Housemaster (HM): George Gough
Boarding Office: +44 (0) 1728 685806
Duty Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 628567
prepschoolboarding@framlinghamcollege.co.uk
Welcome from the Housemaster
MR GEORGE GOUGH
At the heart of boarding life at Framlingham College Prep School is a sense of belonging to a close-knit community, where children feel part of a supportive and caring family unit. The benefits of Prep School boarding are well recognised in building self-confidence, maturity, a sense of independence and developing key global skills, all vital for providing an essential foundation for future life.
My aim, alongside our excellent team of boarding staff, is to create an exciting boarding House, a place the children have a genuine love for, where they experience a touch of freedom whilst also being an extended home from home.
Within the House we will always emphasise and adhere to the ethos of the school, getting to know every single child as an individual, ensuring the child is nurtured, cared for and given every opportunity to be the best they can be. Our intention will always be to have every child in our care grow up with respect for others and their surroundings, with independent skills and a developed sense of responsibility for themselves. Our boarding House pupils come from a wide range of family backgrounds drawn
both nationally and internationally as well as from families in the local area who recognise the great value a boarding experience at this age can bring. It also offers great opportunities for pursuit of further academic, creative and sporting activities and a chance to take full advantage of the great facilities and breadth of opportunities on offer at the Prep School.
Whether a pupil stays with us for one night a week or for all seven days, they are very much welcomed as part of our boarding family. We hope this booklet tells you all you need to know about boarding at the Prep School, but if you have any questions at all, then please do not hesitate to email me.
ggough@framlinghamcollege.co.uk
The Boarding Team
Boarding Staff
Graduate Assistants
Mr George Gough
Housemaster ggough@framlinghamcollege.co.uk
Mr Kieran Wilson
Resident Boarding Tutor kzwilson@framlinghamcollege.co.uk
Mrs Julie Calver
Boarding Matron prepschoolboarding@framlinghamcollege.co.uk
Miss Summer Gerrish
Gap Student
Miss Cerys Shrewsbury
Gap Student
Mr James Carver-Hardy Gap Student
What do I need to bring when I board?
Please ensure all clothes and towels are labelled with sew-in labelling.
Full Boarder
x2 Bedding, duvet cover, pillow case and bottom sheet. (All optional but encouraged)
Toiletries
x3 Play clothes (minimum)
Waterproof Coat
x3 Towels
Socks and underwear for every night
x2 Pyjamas
Optional Extras Include:
Dressing gown/onesie, mobile phone, tablet, chargers, kindle etc.
Flexi Boarder
x1 Bedding, duvet cover, pillow case and bottom sheet. (All optional but encouraged)
x3 Play clothes (minimum)
Waterproof coat
x3 Towels
Socks and underwear for amount of nights required
x2 Pyjamas
Occasional Boarder
Toiletries
Optional Extras Include:
Dressing gown/onesie, mobile phone, tablet, chargers, kindle etc.
Play clothes (as required)
Waterproof coat
Towel (per night)
Socks and underwear for amount of nights required
Optional Extras Include:
Dressing gown/onesie, mobile phone, tablet, chargers, kindle etc.
Pyjamas
Boarding Requirements
Bedding and Towels
Bedding (duvet, pillows, duvet cover etc) is provided by the Prep School but pupils may wish to bring their own bedding in order to make themselves feel more at home.
If pupils bring their own bedding, they may bring a single duvet cover and pillow(s) that must meet the required flame retardant standard (purchased from a reputable high street store such as Marks and Spencer or John Lewis). Bedding must be clearly named to allow easy identification by staff. Further information may be obtained from Matron. Pupils must bring 3 bath towels and these should be clearly named.
Casual Clothing
Boarders may wear casual clothes of their own choice outside of school timetabled hours. Such clothes and shoes must be clean, smart and appropriate, and the school reserves the right to decide whether clothes meet its standards of taste and presentation. Each item of clothing must be clearly labelled with their name. Anything that is unnamed will not go through the laundry. Please see ‘Laundry’ section below for specific instructions related to types of fabric.
