Frequently Asked Questions

Why has the CBeebies website changed recently?

The CBeebies website has a new look, designed to make games and activities easier to find as well as a more playful learning experience for children. For more details pleas read our article in CBeebies Grown-ups.

Q: Why are some games and activities no longer available on the CBeebies website?

As part of the changes to the new-look website, a few of our older games which were rather old-fashioned and up to a decade old have been removed. Children can still interact with their favourite characters as there are still games and activities available for every CBeebies show. MyCBeebies has also been removed because it is no longer technically compliant with the website. However, you can still play the Pet Practice game but without the ability to save your creations.

How can I give feedback about the new-look CBeebies website?

We would love to hear your views about the CBeebies website, please share your experiences on the CBeebies message board. If you spot any technical or editorial problems then please let us know here.

Where is the Green Balloon Club Newsletter?

The final newsletter was sent out on 3rd November 2009 and no further emails will be sent. However, you can still sign up for the CBeebies Newsletter which gives you information about a wide range of CBeebies content.

How do I get my child's birthday card shown on CBeebies?

For advice on how to send in cards and what they should include, see the Birthdays page. If you don't have time to send a card you can still send a personal birthday message from Chris to a child by using Birthday Time!.

Can I get a copy of my child's birthday card being shown?

We're sorry but we don't send recordings to individuals.

Can I suggest a name for Birthday Time! on the website?

If you have a suggestion for child's name please email cbeebies@bbc.co.uk and put 'Birthday name suggestion' in the subject field. We can't promise to add all suggested names straight away but we'll review them from time to time.

When will my Birthday Time! greeting be shown on CBeebies?

The idea of Birthday Time! on the web is that you don't need to send anything into CBeebies. You watch the greeting you make straight away on the CBeebies website or you email the link of the greeting to the birthday girl or boy to watch on their computer. These greetings will not be shown on TV.

When will I see my birthday on Interactive TV (red button service)?

We'll always try to show as many birthday messages as we can, but we can't guarantee that every one will be shown. For more information about improving your chances please read Birthdays on Interactive TV.

How do I contact CBeebies Weekly?

If you have a query or subscription issue please email cbeebiesweekly@bbc.co.uk

How do I contact other CBeebies magazines?

Some magazines feature a contact email address within the publication details.

Has CBeebies Radio on BBC Radio 7 moved to another time?

Yes - it has moved from its afternoon slot to a more family-friendly time in the morning. It broadcasts from 5am to 8am seven days a week. You can still listen to the programmes any time you wish via the CBeebies website.

Q: Why are some games and activities no longer available on the CBeebies website?

As part of the changes to the new-look website, a few of our older games which were rather old-fashioned and up to a decade old have been removed. Children can still interact with their favourite characters as there are still games and activities available for every CBeebies show. MyCBeebies has also been removed because it is no longer technically compliant with the website. However, you can still play the Pet Practice game but without the ability to save your creations.

Why can't I watch CBeebies website video content from overseas?

Video is restricted to only being available to watch within the United Kingdom. All other content should be unaffected. If you could previously view video content outside the UK, you will no longer be able to do so.

Why do certain sections of the CBeebies website now appear in CBeebies Grown-Ups?

You may have noticed that when you click on Birthdays, Contact CBeebies, Newsletter, Technical Help, What's On or Digital Services on the CBeebies website, you are now redirected to content within CBeebies Grown-Ups.

This is part of ongoing development of the website to make content which is primarily directed at parents and carers appear in our Grown-Ups area. All the content is the same as it was previously and the same functionality exists as before.

Why can I no longer find Binka or Wide Eye?

Binka and Wide Eye are no longer part of the CBeebies schedules so we have to remove all supported web content. It is not possible to send this content to you.

Why can I no longer find some web content?

When the CBeebies website was redesigned we had to remove some of our old content. When some brands are no longer licensed by us we also have to remove any relevant content. It is not possible to send this content to you.

Where is the Balamory Sweet Shop game?

Unfortunately there's a technical problem with this game. We've removed it from the site temporarily until the necessary changes can be made. We're sorry for any inconvenience.

Why is there not a website for my favourite programme?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide web support for every series produced. We try to develop online those that would most benefit from interactivity. We are looking to expand this in the future to be able to support all programmes.

