This handbook provides a practical guide to daily life at Hampton
Whether your child is joining us for the first time or returning for another exciting year, it includes all you need to know about the School day, our daily routines, wrap-around care, learning, communications and so much more.
If you have any questions, however small, please do not hesitate to contact us. We greatly value the strong partnership between home and School and believe that working together helps every child thrive.
A Message From THE HEAD OF PRE-PREP
Welcome to Hampton Pre-Prep
Welcome back to all our families and, to those joining us for the very first time, an especially warm welcome to our community.
Whatever stage your child is at, I hope the year ahead is a happy, busy and rewarding one. Hampton Pre-Prep is a place where every child is known as an individual, celebrated for who they are, and encouraged to do their very best – not through pressure but through a genuine love of learning. This is true whether your child is finding their feet in their very first term or striding confidently through Year 2.
We believe that children thrive when they feel happy, secure and valued, and we work hard to ensure that Pre-Prep is a place where curiosity, confidence and kindness flourish every day. Through a rich and engaging curriculum and a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom, we aim to nurture not only academic progress but also character, independence and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
This handbook has been designed to help you navigate the year with confidence, however, the best source of information is always a conversation. Whether you would like to speak with your child’s class teacher, the School Office or me, no question is ever too small and we are always happy to help.
Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to a wonderful year of learning, achievement and memorable experiences together.
With best wishes, Imogen Murphy Head of Pre-Prep
Our Buddy Programme
From Reception upwards, every new pupil is paired with older pupil, their very own Buddy. Buddies are there to provide a smiley face, a friend at break times, show children where things are and help them feel part of the community from day one.
It’s one of the many ways we help children feel they belong as quickly as possible.
Our Six GOLDEN RULES
Our six Golden Rules are at the heart of everything we do:
• be gentle
• be kind and helpful
• listen to people
• look after property
• work hard
• be honest
These simple values are what we live by every day both inside and outside the classroom.
Daily Routines THE SCHOOL DAY
Life at Pre-Prep is busy, balanced and full of variety, with time for learning and time for play, creativity and fresh air.
While no two days are ever quite the same, they all follow a similar reassuring pattern.
8.00am Early Drop begins (bookable wrap-around care)
8.30am School opens – children arrive and settle in their class
8.55am Morning registration
9.00am First session begins
10.30am Break time – fresh air, a snack and play!
10.50am Second session
11.45am Lunch – first sitting (Reception & Kindergarten)
12.00pm Kindergarten morning sessions ends
12.00-1.10pm Lunch break (Reception, Years 1 & 2)
12.15pm Lunch – second sitting (Years 1 & 2)
1.00pm Kindergarten afternoon session begins after Registration
1.10pm Afternoon registration – session 3 begins
2.30-2.50pm Afternoon break
2.50pm Session 4
3.30pm Kindergarten, Reception & Year 1 collection. Late Stay begins
3.35pm Year 2 collection
5.30pm Late Stay ends, School closes for the day
Assemblies take place throughout the week and follow whole-School themes such as Road Safety Week and Remembrance Day. These events are a lovely opportunity for children to celebrate each other's achievements and explore the wider world together.
FROM 8.30AM Morning Drop-Off
Children can arrive from 8.30am and should be in School by 8.55am. If you arrive after this time, please ring the bell and come to the front door to sign your child in. This helps us ensure that everyone is accounted for. Tracking late arrivals also helps us spot if anyone’s struggling.
End of the Day FROM 3.30PM
Please try to collect your child promptly, as younger children can become anxious if they feel they’ve been forgotten (even when they haven’t!). If you’re running late, a quick call to the School Office is really appreciated.
If someone different is collecting your child, please email the School Office in advance and confirm their name and relationship to your family. For safeguarding reasons, if they are not known to us, we will also ask for a photograph and a password.
In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) classes (Kindergarten and Reception), children are signed in and out of School each day.
Before and After School Care
Early Drop
We offer wrap-around care to support busy families: 8.00AM-8.30AM
A calm start to the day. Please make sure your child has had breakfast before they arrive.
