20 minute read
LOVE LOCAL
A WARM WELCOME AT THE OAK - TREE SCHOOLS
The importance of sending children to a welcoming school was highlighted recently by a prospective parent visiting one of the four Oak-Tree Schools.
Following their personalised tour they commented to the Headmistress, “We’ve visited a few schools with our daughter but we’re impressed with how welcome we’ve been made to feel. There’s such a lovely atmosphere for the staff and pupils -it feels like a real community.” All schools aim to be welcoming for their families and most create brochures, websites, newsletters, and special events to involve their families. The Oak-Tree Schools, however, have been commended over and again for going above and beyond ‘the norm’ to welcome pupils and parents into the school communities.
Open-Door Policy The purpose of an Open-Door Policy is to encourage open communication, feedback and discussion. All of the Oak-Tree Schools value the input from parents, preferring them to share any queries or concerns as they happen in order to give the schools the chance to work together with them and so putting their minds at ease.
Matthew Hagger, Group Managing Principal, explains, “Our ‘open door’ policy enables parents to be quickly reassured by a class teacher, a member of the Senior Leadership Team or the Headmistress. All class teachers are readily available for brief conversations at the start and end of the school day or for longer conversations at a mutually convenient time. Parents are also used to contacting us by email, Portal message or telephone. Regular class assemblies, drop-in sessions and social events encourage parents to play an active part in their children’s education.
We understand that parents will have a number of queries throughout their children’s time with us and that they shouldn’t have to wait until one of the more formal occasions. This is why we are happy to discuss any aspect of the education we provide whenever we can.”
The School Environment The Oak-Tree Schools promise smaller, more nurturing environments that offer a more personalised service than some of their larger counterparts. Each Oak-Tree School caters for between 200 and 300 pupils, providing environments in which children can flourish as teachers know each child well and can provide support and challenge in each lesson. With average class sizes between 12 and 18, a more personalised education is possible.
Mr Hagger says, “The traditional values on which
the four schools were founded continue to be at the core of our ethos, enhanced by the very best practices in modern education. Your child’s education is important to us and we nurture each child individually, taking into consideration their unique needs and talents.”
Oak-Tree Coffee Mornings Between October and March each year there is a programme of informal Coffee Mornings for each Headmistress and Group Managing Principal, Mr Hagger to chat with parents year group by year group at each school.
Mr Hagger says, “These are useful to discuss various aspects of our education, with no set agenda, and to listen to feedback. The Coffee Mornings inform our school development plans as we continually look to enhance the services we provide to our families. Parents are always welcome to bring up anything that they would like to discuss, no matter how small or large. We can discuss anything from the development of our extra-curricular activities programme to recent enhancements to the quality of the education. Some groups focus on particular themes, such as our intensive preparation for senior schools for parents of the older Oaklands and Coopersale Hall children, or our careers advice and Sixth Form entries at Normanhurst and Braeside.”
THE DETAILS
THE OAK-TREE GROUP OF SCHOOLS COME ALONG AND VISIT
Four privately-owned local independent schools make up the Oak-Tree Group: Braeside in Buckhurst Hill, Coopersale Hall in Epping, Normanhurst in North Chingford and Oaklands in Loughton. The schools are known for their outstanding teaching, excellent exam results and remarkable pastoral care.
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ADVICE IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Grant Buchanan, Scrutton Bland’s Financial Planning Partner gives some guidance on looking after your investments during this crisis.
In these difficult circumstances staying fit and healthy and looking after one another should be our utmost priority. As a responsible employer we have a duty to look after our employees, their families and of course our clients. That is why we have made some hard but sensible business decisions and all our staff are now working remotely from home.
We also can’t ignore the dramatic effect this pandemic is having on financial markets, the like of which we have never seen before. Experienced investors will know that during the life of any portfolio there will be good years, bad years and indifferent years and over time these events do average out. Governments throughout the world have acted decisively to try and stem the economic impact and time will tell how effective these decisions have been. However, we recognise that at this time the need for advice and reassurance has never been greater. Whilst face to face meetings may be difficult, we are here at the end of the phone, email or over Skype to have conversations and provide help and guidance in these difficult times.
For some, their circumstances may have changed dramatically and there are steps we can put in place to help. Generating income, providing liquidity or altering strategies
1 4 APRIL 2020 in light of changed circumstances is something that our financial advisers have been helping our clients to do for many years. For others, their financial position may remain unchanged and whilst the world is changing around them maintaining the status quo could be the correct course of action. Everyone is in a different situation and there is no one silver bullet solution.