Why is there no theme tune or video clips for my favourite programme?

Due to rights issues surrounding some CBeebies programmes, it is not possible to provide theme tunes or other video clips for some brands.

Where can I find out about the live shows?

For more information on BBC live shows, please use a non-BBC search engine to look for "BBC live shows". Please note that there will not be a CBeebies Live! tour in 2009, but keep your eye out for future shows.

Does the CBeebies website collect any of my personal details?

We only collect information from you, like your name and address, if we really need it and we'll always do all we can to keep it safe. We only pass your details to another company if they're working with us to provide you with a service. We won't ever sell your details to another company.

Can you make a donation to our charity fundraiser?

The BBC is a publicly funded organisation which means that we cannot support one specific business or organisation over another. The BBC is unable to fund individual charities or concerns and cannot use licence fee payer money to fund other organisations.

Can I download the Space Pirates theme song?

You can sing along with the Space Pirates theme song on the CBeebies Space Pirates website. This song has also been made available on commercial download sites.

Can I download other music, games or stories from the CBeebies website?

It's not possible to download any music, games or stories from the CBeebies website, but you can listen to all the songs in Music and Songs.

Is there a transcript of...?

CBeebies does not publish transcripts or make them available to the public.

Is there sheet music available of..?

We are looking at the feasibility of printing a song book, but don't have definite information on this just at the moment. Please be assured that we are working on it.

I have an idea for a CBeebies programme - where do I send it?

You should try and develop your idea as far as possible including a clear understanding of the exact target age group, why you think your idea will appeal to them and the unique qualities it has to offer that other programmes are lacking. For up-to-date information on BBC Commissioning, visit the BBC Commissioning website. All programme proposals must go through the BBC e-commissioning process.

I'd like to work for or do work experience at CBeebies - how do I apply?

For further information on job vacancies available at the BBC, please visit BBC Jobs.

For work experience placements at the BBC, please visit BBC Work Experience. Alternatively, you can write to BBC Work Experience, PO Box 27118, London W1A 6ZL.

Can I buy toys, books, CDs and DVDs of my favourite programmes?

We cannot deal with BBC merchandise queries, as that would be commercial activity. We are a very small team and it's not possible to tell you whether merchandise is available or not. Any well-known bookshop, music or video retailer will be able to tell you what is available and where it can be bought.

Is Fun with Phonics available to buy on DVD?

Fun with Phonics is available on DVD for schools and DVD and Book packs are available on the domestic market. Any well-known bookshop will be able to tell you if they have it available. You could use a search engine and look for "fun with phonics".

Is Razzledazzle available to buy as a DVD?

Razzledazzle is available on DVD for schools to buy, but is not available on the domestic market.

Is there a CD available of the Green Balloon Club songs?

There are plans to release an album of all the Club songs but we don't have a release date yet, so do keep a look out for it. In the meantime you can enjoy them all on the CBeebies Green Balloon Club website.

Can I find out more information about Waybuloo?

Waybuloo is a pre-school entertainment series, not a religious programme. The programme's primary focus is about exploring social, emotional and physical development from a young child's perspective, not to endorse any sort of theology. The Piplings, through their play, exploration, friendships, adventures and interactions with Cheebies (real children on set) introduce and model emotions and positive behaviours to our young viewing audience.

The secondary focus of Waybuloo is on physical development with the inclusion of Yogo (simple exercises based on Yoga, Tai Chi and gentle stretching techniques). The yogo segments allow the child at home opportunities to get up and move. It also models ways in which children can enjoy how it feels to move slowly and deliberately, as well as helping them improve their motor-responses to stimuli. The introduction of yogo is designed to benefit children from the age of three by:

• Encouraging body awareness and, through the physical activity, build flexibility as well as grow in strength and develop their coordination skills;
• Encouraging co-operation and compassion as it is conducted in an enabling environment in which there is no competitive element; rather, co-operation and compassion are engendered between the children;
• Help children to feel calm and relaxed

Throughout the development and production of Waybuloo we have worked with leading experts within the field of children's yoga who have consulted on the poses shown within the programme to ensure that they are appropriate for the target viewer.

How do I send a question to Nina and the Neurons?

