Velobuild FAQs

We work almost exclusively in special schools and have developed an acute understanding of the requirements we come across in all schools. We know everyone has different levels of capability and we are very sensitive towards that. Coaches are on hand every step of the way and we like to think we have seen it all and adapted, though we are also mindful of and prepared for situations we are yet to encounter.

We have developed a very considered 6-minute introduction. It covers everything they need to know about the course, what we expect from them and what they can expect from us as well as establishing the boundaries. The main objectives of the introduction are:

1. To allay feelings of overwhelm in students by telling them that whilst we will be working with over 150 different tools and parts, we will only be talking about that part or tool as it is being worked with. This way we can slowly become familiar with the newly introduced parts and tools.

2. Tell students that regardless of their current knowledge of cycle mechanics or the knowledge of their immediate peers within the group, if they are willing to participate and engage with us then by the end of the course, we will all know the same.

3. Tell students that they are in a safe space and that there are no silly questions and that they can ask as many and as often as they like.

4. We tell students that we are a friendly bunch and that whilst we want them to learn, the course is going to be fairly informal and quite relaxed.

We come to you.

Whether that's a classroom or a front room, all works are carried out on site at your location so no need for expensive cabs or minibuses.

For those who have no space, it is possible to rent a local venue and conduct The VeloBuild Project from there.

We have coaches across the country so you can be assured that we cover your area.
The VeloBuild project is fully accredited by AQA.

Students can receive, upon completion of the project, 4 AQA Unit Awards:

120605 - FULL REBUILD OF A MOUNTAIN BIKE
120606 - FITTING AND TUNING A FULL V-BRAKE SYSTEM ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE
120607 - INDEXING AND INSTALLING GEARS AND A CHAIN ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE
120608 - GENERAL BIKE MAINTENANCE OF A MOUNTAIN BIKE
We build courses around your timetable. We want you to have maximum flexibility. We have various lots of formats to suit your requirements from single visit builds to 6-visit builds. Each build takes around 6 hours to complete.

Between 1 and 8 students. Larger groups can be accommodated upon request.
We have a format to suit every single time table. Below, you can see just the commonly delivered formats. If you can't find what will suit your timetable, we'll make one for you that fits.
We have worked with students as young as 4 and as old as 25 but there's not really any limits. 
Yes. It is very common for sessions to be made up of varying year groups. 
Each student requires approximately 16sq/ft of space to work in. Plus another 16sq/ft for the coaches’ area. In a group of 4 students and 1 coach, the size of a medium-sized lounge is adequate. We are yet to be allocated a workspace in which we have not found a way to deliver the courses effectively and safely.

A good-sized broom cupboard is sufficient though we do have options for those with no storage space.
In a group format the build will take around 6 hours on average. Students in a 1on1 format will receive 4 hours of Velobuild practical training. Costs are adjusted accordingly.
We are happy to work with as many or as few support staff as you see fit.
We have designed and developed our courses for students without significant handicaps, but we are a fully inclusive company. If you have someone who you would like to see on our course but are concerned about their physical and mental capability and agency. Please do tell us and we will work with you to see that there is a course that can be built around them. Our courses have delivered to boys and girls from ages 4-25 of from varying degrees of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and SEMH (Social and Emotional Mental Health) requirements. We tailor our delivery to our students based on any given course. E.G. A student that wants to pursue a career in cycle mechanics will receive a fully immersive learning experience with coaches delivering all supporting materials. Whereas a Year 6 student may not be able or willing to take on larger swathes of information in this way. Therefore we will modify his or her learning experience according to our best judgement.
We work closely with you to deliver any EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan) you have in place for any given student. 