Equally it is worth bearing in mind that where there is crisis, there is opportunity. Warren Buffet, one of the world’s most successful investors said, “be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy only when others are fearful”. Our financial advisers continue to proactively watch and review all funds under our administration and whilst there is currently volatility in financial markets, we are hopeful that the fiscal stimulus provided by the government, coupled with improving visibility on the outlook for revenues and profits will enable equity markets to find an appropriate clearing level which can then form a platform for improvement.
Whether you are feeling nervous, worried about the future or seeking opportunities we are open and here to help in any way we can.
In the meantime stay safe and well, and look after each other.
THE DETAILS
Get in touch with Grant at 0330 058 6559, email grant.buchanan@scruttonbland.co.uk or see our webpage www.scruttonbland.co.uk for a daily update on the financial implications of the coronavirus crisis. Scrutton Bland Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER
The UK travel industry is facing a crisis of unprecedented scale due to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak
Ihave been in business 49 years and have been through disasters such as 9-11, ash clouds, sarz virus, terrorist attacks and the collapse of Thomas Cook. We are resilient, we are reactive, we pull together as a team and work tirelessly for you, our most valued customers.
Now is the time to book for 2021 and have a fabu- lous holiday to look forward to in what will become a very unsettling next few months.
We are fully licensed and bonded, your money is protected and there are low deposits from £60 p.P to secure now the holiday of your choice.
9 Out of 10 of all our customers have rebooked for 2021 so they have something lovely to look forward to.
I have the best team here in travel working all hours to get our customers home when their cruises have been cancelled, arranging refunds and going that extra mile to do everything possible.
We are updating our Facebook page constantly as the travel situation changes daily and the best way we can keep you informed with the latest information is by liking our Facebook page @atlantistravelchigwell. Please like and share our page.
Anyone who has questions about this situation, my team are here waiting to help in any way we can.
Stay safe, look after yourself – we will get through this together.
THE DETAILS
Atlantis Travel 16 Brook Parade, Chigwell, Essex IG7 6PF Telephone: 020 8559 9007 www.atlantistravel.co.uk
IT TAKES AS LONG AS IT TASTES back to a golden era
Clarence Court eggs are patiently laid by traditional breed birds originating from rare breed ancestors. It’s a heritage that gives them a unique flavour evocative of a bygone era when all food was ‘slow food’. So our hens simply won’t be rushed. Demand the best - look for the crown.
WIN A LUXURY YOGA RETREAT FOR TWO
Into the blue with Clarence Court eggs
Purchase a promotional box of Old Cotswold Legbar eggs for your chance to win a luxury yoga retreat in beautiful Puglia - nearly as beautiful as their watercolour blue shells.
Hosted by the wonderful Holly Warren in association with Kaliyoga, it promises to be the perfect combination of scenery and serenity along with yoga classes, therapeutic treatments and superb cuisine.
clarencecourt.co.uk/stockists
A WORLD AWAY FROM YOUR EVERYDAY
12 YEARS SINCE ATLANTIS, THE PALM TOOK OVER DUBAI’S PALM ISLAND, IT IS NOW JOINED BY A SHINY NEW AND YOUNGER SISTER THAT’S PERFECT FOR LUXE-SEEKING COUPLES
If you haven’t already heard of the legendary Atlantis, The Palm, where have you been? The hotel that has brought to life the myth of the underwater city with a modern, luxurious spin — think private yoga classes surrounded by 65,000 tropical marine life — Atlantis, Th Palm has been dominating the crescent of the manmade island for the past 12-years and it’s now set to be joined by a shiny new sister resort.
THE ROYAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences, due to open in late 2020, is a $1.4billion 43-storey development that is set to offer a new generation of luxury living. Targeting the adult market (compared to Atlantis, The Palm which has a strong grip on holidaying families) the new hotel boasts 795 resort guest rooms and 231 residences that range from two- three- four- and five-bedroom formats. Stacked like a game of Jenga, the architecture for Royal Atlantis is exceptional and will certainly stand out in the ever-changing Dubai landscape. What’s more, the new resort boasts 92 pools with the cream of the crop, Sky Pool, providing spectacular views along its 90-metre infinity edge, located 96-metres above The Palm.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The grand opening of The Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences will also see 17 new restaurants added to the emirate’s roster. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is tipped to be a popular addition thanks to its menu of contemporary dishes inspired by historic British recipes while Gastón Acurio will bring his award-winning gastronomy to the emirate to create the very first cebicheria in Dubai. Michelin-starred chef José Andrés is also opening a new restaurant inside the resort that will offer plates which are bursting with diverse Spanish flavours Plus, celebrity chef Ariana Bundy has chosen this resort to open her debut eatery, Ariana’s Persian Kitchen which is sure to delight and ignite all five of the senses.
