Frequently Asked Questions
Courses | Materials| The Studio | The Clay Insider
Last Update: 16/06/20261 Courses
1.11 What courses are coming up?
Available courses are published on the website 2 months prior to the start of the course. In the meantime, complete an enquiry form and you will be e-mailed with updates.. courses from the Autumn 2026 include Throwing specific courses for up to 6 people, Beginners classes on Wednesday afternoons or Thursday evenings, Ceramics for All classes for any level but probably not the best class for complete beginners and the Advanced class for the significantly more experienced potters (by application only). Please also refer to FAQ 1.32 below.
1.12 How many courses are there in a year? There are 6 courses for all of the Beginners, Throwing and Ceramics for All classes lasting 7 weeks each. The Advanced course is 14 weeks in length to allow for further exploration and extension of learning. There are breaks between courses for Christmas, Easter and the Summer.
1.2 Do you sell gift vouchers for courses?
Yes! We sell vouchers for our one-off taster sessions. These will shortly be published on the website.
1.31 If I miss a class on a course can I catch up another time?
In the event of non-attendance or arriving late to classes it is not possible to provide alternative studio time, or for a class to be rescheduled. We usually run at full capacity so it is not possible to swap classes or use the studio outside of the allotted class times to ‘catch up’. When signing up to a course please check that you can attend as many of the classes as possible. See Terms and Conditions. You can apply to book a “drop-in” session which are designed to allow you adequate time to complete a project within the block of classes. The link to the drop-in sessions are sent by email at the beginning of the course. They are untutored and incur a fee to cover the cost of supervision and use of the studio.
1.32 If I am absent is there a possibility of offering my place to another potter? You can liaise with your tutor who will consult the “waiting list” for your course. This is managed through the scheduling software. If an individual is available to take your place they will be asked to pay you for that session directly either in cash or by bank-transfer or other means of direct payment. The Clay Yard does not have the capacity to manage the payment in this way.
1.4 Who can use the ‘Drop-In’ untutored or tutored sessions?
These are just for people who are enrolled on a currently running pottery course or by arrangement with Alison Hannah (email info@theclayyardtotnes.co.uk to request information) who have previous experience of working with clay. These sessions aren’t suited for complete beginners as they require you to work unsupported. There is a studio charge to cover the studio use and supervision - some concessions may be offered in exceptional circumstances.
1.5 Can I arrange a private session for team building or a group activity?
We can host a range of sessions and activities. More information about team-building can be found on the teams page. Please e-mail info@theclayyardtotnes.co.uk
1.6 Why is there additional charge for materials, why isn’t it included in the course?
The Clay Yard aims to teach value and precision. The courses focus on process and refinement in order that the participant gains an insight into the value of the making-by-hand processes. Please refer to the sustainability strategy on the website. Making items with more than 1kg of clay has an impact on the studio systems in the following ways…
The pot may not be easily stored for drying and takes up additional space whilst drying.
large forms may mean that less shelving can be used for firing work significantly impacting on the turnover of firings for other users in the space.
Large forms require more glaze materials.
Storage of finished items is limited and can clutter the space impacting on the learning environment for other users
2 Materials
2.1 Why is there additional charge for materials, why isn’t it included in the course?
The Clay Yard aims to teach value and precision. The courses focus on process and refinement in order that the participant gains an insight into the value of the making-by-hand processes. Please refer to the sustainability strategy on the website. Making items with more than 1kg of clay has an impact on the studio systems in the following ways…
The pot may not be easily stored for drying and takes up additional space whilst drying.
large forms may mean that less shelving can be used for firing work significantly impacting on the turnover of firings for other users in the space.
Large forms require more glaze materials.
Storage of finished items is limited and can clutter the space impacting on the learning environment for other users
2.2 Glaze Safety: Are the glazes safe to use and will they be stable when used in the kitchen and with food? There are many factors that influence the stability of a glaze. We have chosen glazes that have a low level of unstable materials and aim to avoid more toxic components such as those with barium and nickel. See the Glaze Guide for more information. Our technician is working to explore the development of glazes that are assuredly stable and non-toxic.
3 Studio
3.1 Who do you use for your energy supply and is it from renewable sources?
The energy provider for both studios are from the Energy Local group and is 100% renewable. Energy is primarily provided by solar panels and the hydro-electric assets of the TRESOC group power our kilns, wheels and all other electric devices are all powered from renewable energy provided by Green Energy. Please take a moment to review our sustainability policy.
4 The Clay Yard Insider Subscription Plan
4.1 Why is there a £15 joining fee? The joining fee is a one-off payment to cover the setup charge and ongoing management of the membership scheme. It also entitles you to gain from the subscriber benefits (priority booking on over-subscribed courses, 10% discount on workshop programme, spread payments for courses).
4.2 Is there a way that I can be a subscriber and get the benefits but pay for the course in 2 payments rather than setting up a £145 payment per month? There is no current option to become a subscriber with reduced payment schedules. To break-down the cost of courses use the 50% deposit option at the checkout.
4.3 How does it make sense to sign-up for an ‘Insider subscription plan” far in advance for the start of course? The initial introduction of the programme allows for you to get priority access to over-subscribed courses - paying ahead for the programme gives you access to the benefits of subscribing and assurance that you have access. Those who sign-up prior to the beginning of the Autumn courses can arrange to delay the second payment to a date within 1 month of the start of the course.
4.4 If I subscribe for a whole year and pay the £145 per month + joining fee it amounts to more than most courses if I choose to enrol. A subscription allows you to spread the cost of payments on all courses. For instance, if you enrol on the subscription plan on the 1st of August. A non-refundable joining fee of £15 and your first monthly payment of £145 will mean that by the start of your course in September you will have covered the cost of the course. If you choose to end your subscription you should ensure that you have made adequate payments to cover the full cost of the course. The plan suits those who have a longer-term view on their commitment to attend classes.
4.5 What is the cancellation option?
The initial commitment to The Clay Yard Insider is for 3 months. After that time, you can choose to cancel. Any outstanding payments for courses currently enrolled on will be billed separately. Please read the terms and conditions.