Electrical Equipment
The school provides 240 volt 3 pin grounded electrical power outlets in all Houses so pupils’ electrical equipment must be fitted with UK style 3 pin plugs. It is preferred that appliances that have two wires and are not earthed, are fitted with a three pin plug with the plastic grounding pin.
Which bedroom will I be in and how are they allocated?
The bedrooms are allocated by age and gender. The girls are on the first floor and boys on the top floor. The bedrooms are grouped by age to make the bedtime routine easier and to keep things quieter for the younger children. If you are a flexiboarder we will try and ensure you have the same bed every time you stay. However, due to changing numbers this is not always possible but we will ensure that you never sleep in a room on your own and will make adjustments accordingly. We do understand that you would like to share a room with all of your friends. Unfortunately this is not always possible either but this will be considered when allocating bedrooms. Please remember a big part of boarding is learning to live with, and get on with, other people and about making new friends.
Map of the Boarding House
EASTON
SOUTHWOLD KETTLEBURGH
DEBENHAM
EARL SOHAM
WILSON’S FLAT
WALBERSWICK
Laundry
All of your washing is done at Framlingham College Senior School and Julie will take care of sorting it and returning it to you. Remember socks and underwear every night. All laundry should be put in the laundry bins before bedtime.
Any items that are submitted to the school laundry must be of ‘easy care’ fabric, capable of being washed at 40°C and suitable for tumble drying, and should be suitably labelled. The Prep School cannot accept responsibility for any damage to clothes that are sent to the Laundry that do not meet these washing and drying instructions.
We are happy for all Flexi boarders to put their clothes into the laundry, as this will save you having to bring in a boarding bag every time you board.
Monday Pyjamas & Towels (Games kit - if wet)
Tuesday School Shirts
Wednesday Play clothes & Games kit
Thursday School shirts
Friday Socks and underwear only
Saturday Socks and underwear only
Sunday Play Clothes
Routine
7:15am — Wake Up
OnlyYear8mayshowerinthemornings
7:40am - 8:00am — Breakfast
AM
PM
Timetoenjoyarelaxedmeal
8:10am — Registration in Boarders' Common Room
Gototutorroomsimmediatelyafterregistration
5:00pm — Prep
Prepmustbecheckedbeforeyoucanleaveprep
5:50pm — Change out of uniform
6:00pm — Tea
Timetoenjoyarelaxedmeal
6:30pm - 7:30pm — Activity (no mobile phones or electronic devices)
7:30pm - 8:00pm — Shower and change; free time
8:00pm — Bedtime routine begins Hotchocolate,snackinDiningHall.ToastandCerealavailable.
All phones to be handed into the phone cupboard in the Boarders' Common Room at bedtime.
8:30pm - 9:00pm — Bedtime (staggered across Year Groups)
What will I eat?
Breakfast
There is a choice of cereals, hot and cold drinks, toast and a variety of different spreads. A hot option of; bacon, eggs, sausages, croissants or porridge are available daily, on different mornings of the week.
Tea
A wide variety of food is available throughout the week. We also cater for any individual religious, dietary or cultural needs.
Evening Snack
After the evening activity cereal, biscuits and hot chocolate are available. Year 8 children are also allowed to make toast at 8:00pm.
Framlingham College Prep School – Sample Breakfast Menu
Framlingham College Prep School –
Sample Supper Menu
How
can I contact parents/guardians when I board?
There is a landline phone which receives incoming calls and is +44 1728 685701 (from abroad) and 01728 685701 (from the UK). You can also use any of the school landlines to call out. The school has wi-fi throughout and can be accessed with your computer username and password. This will then enable you to use Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp etc.
All calls must be made before shower time and phones, tablets, laptops, etc. must all be put in the phone cupboard on your way to your room at bedtime.