These fantastic dining destinations will add to those already available at Atlantis, The Palm including world-renowned Hakkasan, Nobu and Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar – almost every flavour you could wish for will soon be available under the two chandelier-decked roofs.
STANDOUT FEATURES
There’s no denying that Atlantis, The Palm is a destination resort that’s ideal for families. With its dedicated kids’ club; sea lion and dolphin encounter opportunities; Aquaventure Waterpark that boasts more than 30 slides and attractions; and the new Wavehouse that offers a surf simulator and bowling alley… the fun is limitless. Team this with the resort’s bucket list experiences that cater to almost every age group including a helicopter tour above The Palm and the opportunity to scuba dive in the Lost Chambers Aquarium accompanied by 250 different species of marine life such as sharks, rays and tropical fish.. we bet you’ll never want to leave!
LET’S BOOK
Have we got you itching to fly to Dubai and experience the two legendary Atlantis resorts? To book or for more information, contact personalised travel management company Winged Boots on 0203 816 0985 or email info@wingedboots.co.uk
Stay calm and kickstart your holiday at The Connaught
The Connaught offers the ultimate stress-free “The Night Before” sleepover to eliminate pre-holiday travel tension
ABOUT THE CONNAUGHT In the heart of London’s Mayfair, The Connaught, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, blends contemporary style, classic English character and impeccable service to create the ultimate in sophistication. Rooms and suites to suit every mood, exquisite cuisine from Hélène Darroze, the charm of The Connaught and Coburg Bars, and Europe’s first Aman Spa make this the perfect place to rest, relax and dine in style.
The Connaught in Mayfair, known for its legendary five star Butler service, has launched ‘The Night Before’ the ultimate pre-holiday sleepover to ensure early rising globe-trotters experience the smoothest, stress-free start to their holiday. ‘The Night Before’ carefully thought out series of rituals, turns the dreaded early morning flight call into a joyous holiday start.
The Connaught takes charge from the moment guests are collected from their homes by chauffeur driven car armed with the essential 10 point travel check list; passport...check, sun-cream... check, iron off...check.
Arriving at the hotel, guests are met by their butler who whisks their suitcases away to be pressed and repacked using secret Connaught techniques honed over the years, ensuring the wardrobe arrives spick and span ready for the beach club – no travel irons necessary. Guests are then escorted to the legendary temple of relaxation, the Aman Spa, deep in the heart of The Connaught where a series of treatments and rituals ensures the stress of travelling is gently massaged away allowing them to return to their rooms for a light evening supper and early turn down and a good night sleep. Early next morning ensuring no flights are missed, a gentle wake-up call with soothing cup of morning tea and a destination bound weather forecast, wakes guests who are then tucked into airport bound chauffeur car, complete with take away breakfast and a warm farewell from The Connaught doorman.
The holiday can officially begin…Connaught style. ‘The Night Before’ includes, a one-night stay for two people, chauffeurdriven car from home to The Connaught within a 40 miles radius, pre-travel checklist, treatments for two people at the Aman Spa, Butler to re-pack suitcase, early morning takeaway breakfast with chosen reading material and chauffeur-driven car to London airports or railway stations. Rates start from £1,060 per night for a Deluxe King Room (inclusive of tax). Offer must be booked two days in advance.
ABOUT MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.
THE DETAILS To book “The Night Before” please call the Reservations Team on +44 (0) 20 7107 8945 or email reservations@the-connaught.co.uk www.the-connaught.co.uk
MEET ME IN MONTENEGRO
DISCOVER HOW THE OPENING OF ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI IN 2020 IS PUTTING THIS EUROPEAN COUNTRY BACK ON THE MAP
Located in the heart of Boka Bay, surrounded by striking mountainous scenery and edged by the Adriatic Sea is One&Only Portonovi. Featuring six distinct resort pools, a private sandy beach and maze of Venetian courtyards, this resort is primed to become Montenegro’s most coveted address. The world-class Espace Chenot Health & Spa will offer a specialised wellness and transformative journey of detoxing the body while Sabia, the hotel’s signature restaurant that’s led by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, will energise you from the inside out. Its accommodation options are designed to be comfortable and spacious but for the upmost privacy we recommend booking one of the two deluxe villas.
One&Only Portonovi is the first European opening for the luxury hotel brand and will join a portfolio of 11 other resorts speckled in some of the world’s most beautiful corners including Mexico, Maldives, Cape Town, Malaysia and Dubai.