Oftentimes, the experience or skills a student says they have and the reality are not always perfectly aligned. But in circumstances where we can see a student is highly capable, we have many ‘test and stretch’ add-ins to deliver.
We also offer short, 3-session ‘bolt-on’ courses geared toward advanced cycle mechanics such as wheel building and truing, brake bleeding, spray painting and finishing.
We work almost exclusively in special schools and have developed an acute understanding of the requirements we come across in all schools. We know everyone has different levels of capability and we are very sensitive towards that. Coaches are on hand every step of the way and we like to think we have seen it all and adapted, though we are also mindful of and prepared for situations we are yet to encounter.
We use the tried and tested method: E.D.I.P.
• E-Explanation. At the beginning of each task, we explain what we are about to do.
• D-Demonstration. We demonstrate to students the task at hand.
• I-Imitation. Students return to their workstations to imitate what they have just seen.
• P- Practice. We return to tasks at points along the way to refresh and practice what they have learned.
No, there is very little theory. The course is heavily practical. There is some very basic administration of their progress tracking paperwork, but students are given the option as to whether they fill this in themselves or have it done by us. We always check discreetly with students to avoid any embarrassment.
Yes, we have a meticulously detailed programme learning guide complete with Lesson plans, Learning Objectives and PtMs*. We also have a public copy.

Public copy available upon request.

*Note: PtMs are Points to Mention, this gives every coach talking points about all tools, parts and tasks such as what the tool / part is called, its role, what it’s made from, how available it is and how much it costs.
Whilst dangerous situations can occur anywhere, anytime, we have full risk assessments for all of our learning programmes.
Whilst there are only a very small number of times we use products that require safety data sheets.

We have available, on demand, sheets for the following products:
  • Chain Oil
  • Bicycle Grease 
  • Anti-Bacterial Handwipes.
You can request these from the office or see our friendly coach whilst he is visiting.

All of our coaches go through a rigorous training programme to ensure they are fully safety aware.
Yes. All our staff hold an enhanced DBS certification.

You can request these from the office or see our coach whilst they are visiting who will have a copy of their own certificate. Originals are held centrally.
Yes. Our staff have read and understood The Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 document. We also ensure that staff have read this document on a biannual basis.
Yes, we have an in-house Safeguarding Policy that all staff have read and signed and is reviewed bi-annually.

This document is available at Head Office on request.

Yes, we have full public liability insurance through a specialised insurer and we are covered up to £10 million.

Just so you know, we also have:
  • Employer's Liability: £10m
  • Professional Indemnity: £2m
  • Products Liability: £2m
You can request a copy of the public liability from the office or see our coach whilst they are visiting.

 Original Certificate held centrally.
We have a high level of attention to safety, safeguarding and compliance so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

Our coaches will also carry copies of their driving licence, our vehicle insurance, an accident book plus all pertinent policies.

You can request copies from the office or see our friendly coach whilst he is visiting.

Originals held centrally.
Yes, Matthew Witt holds a current certification as Designated Safeguarding Lead (Children)
We build courses around the specific needs and timetables of our Education Partners so you can be sure we will already have or be able to create a programme tailored to your school. Variables such as number of visits, students and length of sessions all have an impact on cost.

Shown below are the most commonly delivered course format and costing.

  • 6 Students (split into 2 groups) 
  • 3 Visits
  • Each group receives 120 mins per visit
  • Each student receives 6hrs of practical training
  • Includes the cost of 6 bikes, lights sets, locks and helmets
  • Maximum of 8 students total
  • £2650

  • 3 Students 
  • 2 x 90 minute sessions per visit (E.G. Either side of lunch)
  • 2 Visits
  • Each student receives 6hrs of practical training
  • Includes the cost of 3 bikes, lights sets, locks and helmets
  • Maximum of 4 students total
  • £1500

  • 1 Student
  • One-Day Build
  • Completes in about 4 - 4.5hrs
  • Breaks will be built in around existing timetables
  • Includes the cost of bike, lights set, lock and helmet
  • Maximum of 4 students total
  • £650


Breaks can be built in to sessions if required

Courses delivered over fewer visits (longer sessions times) are less costly due to lower staffing and travel costs.

There are lots of other formats that cater for single students up to 8 total.
Please find a meeting from the home tab to discuss costs based on your specific requirements.