Mobile Phones
All electronic devices must be registered with the Housemaster. Phones can be used during certain hours of the evening and then handed in to staff at bedtime to be kept in the locked cupboard in the Boarders’ Common Room.
Are there bells and alarms that I need to be aware of?
There are very few bells during boarding hours, but you should be aware of the following:
• 7:40am — Breakfast
• 5:00pm — Prep
• 6:00pm — Tea
Fire Alarm — A continuous bell. You should leave the building quickly and quietly and meet on the gravel behind the teaching block.
Emergency Bell — Repeated short sharp rings of the school bell. You should meet in the dining room, quickly and quietly.
What happens if I feel unwell or need someone in the night?
You can call Mr Gough using his door bell, during the night. Mr Gough lives on the first floor, above the Staff Common Room. If you are unwell during the night you can be moved to sick bay so we can keep an eye on you. If you are a flexi or occasional boarder, and if it is appropriate and possible, we may call your parents to collect and take you home.
Am
I able to bring in money and what should I do with it?
You are allowed to bring in pocket money as a full or flexi boarder to spend on items such as tuck, charity events and activities. We recommend no more than £30 per term. Mr Gough looks after all of the boarders’ money and is available to hand it out for school trips or off-site weekend activities.
Can I have sweets in school?
You can bring tuck to school. We have tuck on a Wednesday, so you can have access to it the where you may buy some sweets but there is no need to have money as we will add to your end of term account. No tuck is to be kept in your bedroom, if it is found it will be confiscated.
Can I get replacement equipment, new toothpaste, etc?
If you are a full time boarder and require any new stationery, toiletries or sports equipment you should speak to either Matron or Mr Gough who will be able to order most items through the school shop or purchase the items from the supermarket. All charges will be added to your end of term account.
What happens on my birthday?
If you are a full or multi-night flexi boarder, and it is your birthday, the school kitchen will bake you a cake to share at tea. If you are a one night flexi or Occasional boarder, and would like to, you can bring a birthday cake into school. We will have it ready to be cut and shared out during tea on the day. Also, if you are staying with us on the morning of your birthday, we have our ‘Birthday Hat’, which is worn at breakfast, whilst everyone else sings a resounding verse of ‘Happy Birthday.’
Exeats
It is best to aim to be back between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on the Sunday evening. We have tea on a Sunday at 5:00pm and being back before 7:00pm will allow you time to get ready for the next day. You can, of course, come back on Monday morning if that is easier for your parents or host. We recommend all our boarders try to make the most of exeats either with their own families/ guardians or with a friends host family.
Exeat dates are published in the School Calender and on the Term Dates page of the website.
Evenings and Weekends
In the evenings, there are a wide range of activities organised from between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. These evenings are designed to create a balance throughout the week and cover a range of interests and experiences.
We have a number of full boarders who stay in school at the weekends and we have a number of children who also board on an occasional basis at a weekend. Saturday is a normal school day for Years 7 and 8, with activities organised for Years 3 to 6 in the mornings. When school finishes, all of the boarders have a couple of hours of free time. Local activities are usually planned for a Saturday afternoon. Tea is then served back at the Prep School at 5:00pm. Saturday night can be a movie night and a chance for you to relax and enjoy a bowl of popcorn or tuck!
On Sunday mornings, you will have a lie-in and be woken up at 9:00am, with breakfast at 9:15am. A range of different activities are organised on Sundays, with the majority happening off site. Sunday evenings tend to be quieter and more relaxed, with time being given up to preparing for the week ahead.
A full programme of activities can be found on the boarding noticeboards in the Black and White Hall.
Expected Behaviour
The boarding house runs with a community spirit and family atmosphere, where there is an appreciation of each other’s belongings, space and feelings. Therefore it is necessary to put in place a system that rewards not only good behaviour but good citizenship. Similarly, there needs to be a system whereby someone who is not following the guidelines laid down can be guided in the first instance but ultimately sanctioned for not playing a positive part in the community.