Late Stay 3.30PM-5.30PM
Children can enjoy co-curricular activities (CCAs) and stay until 5.30pm. A snack is provided.
Early Drop and Late Stay sessions are bookable in advance via our online system, myEVOLVE, which you will be able to access through My School Portal (MSP). Login details are sent to new parents when their child joins us. Places are popular so book ahead! Sessions are chargeable, please contact the School Office for details.
Food is an important and enjoyable part of the School day. Snack time and lunch are social occasions where children sit together, chat and build friendships.
We provide a healthy morning snack of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a freshly prepared and nutritious lunch. Menus are carefully planned and suitable for a wide range of medical and dietary requirements. Weekly menus are available on the School website.
We also use this time to gently encourage independence, confidence and good table manners, all part of growing up.
FOOD, DRINK & KEEPING HEALTHY WATER BOTTLES
Please send your child in with a named water bottle every day. Sports-cap tops and water only.
ALLERGIES & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
We are an allergy-aware school and take proactive steps to minimise risk. We cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment but treat every allergy very seriously.
How we keep children safe at mealtimes:
• Every child’s individual allergy management plan is followed carefully
• Children with medically approved diets wear yellow lanyards in the Dining Hall
• Children with lifestyle preferences (vegetarian, religious observance etc) wear green lanyards
• Lanyards are for the Dining Hall only and pupils love them!
• Please let us know immediately if your child’s allergy or dietary requirements change
PACKED LUNCHES
Our School is nut and sesame aware. Please check food labels carefully when sending in packed lunches for School trips and avoid grapes or small tomatoes which can be a choking hazard.
Chocolate, fizzy drinks and chewing gum are not permitted on trips. Thank you in advance for your support!
TRAVELLING TO SCHOOL, the Eco-friendly way
We actively encourage families to walk, cycle, scoot or use public transport wherever possible. It’s better for the planet, better for the air quality around School, and a great start to the day. Bike and scooter racks are available on site. If your child is cycling or scooting with you, please make sure they wear a helmet and some high-visibility clothing.
To help keep our School community safe and out of consideration for our neighbours we kindly ask parents to:
• Switch off engines when waiting outside School (our anti-idling campaign)
• Keep the yellow zigzag markings outside Pre-Prep clear at all times so that children can cross safely
• Park considerately on local streets
Pre-Prep children are not able to travel on the Senior School coaches, this exciting adventure begins in Year 3!
Learning & GROWING THE CURRICULUM PREP (HOMEWORK)
Our curriculum is rich, broad and designed to inspire curiosity.
We move at a fast pace and challenge our children but always with warmth, support and a huge amount of fun. Full details of the curriculum for each year group are available in our Curriculum Map on the School website.
We believe homework should reinforce great habits, not cause great battles.
If it ever becomes a battleground at home, please don't struggle in silence, just drop a note in your child's reading diary or email their Class Teacher, we’re always happy to adapt.
Reading at home is the single most valuable activity. It builds confidence, language and imagination, and should be enjoyable.
Year Group What to expect
Reception Ongoing reading and learning key words and sounds
Year 1
Year 2
One English and one Maths homework each week, reading and weekly spellings
One English and one Maths homework each week, reading, times tables and weekly spellings
ASSESSMENTS & TARGETS
Understanding how your child is learning and ensuring that they receive the right support is something we take very seriously at Pre-Prep.
From Year 1, we use Insight Assessments to build a detailed picture of each child’s progress in Reading and Maths. From Year 2, CAT4 assessments help us understand how pupils are developing in verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning.
These assessments are tools for understanding and growth and not tests to worry about. The insights they provide help us tailor our teaching and support for each individual child.
Targets are set for children in English and Maths, regularly reviewed, and shared with pupils in a way that’s appropriate for their age.
AI IN THE CLASSROOM
The world is changing quickly, and AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini are increasingly part of everyday life.
We want our pupils to grow up understanding these tools thoughtfully and knowing how to use them wisely.