Unfortunately Nina is unable to respond to individual letters and emails due to the large number of fantastic questions she receives. All the questions that are sent in are passed on to the production team, but we cannot guarantee that your question will be used in the programme. Do keep watching as you might find a similar question investigated on the show.

How can I take part in Nina and the Neurons?

Sorry, we are not currently looking for Experimenters to help Nina, but thanks very much for your interest.

Are there plans to put the TV trail showing children conducting a water experiment on the website?

This is not available to be viewed on the CBeebies website. However, we do have the instructions for it on the Nina and the Neurons website. Please note: The best way to dispose of the mixture afterwards is to put it on your compost heap. If you don't have a compost heap then soak up the mixture with something absorbent like newspaper/waste cardboard/kitchen towel and dispose of it in your regular domestic bin.

Do you know where the CBeebies Summer Song was filmed?

The CBeebies Summer Song, which features our presenters with a cast of children and professional dancers was filmed in London's Battersea Park.

Message from Michael Carrington, Controller of CBeebies, regarding Cerrie Burnell.

You may have seen the debate surrounding our new CBeebies presenter Cerrie Burnell. I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has shown their support for her. I feel sure everyone will come to love her as much as we do at CBeebies. I'd also like to say that Cerrie was chosen because she is the best person for the job. Aside from being an accomplished actor, I believe she is a brilliant presenter with natural flair and talent. I'm very proud to have her as part of our family of CBeebies presenters.

How can I find out what stories have been read in the Bedtime Hour?

You can now find out what stories have been read in the Bedtime Stories page.

Can I get a signed photograph of a presenter or character?

Unfortunately we cannot provide photographs of any of our presenters or performers.

Can I get a presenter to come along to an event?

Unfortunately it's not possible for CBeebies presenters or characters to attend charity events or fun days.

How do I get in touch with..?

Please understand that we can't give you contact information for presenters or members of production teams. We do pass on messages, but we cannot guarantee a response.

How can I send in my artwork to CBeebies?

If we are asking for artwork to be sent to CBeebies, we will post up information on a page called 'Send Ins'. If the page does not appear on the website, that is because we are not currently asking for artwork to be sent in.

Can you tell me about music, props or locations?

Sorry, we are a very small team and cannot answer individual queries. You might like to post your query on the CBeebies Grownups message board to see if another viewer can help.

I'd like to visit Balamory, where is it?

Balamory is an imaginary town. However, it had some real inspiration - mainly Tobermory on the island of Mull. Unfortunately, we don't have any information about visiting Tobermory, but you could try the Visit Scotland website for more information.

(The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. )

What breed of dog is Pippin from Come Outside?

We are not sure of the exact answer to this! Pippin is roughly third generation bred from the original Benji who was found in a dog sanctuary in California and was himself a mongrel.

What breed of dog is Daniel from Tommy Zoom?

Daniel is a mongrel.

Can my child take part in one of the television or radio programmes?

Unfortunately not. Children taking part in the CBeebies programmes are usually from the nurseries involved in the filming or recording, or who have a specific link to the subject talked about in a particular programme.

Can you tell me about old BBC children's show no longer on TV?

We cannot answer individual queries about old BBC children's shows, but you may find some useful information on the Classic TV section of the BBC Cult website.

Why can I not get a signal/am I having problems with CBeebies on the digital channel?

For any problems or queries regarding CBeebies on digital TV please check the What's On Where pages for further information about who to contact.

Can you send me some images of CBeebies characters for my school/university project?

We cannot send you or give you permission to use, any images of CBeebies characters for your project.

Can you send me some research about children or your programmes for my school/university project?

We cannot send you any research into children or our programmes for your project.

I can play the quiz part of the Kerwhizz game, but it freezes before getting to the race world.

We are sorry to hear you've been experiencing difficulties playing the Kerwhizz game. We are looking into why the game is freezing after the quiz and before the racing and hope to have this resolved as soon as possible. In the meantime, thank you for your patience.

I am having problems signing into the MyCBeebies part of the website.

We are sorry to hear you've been experiencing difficulties signing into MyCBeebies. Due to ongoing problems associated with Single Sign On activities, we're looking at reviewing all the games that require signing in. We hope to finish this review in the next few weeks.

