed before 1pm the same day. Orders placed after this time may be sent the following day. Orders placed over the weekend will be processed and emailed on the next working day.

Which items have VAT?

Our digital downloads and CD-only products are subject to VAT, as well as subscriptions to the Focus Update Service and Learning Challenge Curriculum website. All of our publications are VAT-free.  

How do we return an item?

Unsuitable items must be returned within 14 days of the date of purchase and the original proof of purchase must be included (i.e. delivery note or invoice). We cannot accept returns after this time has passed. Please note: Items containing CD’s, e-books, downloads (and electronic copies/resources) cannot be returned.

Please Note: We no longer accept returns of bulk products such as Mini’s / My Early Years Progress Books or Year by Year.  If you wish to see these products upfront, please contact Customer Services and request sample pages.

Please contact Customer Services on 01457 821 818 before returning your item to Focus Education. For more information read our Terms & Conditions here.  

Are books printed in colour or black and white?

Most of our books are printed in black and white to keep the book cost as low as possible. On the website it will state if the book is printed in colour or black. We can print a book in colour but there will be an extra charge for this. If you would like one of our black and white books printed in colour please contact the office.  

Do I need an account to order?

No. We've introduced Guest Checkout to enable anyone to purchase at any time. Please note: Guest Checkout requires payment by Credit/Debit Card only. If you wish to pay by invoice you must have an account registered and linked to your school. Call 01457 821 818 or email us here for setting up a new account.  

Do I need an account to order?

No. We've introduced Guest Checkout to enable anyone to purchase at any time. Please note: Guest Checkout requires payment by Credit/Debit Card only. If you wish to pay by invoice you must have an account registered and linked to your school. Call 01457 821 818 or email us here for setting up a new account.  

I've forgotten my login! Help?

Don't worry give us a call on 01457 821 818 and we'll get you back online in no time.  

Can we set up an account?

Any school can set up an account with us, just get in touch. Alternatively Guest Checkout is also available for any customer. Please note: guest accounts are required to pay by credit/debit card. If you require payment by invoice, you'll need to register or login to your customer account.  

How do we update our account information?

The easiest way is to simply email us and we'll update your account for you. If you'd prefer to speak to us, you can call us on 01457 821 818.  

What are your bank details?

If you require these details please contact our Finance Department:  Email: Click to email Finance Department Tel: 01457 821 818 Opt. 4

How do we pay?

We accept BACS, Credit/Debit Card and Cheques as standard for all customers. We do not accept American Express.

Can we pay by invoice?

Yes. Your school must have a registered account with us (it only takes a few minutes to set up) to pay by invoice. Call Focus Education on 01457 821 818 to set up an account. Please note: Only schools based within the UK can pay by invoice.  

How long do I have to pay the invoice?

Our standard invoice terms are 30 days from the date issued.

How do I book a place on a course/conference?

All course bookings can be made through our course website. Alternatively you can call the Focus Education office on 01457 821 818 or email us here.  

How do I get my event pack?

Your event pack is emailed to the supplied email address approximately two weeks prior to the course date. Event packs contain the course objective, agenda and directions to the venue - the objective and agenda is available on the course page on the course website. If you havent recieved this please call the Focus Education office on 01457 821 818 or email us here.  

I need to cancel what do i do?

Our terms and conditions can be found here if you still wish to cancel your place  email us here with the course reference code and names of the delegates cancelling.

I'm interested in a course but I can't attend any of the dates - can I still access the course afterwards?

Focus Education has come up with our On-Demand area which allows schools to purchase training ranging from 30 minutes to 4-5 hours long. Some of these contain Zoom courses that we have previously run. To read more and find the appropriate course for you, please visit our On-Demand page.

I would like to book a consultant to work with my school/group of schools, how do I do this?

The first step is to get in touch with Linda Davies, you can email her or call 01457 821 811.

Linda will speak with you to determine your objectives and learning outcomes; once we know what you need, we’ll design a program and recommend the most experienced consultant in your chosen topic. You can also request a specific consultant for your inset day.

 

Can we share the cost of a consultant with other schools?

Absolutely. Some schools prefer to hold training with other local schools or clusters, sharing costs and strengthening links. We’re very happy to help in this process in whatever capacity we can.

We can also organise training on behalf of a cluster, group of schools, academy trusts or local authority taking place at a venue of your choice.

 

I would prefer different hours for a consultant, is this possible?

Yes. Most schools request a standard school day, however we can work to whatever you require. Our hours are flexible and we also offer twilight sessions. Get in touch with Linda Davies to discuss all your options. You can email her or call 01457 821 811.