At Pre-Prep, School-approved AI tools may occasionally be used by staff for planning, resource creation and administrative tasks. We always conduct appropriate data protection checks before introducing any new technology. Our focus is on ensuring that AI supports learning rather than replacing the brilliant independent thinking and creativity of our pupils.
Adventure Beyond THE CLASSROOM
ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE!
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Yoga, Chess, Spanish, Pins & Needles, Choir, Little Musketeers and so much more!
One of the things parents tell us they love most about Hampton Pre-Prep is just how much there is to discover beyond the School day. Our CoCurricular Activities (CCAs) take place at lunchtime and after School between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Some clubs are led by our own teachers and are free of charge, others by external coaches at an additional cost.
After School clubs change each term and are bookable in advance, the School Office will let you know how. Places go quickly, so do keep an eye out for these communications!
Please note that CCAs start in the first full week of term and finish the week before the end of term. Exact dates are available in the School Calendar.
ART, MUSIC & DRAMA
Creativity is at the heart of life at Hampton Pre-Prep and every child has the chance to create, perform and express themselves.
In Art and Design, pupils develop both skills and confidence and their work is proudly displayed throughout the School building.
In the autumn term, we have not one but two Christmas productions: one performed by Kindergarten in our Centenary Hall, and another involving Reception through to Year 2. Every child performs. In the summer term, all pupils take part in our Summer Concert held in the James Hall at the Prep School.
Parents and grandparents are warmly invited to attend these special events, which are always a highlight of the year.
Individual piano and violin lessons are available for Year 2 pupils, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
SPORT & PE
We believe that being active is really important.
Children take part in regular physical activity across a range of sports, developing co-ordination, confidence and teamwork skills along the way. PE and Games days vary by year group and you child’s timetable at the start of term will include all the details.
• Children with long hair must have it tied back for swimming, sport and PE
• On certain days, children come to School already in their PE/Sports kit, we will let you know which days at the start of the year
• Pupils should always bring their tracksuit in cold or winter weather
OUR HOUSE SYSTEM
From Reception onwards, every child joins one of our four Houses. Siblings are placed in the same House wherever possible.
Houses compete in events including Sports Day and Cross Country and parents are warmly encouraged to come along and cheer! T-shirts in House colours are available from the uniform shop and are worn for Sports Day and other House events.
In Year 2, pupils can become House Captains or Vice Captains, a wonderful early taste of leadership and responsibility.
SCHOOL TRIPS & VISITS
School trips bring learning to life and we run educational visits throughout the year for all year groups.
Trip details and costs are shared via letter and the School Calendar as early as possible. Packed lunches for trips are usually provided by the School, but occasionally you may be asked to provide one from home, the trip letter will always make this clear.
We love having parent helpers on our trips! While we can’t always accommodate everyone who volunteers, the offer is always greatly appreciated.
Lancaster RED
Tudor BLUE
Windsor YELLOW York
Happiness, Wellbeing & PERSONAL GROWTH
LIFE SKILLS (PSHE)
A Pre-Prep education is about much more than just academic achievement, it’s about helping children grow into kind, confident and resilient human beings, ready for whatever life brings.
Life Skills, or Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, is a timetabled lesson every week and one of our most important subjects. Through our Life Skills programme and daily interactions during the School day, we help children to:
• understand themselves and their emotions
• build positive, caring relationships
• develop the confidence and resilience to face new challenges
We always encourage parents to share any concerns early however small they may seem. Support is always available and we’d much rather know sooner than later.
PUPIL LEADERSHIP
Even at Pre-Prep, children can take on real responsibility.
In Year 2, pupils can take on the role of House Captain or Vice Captain. From Reception onwards, any child can stand for the School Council, where pupils have a genuine voice in School decisions, and take a leading role in charitable fundraising initiatives. Year 2 pupils can also become Eco Warriors, leading sustainability projects across the School.
WE LOVE TO WATCH CHILDREN DISCOVER WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF WHEN THEY’RE GIVEN THE CHANCE.