Why can't I get some games to work on the website?

We are sorry to hear you've been experiencing technical difficulties on the CBeebies website. Please ensure you have installed the latest plug-ins listed on our Technical Help page.

I have downloaded Flash but still can't see part of the site or play the games.

If you have downloaded the latest version of Flash, and you still can't view Flash content on the CBeebies site (or any other website), please contact your PC Support or your Internet Service Provider.

I can't see any images on the All CBeebies Characters page - what can I do?

It sounds like you may have your images disabled on your web browser. To see if they are turned off:

• Internet Explorer: Go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced - in the Multimedia Section check that Show Pictures is ticked.
• Firefox: Go to Tools > Options > Content tab - Ensure that Load images automatically is ticked and check that the CBeebies page in question hasn't been added to the Exceptions list.

I can't hear any sound - what can I do?

• Make sure that the Flash Player plugin is installed by visiting this link.
• Make sure that the Real Player plugin is installed by visiting this link to install it.
• Make sure that the Windows Media Player plugin is installed by visiting this link to install it.
• Check that the speakers are plugged in, turned on and plugged into the computer correctly. The jack socket on the back of the PC is usually light green. Check that the speaker volume isn't all the way down.
• Make sure that the sound is not muted. There should be an icon (bottom right for Windows, top right for Mac) of a speaker. Left-click this to check the master volume and adjust accordingly. In Windows, double-clicking this icon should bring up a volume control dialog box. Check that the 'Wave' volume is not muted.
• Does the intro music play when starting up your computer? If the speakers are plugged in, it may be that the sound driver is not installed. This is usually pre-installed or supplied on a CD with your computer hardware.
• If you have music on your computer with a player such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, try playing music through this application.

Why is In the Night Garden being broadcast at a different time during the Bedtime Hour?

In the Night Garden is one of CBeebies most popular shows and it is important to us to give as many viewers as possible the opportunity to see the series. We realise that routine is an important part of bedtime for our viewers and we try not to move the shows around too frequently. However, it is also important to give viewers a selection of suitable bedtime programming, as many viewers tell us that they don't like having the same programme at the same time for long periods.

How can I find out when a CBeebies programme will be broadcast?

To find out when a CBeebies programme is on national, regional or digital BBC TV channels in the UK, try searching the CBeebies What's on TV pages.

Why isn't my favourite programme on anymore?

The CBeebies schedule is updated every now and then so that everybody gets a chance to see their favourite programmes and to keep the schedule varied and fresh. We're sorry if this disrupts your routine - we always try to ensure that programmes and slots are clearly signposted via trails and our presenters.

Why isn't Fireman Sam on CBeebies anymore?

Due to licences not being renewed, Fireman Sam is no longer part of the CBeebies schedule.

When is my favourite programme returning to CBeebies?

Unfortunately we can't answer individual queries about when a show is going to return to CBeebies, but you can find out what is currently on by searching the What's on Where pages.

Why do you show the same Boogie Beebies dance every day?

Boogie Beebies was designed as a programme to teach very young children to dance, the aim being that they would learn the routine across a week. Therefore each day of the week there is a different warm up and cool down dance, but the main dance in the programme is repeated in order to help children learn the dance. We try to play each series out in full before they are repeated and we take great care in ensuring programmes do not repeat too regularly.

Is it possible to watch CBeebies online?

You can watch CBeebies programmes online in several areas. You can use CBeebies iPlayer to watch some CBeebies programmes that have been broadcast within the last seven days. You cannot watch after this time unless you download it.

You can find more detailed information about all the programmes broadcast on CBeebies in the CBeebies Programmes pages and also watch some CBeebies programmes that have been broadcast within the last seven days. You cannot watch after this time unless you download it.

You can also watch CBeebies live as it is broadcast on TV, on the BBC iPlayer site or via the CBeebies website.

Why can't I watch a clip that I have watched before on BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer allows you to watch programmes up to seven days after they have been broadcast. If you want to watch a programme after this period of time you will have to download it, where you will be able to store it for 30 days on your computer. For further information about BBC iPlayer check BBC iPlayer Help.

Is it possible to watch CBeebies abroad?

For more information about watching CBeebies abroad, please search for "BBC Prime" in the BBC homepage search box.