Offer based on two adults sharing and travelling on 15 th October 2020. Offer valid on stays between 1 st July and 31 st December 2020, blackout dates apply. Offer is subject to availability and full terms and conditions apply.
Take advantage of One&Only Portonovi’s opening offer and stay for three-nights from just £699 per person, including return flights. To book or for more information, call personalised travel management company Winged Boots on 0203 319 4404 or email info@wingedboots.co.uk.
STRESS-FREE SABBATICAL
From negotiating time off with your boss to picking the right insurance policy, sarah Marshall reveals everything you need to know.
going on a gap year has almost become standard practice for post-uni students keen to bridge the gap between education and a long life of work. But with more people taking control of their own destiny, rather than following a formulaic career path, a new type of long-term traveller has emerged: the grown-up backpacker.
Outbacker, specialist travel insurer for backpackers and gap year students, has found a 17% rise year-on-year in 30-somethings taking extended time off to travel.
Whether you’re in between jobs or simply keen to press pause for a few months, these are some considerations to make when planning an adult sabbatical.
START BY ASKING YOURSELF SOME QUESTIONS Are you losing engagement or satisfaction in your work? Do you have an imbalance in your personal versus work life? Are you in danger of experiencing work burnout? If you answered yes to these questions, a grown-up gap year could be the answer, to help recharge your energy and refocus motivation for the next phase of your career.
CONSIDER WHAT TYPE OF CAREER BREAK WOULD WORK FOR YOU Do you want to travel the world and immerse yourself in new experiences? Would you like to achieve something like climbing Everest or learning a new language? Would you benefit from a rewarding experience like volunteering or helping the environment? Once you’ve figured out your priority, start planning.
WEIGH UP HOW LONG YOU’LL NEED OFF WORK Decide if you need a couple of months or more than six. Any extended break from work will take you outside of your normal routine and expose you to new cultures, environments, people and ideas. Many companies have schemes for sending employees on extended breaks, so it’s worth investigating with your HR department. Beyond A Break (beyondabreak. com), who specialise in advising on career breaks, have a Sabbatical Pitch Pack online, which you can use to help frame a proposal.
DO SOME NUMBER CRUNCHING Your grown-up gap year doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Set aside time to work out a budget, and whether you can afford to do it now or have a financial goal to reach first.
START THINKING ABOUT A TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY Set the start date to earlier than the start of your travels, to ensure you’re covered for any pre-trip issues, such as medical or flight disruptions. It’s worth trying aggregator sites like MoneySuperMarket (moneysupermarket.com) and Compare The Market (comparethemarket.com) to find a good deal.
CHECK YOUR MEDICAL COVER Medical issues are one of the main reasons people have to make a claim whilst travelling. Basic cover will ensure you’re protected, but if you’re planning an active trip to multiple destinations for a considerable period of time, it’s better to go for more cover. Be as detailed as you can with any preexisting medical conditions to save unwanted hassle if you end up making a claim. It’s definitely worth evaluating the policy cover against the excess, too. Excess is the amount you will be required to pay in certain situations if you need to make a claim. Ensure you’re happy with the amount you’ve been quoted and the level of cover it comes with - or even better, go for a policy with zero excess.
THINK ABOUT PHONE AND GADGET COVER The average individual takes up to £1,000 worth of gadgets away with them, so it’s worthwhile extending your baggage cover to protect your valuables from damage, loss and theft, at the right amount.
FIND your Australia holiday to look forward to...
VICTORIA’S WILDLIFE & WINE SOUTH EAST COASTAL EXPLORER THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
15 NIGHTS FROM £1,999 * Return flights, car hire, 3 to 4 hotels, Kangaroo and Koala Walkabout tour and Ultimate Penguin Parade tour • Mornington Peninsula • Phillip Island • Yarra Valley
22 NIGHTS FROM £4,199 ^ All flights, car hire, 15 nights 4 to 4+ hotels, 3 nights on board the Great Southern luxury rail, 4 nights on board the Murray River Paddlesteamer, Gold Coast Dolphin Discovery tour, Yarra Valley and Hot Air Balloon tour and 23 meals
14 NIGHTS FROM £1,399 * Return flights, 2 nights 4 Melbourne hotel and 12 nights motorhome incl an inclusive pack • Apollo Bay • Port Fairy • Lake Breeze Wines
SETTING THE STANDARDS IN TRAVEL SINCE 1970
Tailormade Travel Worldwide 020 7795 4549 First & Business Class Travel 020 7795 4550 trailfinders.com