REWARDS & RECOGNITION
We believe that children thrive when their efforts are seen and celebrated.
Our rewards system is built around our six simple Golden Rules and recognises kindness, courtesy and effort as much as achievement:
The reward for keeping the Golden Rules is a special activity session every Friday afternoon that children choose themselves. Our staff put a huge amount of energy into making it something to really look forward to!
Celebrated in Thursday’s whole-School assembly with a certificate and badge, Star of the Week recipients are recorded in our special Star Book, a genuine honour that our children are incredibly proud of. Star of the Week
Cup & Badge
Children placed on the rainbow for consistently keeping the Golden Rules receive a sticker and certificate. They are also entered into a draw to have tea with the Head of Pre-Prep which always includes delicious cake!
Each week, one child from across the whole of Pre-Prep is recognised for their courtesy and good manners. Their name is recorded in our Courtesy Book, a lovely reminder that how we treat others really matters.
WHO TO TALK TO
Your child’s Class Teacher is your first point of contact for anything, however big or small. They know your child best and are always pleased to chat at the start or end of the day. For anything urgent, the School Office is always happy to help too.
Communications
We love communicating with our families and aim to keep you well informed without overwhelming your inbox.
Pre-Prep is a busy school and there are lots of ways to keep up to date with what’s going on:
SchoolPost – a daily email sent at 4.30pm each week day during term time containing messages and information directly relevant to your child. If there is nothing to share on a given day, no email will be sent.
My School Portal (MSP) – a central Parent Hub where you will find all policies, communications, calendars and key documents. You can also use the Portal to access my Evolve for Early Drop, Late Stay and CCAs. Login details are sent to parents at the start of term.
Weekly Bulletin – our weekly newsletter published each Friday.
Instagram @hampton_prep – Follow us! Our Instagram account provides a wonderful window into School life with regular updates, celebrations and behind-the-scenes glimpses of what your child has been getting up to.
School
Calendar
Published at the start of every term on MSP and the School website, the Calendar includes parents’ evenings, events, sports fixtures and key dates. We recommend downloading events directly to your personal calendar, they will automatically update if anything changes.
KEY CONTACTS
Class teacher – your everyday contact Head of Pre-Prep – pastoral and wider concerns School Office – 020 8979 1844, secretary@hamptonprep.org.uk School Nurses – nurse@ hamptonschool.org.uk
EMAILING STAFF
Staff email addresses follow the format: initial.surname@hamptonprep.org.uk (so John Smith would be j.smith@ hamptonprep.org.uk). A full staff list is available on the School website.
Please note that we encourage staff to disconnect outside School hours. For anything urgent, please copy in the School Office at secretary@ hamptonprep.org.uk.
WORRY MONSTERS
If your child finds it easier to write down a worry rather than say it out loud, there are Worry Monsters in every classroom and a Worry Box in the hall which are regularly checked by our staff. Children at Pre-Prep also have access to the Hampton counselling service (see page 33 for further details).
Worry Monsters
PARENT TEACHER CONSULTATIONS & REPORTS
Parent Teacher Consultations are held at key points during the year and dates are available in the School Calendar.
You will be invited to book your appointment via SchoolCloud, our online booking platform. Once a year, you will also receive a full written report covering all subjects.
Beyond formal consultations, there are plenty of other opportunities to keep
in touch including workshops, coffee mornings and informally catching up with your child’s teacher at the start or end of the day. We value our communication with parents highly and encourage you to keep in contact with us throughout your child’s time at Pre-Prep.
WELCOME & INFORMATION EVENINGS
Before each new academic year (in the summer term), we hold a Welcome Evening for each year group.
These evenings are an excellent opportunity to learn about year group routines, timetables and all the exciting opportunities there are to look forward to. They are also a great way to meet and get to know other parents.
Your Community Practical Matters
THE HAMPTON PRE-PREP & PREP PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
The moment you join Hampton Pre-Prep you become part of a warm and welcoming community.
The Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep Parents' Association (the HPPPA) is a wonderful, welcoming group that brings families and staff together for social events, fundraising and plenty of fun.