Awards
Boarder of the Week
Each week a boarder of the week will be chosen. They can then choose an item from the reward menu. This can be received for:
• any examples of showing the school values within boarding
• consistently being a positive member of the boarding house
• going above and beyond expectations
Boarder of the Term
This is achieved when you do all of the above, over an entire term. They will receive a certificate and announcement during our end of term assembly.
Boarder of the Term
These can be gained and lost depending on behaviour, effort, standards around house, kindness, tidiness etc. They can be used as currency towards receiving rewards from the reward menu.
Birthdays
On a birthday, we strive to provide the children with a cake, and they also receive the honour of wearing our very own birthday hat for the day, so everyone can wish them a happy birthday.
Reward Menu
Pupils can receive an item from the Reward menu should they achieve ‘boarder of the week’ or achieve a certain amount of boarding points. The menu provides a good incentive for the pupils to strive for high standards throughout boarding life. Examples of rewards they can receive are as follows:
+15 mins phone time
+15 mins bed time Free item from tuck shop
Misbehaviour
Low-Level misbehaviour
Loss of portion of phone time/minus boarding points
• Untidy dorm
• Being late to dinner/breakfast/ school
• Not respecting communal areas (e.g. leaving common room or Rowley hall in a mess).
• Talking after lights out
• Tuck in dorm
Dinner in front of the TV
Choice of activity
Bring a friend
Medium-Level misbehaviour
Loss of complete phone time/loss of activity time/restricted free time/ early bed
• Rudeness/talking back/ disrespectful
• Going against what a member of staff has asked (e.g. not putting phone away when asked)
• Taking devices into dorm
• Out of dorm after lights out
Higher-Level misbehaviour
Discussion with Head of Boarding/SLT
• Swearing or inappropriate language
• Being physical
What should I do if I am feeling unhappy?
We all hope that you will be very happy whilst boarding at Framlingham College Prep School. However, there may be times when you are feeling a bit low or confused, so it is important that you know what to do.
The golden rule is always to try to talk to someone if you are feeling unhappy.
You can contact:
• Any of the boarding staff: Mr Gough, Mr Wilson, Matron, or the Gap Assistants.
• Mrs Long is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Head Pastoral.
• Mr Gough, Mr Loveridge, Miss Hatwell and Mrs Drury are all Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads and can help you with any confidential problem you may have.
• Mr Egan, Head of the Prep School, is always happy to help should you wish to discuss anything with him.
• Or, you can find any member of staff you feel comfortable talking to and they will help you.
If something is really worrying you and you want to speak to someone outside school, you can call:
• Help at Hand: The Children’s Commissioner helpline: 0800 528 0731
• Miss Sally Thomson, independent listeners for the school: 01728 ??????
• Suffolk Safeguarding Children Board: 0808 800 4005
• Childline: 0800 1111
It is important that you feel safe sharing any worries you may have. You will not get into trouble for complaining about something or someone that is upsetting you. Remember: whatever the problem, we are here to help you solve it.
Any other queries?
If you want to know anything else about boarding, please do contact Housemaster George Gough: Email: ggough@framlinghamcollege.co.uk or call 07785 628567.
We look forward to seeing you in boarding!
AT FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE WE CELEBRATE EVERY INDIVIDUAL.
THERE IS NO TYPICAL FRAMLINGHAMIAN, NO SINGULAR PATH THAT WE TAKE.
We are academics, actors, musicians, expeditioners, sports people, innovators, scientists, ruminators, decision makers, story tellers, teammates, artists, fun lovers, nurturers and thought provokers. Often, we are many things within one. But we are all individual, each with our own story.
Where every pupil creates their own story
COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL
Brandeston, Suffolk. IP13 7AH | +44 (0) 1728 685331
prepschooloffice@framlinghamcollege.co.uk
framlinghamcollege.co.uk
FRAMLINGHAM