Around £12,000 is raised each year through events including the Summer Fair (a brilliant family day out), quiz nights, BBQs and much more. Funds raised go towards those lovely extras that really make a difference - stage lighting, interactive whiteboards, play equipment, outdoor furniture, ICT resources and library books.
Attending HPPPA events is one of the best ways to get to know other families and we encourage you to get involved.
Become a Class Rep – a great way to get to know other parents in your child’s year and act as a social link for your Class.
Join the Committee – meetings happen once a term (usually over a coffee or glass of wine), no experience necessary, just plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to help!
Help at Events – even half an hour of your time makes a real difference.
Membership is automatic for all families. A one-off subscription of £15 per family is added to your first term's bill, and Gift Aid can help your contribution go even further at no extra cost to you.
UNIFORM & BELONGINGS
Pre-Prep pupils wear their School uniform with pride.
Items on our School uniform list are available from AlleyCatz Ltd in Hersham. Contact details are provided below and the store is open Monday to Saturday from 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Orders may also be placed online at www.alleycatz.co.uk
Please note that the last date for online orders is 10 August to ensure delivery in time for the start of term.
Parking is available at Waitrose in the Hersham Green complex for up to two hours.
For assistance with online orders please call 01932 221883 (Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm).
Please label absolutely everything, you would not believe how many unlabelled jumpers and water bottles go unclaimed! Personalised name labels may be purchased from AlleyCatz Ltd either in store or online.
LABELLING CLOTHING
To help us return misplaced items quickly, please ensure that all clothing is clearly labelled with your child's name, including sportswear, socks and underwear.
Name labels can be ordered from AlleyCatz. Thank you for your support in helping us keep track of pupils’ belongings.
UNIFORM LIST
Uniform
School blazer (optional for Reception)
School navy pullover badged
Shirt white long sleeve
School tie
Charcoal grey trousers or shorts
Socks knee length trimmed
School navy coat badged
School winter hat, scarf and navy gloves
Shoes, leather black
Legionnaires
hat navy
Book bag
Back Pack
Sportswear
Sweatshirt navy badged
Sweatpants navy
Gym backpack
Swimming trunks navy, speedo style
White trainers or gym shoes low cut
PE Shorts white
Gym socks white
PE T-shirt in House colours*
Optional Uniform
Shirts or blouses in short sleeve for Summer
Sports baselayer, navy in Autumn and Spring, and white in Summer
Girls
UNIFORM LIST
Uniform
School tartan kilt
School navy pullover badged
Blouse white long sleeve
Tights navy or navy long socks for winter
Socks white long or short for summer
Summer dress –blue/white stripe
School navy coat badged
School winter
hat, scarf and navy gloves
Shoes, leather black
Legionnaires
hat navy
Book bag
Sportswear
Sweatshirt navy badged
Sweatpants navy
PE Shorts white
PE T-shirt in House colours
Gym socks white
Gym backpack
White trainers or gym shoes low cut
Swimming costume navy
Optional Uniform
Shirts or blouses in short sleeve for Summer
Sandals, navy or black for Summer (girls only)
Blazer for girls
Sports baselayer, navy in Autumn and Spring, and white in Summer
STATIONERY
All stationery is provided by the School.
In Years 1 and 2, your child may occasionally be asked to bring in their own headphones, these should have either a headphone jack or USB connection to work with School devices.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property is kept in the lost property box, and we regularly reunite items with their owners.
Naming everything is the single most effective thing you can do!
MOBILE PHONES & VALUABLES
Pre-Prep children should not bring mobile phones to School.
The School cannot take responsibility for any personal property, so please encourage your child to leave valuable or sentimental items at home.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance genuinely matters and even small absences at this stage in your child’s education can have an impact on learning and friendships.
We ask that you avoid term-time holidays where possible and keep children home only for genuine illness or essential appointments. School holiday dates are published at least 12 months in advance to help you plan.
For children in Reception and above, requests for any non-medical absence must be made in writing to the Head of Pre-Prep and the Headmaster of
Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep, well in advance. Please email the School Office well in advance. Please note that only the Head of Pre-Prep and Headmaster of Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep have the authority to authorise absence.
For children in Kindergarten, parents should inform the Head of Pre-Prep and the Headmaster of Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep if their child will be absent.
If your child is unwell, it’s important they stay at home to recover and to protect others.
Please keep your child at home if they have:
IF YOUR CHILD ISN’T FEELING WELL REPORTING ABSENCE
• Sickness or diarrhoea (they must not return until 48 hours after the last episode)
• A fever or high temperature
• An infectious illness such as chickenpox, mumps, or measles
If your child becomes unwell at School, we will contact you straight away and look after them in our medical room until you arrive.
Should their condition require further attention, we will seek appropriate medical assistance, which may include contacting a GP, calling an ambulance, or arranging transfer to A&E. Parents or guardians will, of course, be kept fully informed at all times.
Please note: it’s important you keep us up to date with all parent and emergency contact details.
If your child is unwell, please contact us on each day of their absence, as early as possible:
Phone: 020 8979 1844
Email: secretary@hamptonprep.org.uk (cc your child’s Class Teacher)
On their return, please email to confirm the reason and dates of absence as this is a legal requirement for our registers.
Here are some of the questions we hear most often from new families. If yours isn’t here, just ask!
FAQs Additional INFORMATION
WHAT IF MY CHILD CRIES AT DROP-OFF?
It’s very common and understandably emotional. Our staff are very experienced in supporting children through this, and most settle very quickly once they’re engaged in the day. A warm, confident goodbye from you (even if you don’t feel it!) followed by a quick exit is usually the kindest approach. Children almost always settle within minutes and if you’re worried, please call the Office, we’re always happy to reassure you.
WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN’T EAT THEIR LUNCH?
Please don’t worry. Lunchtime can feel overwhelming at first for little ones. Our staff sit with the children and gently encourage them. Appetites usually improve once children feel fully settled in. Do let us know if your child has any particular food concerns or preferences.
WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS THE TOILET DURING LESSONS?
Of course they can go! This is never an issue at Pre-Prep, children know they can ask and will always be supported.
WHAT IF I’M RUNNING LATE AT PICK-UP?
Please call the School Office as soon as you know. Children can join Late Stay and a snack will be provided. If you’re late and we can’t reach you, we follow our Uncollected Child Policy, full details are on our website.
CAN I SPEAK TO MY CHILD’S TEACHER IF I HAVE A CONCERN?
Absolutely, and please do! Class Teachers are available at the start and end of each day, or you can email them directly. For anything more significant, the Head of Pre-Prep is also always available.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS STRUGGLING SOCIALLY OR EMOTIONALLY?
Please tell us. The sooner we know, the sooner we can help. Between our Class Teachers, the Head of Pre-Prep, our School Nurses and our counselling team, there is a wealth of support available. We are here to help, and no concern is ever too small.
WHEN CAN I VISIT THE SCHOOL DURING THE YEAR?
There are plenty of opportunities including concerts, drama productions, Sports Day, class assemblies, parents’ evenings, coffee mornings and lots more. We love welcoming families to our School so please keep an eye on the School Calendar!
FULL DETAILS OF OUR E-SAFETY AND COMPUTING POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE.
SAFEGUARDING SAFE INTERNET USE
Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility — and we take it very seriously.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mrs Tammy Howard (Deputy Head Pastoral) and our Deputy DSL is Mrs Imogen Murphy (Head of Pre-Prep).
Every member of our staff knows how to recognise and respond to concerns about a child’s welfare. All referrals are treated with the strictest confidentiality. Our full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is on the School website.
We take e-safety incredibly seriously.
Children will access the internet as part of their learning under staff supervision, through a filtered service that prevents access to inappropriate content. We track which sites have been visited and educate children about safe and responsible online behaviour.
IF THINGS GO WRONG
We try to be consistently positive and give children every opportunity to make better choices before any sanction is applied.
Our system is built around a series of verbal warnings, a ‘sad cloud’ warning system, and ultimately a red card — which means missing some Golden Time. Parents are always kept informed.
If your child receives three red cards in a term, you will be invited to meet with the Head of Pre-Prep. We see this as a partnership — working together with you to support your child.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Staff are trained to administer medication, and all have received EpiPen and First Aid training.
To give your child medication at School, we require written parental consent (a form is available from the School Office).
• Prescription medicines can only be given if prescribed for your child by a doctor, dentist, nurse, or pharmacist. Medicines containing aspirin will only be given if prescribed by a doctor.
• All medicines must be brought to the School Reception by a parent (not a child), in a clear plastic bag, and in the original packaging with a clearly legible label showing your child’s name.
• Parents are responsible for bringing medication to School and collecting it at the end of the day.
If a child needs medication regularly to attend School, they may be too unwell to participate fully. In these cases, keeping them at home to rest and recover is often kinder.
Please let us know immediately if your child's medical needs change at any point during the year.
Counselling at HAMPTON PRE-PREP
Sometimes children (and parents!) need a little extra support.
We have a team of experienced visiting School Counsellors who work across the Hampton Trust. Counselling is available to any pupil who needs it — it’s completely confidential (within safeguarding limits) and entirely voluntary.
WHAT IS COUNSELLING?
Counselling is available across the Hampton Trust as part of our pastoral support offer.
It’s a confidential space where children can explore their feelings, talk through challenges, and find ways forward, whatever those challenges might be. Counselling is not only for children in crisis; it’s for any child who would benefit from some dedicated, one-toone support.
Our School Counsellors are experienced professionals who know Hampton well. They work within the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) ethical framework.
HOW CAN MY CHILD ACCESS COUNSELLING?
Referrals can come from parents, from a class teacher (after discussion with the Head of Pre-Prep or Deputy Head Pastoral), or from the Senior Leadership Team.
Counselling is always voluntary — it will never be imposed, and it will never be used as part of any disciplinary process.
If you'd like to explore counselling for your child, simply contact the Head of Pre-Prep or Deputy Head Pastoral. You'll be asked to complete a consent form, after which the counsellor will contact you to discuss arrangements.
Counsellors offer confidentiality to their clients within clear guidelines.
The one exception is if a child discloses that they or someone else is at risk of harm — in these circumstances, the counsellor would discuss with the child before taking any further steps, unless the risk was immediate.
Given the age of our Pre-Prep pupils, parents will always be informed that sessions are taking place and will be in contact with the counsellor at least once a half term.
Policies & Further INFORMATION
We believe in being open and transparent, and all our key policies are available to parents.
Rather than reproducing them in full here, you'll find everything on the Policies & Documentation section of the School website, or you can request a hard copy from the School Office (020 8979 1844 or bursary@ hamptonprep.org.uk).
Policies available on our website include:
• Acceptable Use/E-Safety Policy
• Admissions Policy
• Medication Administration of Medicine Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Attendance Policy
• Complaints Procedure
• Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Policy
• EAL Policy
• Educational Visits Policy
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
• Fire Risk & Safety Policy
• Feedback & Marking Policy
• First Aid Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Life Skills (PSHE) Policy
• Relationships Education Policy
• Missing Pupil Policy
• Policy to Promote Good Behaviour –Rewards – Sanctions - Exclusions
• Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
• Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Policy
• Uncollected Child Policy
• Late Stay Policy
If you ever have a question about any of our policies, or if there’s anything in this handbook you’d like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d always rather you asked.
The Environment & OUR
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
We take our environmental responsibilities seriously at Hampton Pre-Prep, and we'd love your family to be part of this too.
Simple steps make a big difference:
• Walk, cycle, scoot or use public transport when you can
• Turn off lights and screens when leaving a room
• Recycle paper in the correct bins
• Use both sides of paper
• Respect the plants and wildlife in our School grounds
• Pick up litter and use the bins provided
Our Year 2 Eco Warriors lead the charge on all things environmental — they're a passionate bunch and very persuasive!
