Welcome to Blenheim House
Parent/Guardian Handbook
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Boarding life is not just about the relationship between staff and pupils; parents and guardians play a key role in the development of their children. It is essential that they work in partnership with the Boarding Housemaster (BHM) and the House team to ensure that their son/ward gains the maximum possible from their Boarding experience here at LVS Ascot.
Familiarity of parents and guardians with House procedures is crucial in helping to establish and reinforce important structures. These relationships, built between home and House, are the necessary foundation for the smooth running of the Boarding community Similarly, when pupils have a clear knowledge of the expectations and standards required, they can both actively contribute more positively and gain more from the opportunities available.
This handbook explains how Blenheim House systems meet the highest requirements laid down by the Government through the National Minimum Standards for Boarding schools (September 2026).
This handbook will be of particular use to Pupils, parents, and guardians as it outlines key features in the day-to-day life of Blenheim House, as well as providing contact details of key House staff.
Blenheim House is LVS Ascot’s Sixth Form boys boarding house (Years 11–13) a home for senior Pupils as they prepare for life beyond school.
The house takes its name from Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire one of Britain’s great historic estates and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 1987) Built in the early 1700s as a national tribute to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim palace is also the bithplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and is renowned for its grand architecture and landscaped park
Blenheim Resident House Staff
Mr Dennis
Housemaster of Blenheim, Head of Mathematics, Head of Academic Boarding
“Blenheim House continues the work of Mr Wilder in Hampton House, shaping boys into young men over their three-year journey Through fostering independence and strong character, we prepare pupils for further education and the world of work”
Edward Dennis
Ms McMahon
Assistant Housemistress 2nd in Art
“As a former pupil and boarder at LVS, I know that the experience shapes you in ways that go far beyond the academic Education is at the heart of what we do, but boarding nurtures something deeper too The resilience, the empathy, the ability to live and grow alongside others It’s that combination that leaves LVS truly well-rounded, and ready for whatever life brings”
Yasmin McMahon
Mr Marsali Blenheim House Graduate Boarding Assistant
The boarding team
Head of Boarding, Hampton Housemaster, DDSL
Assistant Head of Boarding, DDSL
Head of Girls Boarding, Osborne Housemistress, DDSL
Hampton Senior House Assistant
Hampton Graduate Boarding Assistant
Resident Boarding Matron
Kew Housemistress, DDSL
Kew & Osborne Senior House Assistant
Osborne Graduate Boarding Assistant
Non-Resident Tutor
Head of Philosiphy
Non-Resident Tutor
Non-Residetn Tutor
Teacher of Business & Economics
Non-Resident Tutor
Prefects
Blenheim House has 6 Senior house prefects that aid in the day-to-day running of the House. They also head up committees and organise inter-House events as well as activities afterschool and at the weekend. The Prefects are not allowed to give out sanctions, but they are expected to inform duty staff of who is not meeting the House’s expectations. However, they can give out rewards as long as cleared and logged by a member of staff.
Head Boarder & House Captain
Deputy House Captain
House Prefect
House Prefect
House Prefect
House Prefect
Useful Communication Information
Blenheim House Office number : 01344 898551
Mr Dennis mobile number: 07557 014058
Ms McMahon mobile number: 07825 195456
Mr Dennis email address: DennisE@lvs.ascot.sch.uk
Ms McMahon email address: Yasmin.McMahon@lvs.ascot.sch.uk
Post and packages for you should be sent to the following address: [Your Name]
Blenheim House, LVS ASCOT London Road Ascot Berkshire SL5 8DR
Microsoft Teams
All Pupils will be added to a Boarding Microsoft team. They will have access to two channels 1. Thier alloacted house 2. A full Boarding communicty channel. We use teams to post notices, quizzes and polls
Introduction to Boarding
Boarding at LVS Ascot is based on the following principles:
• The development of the whole person, physically, spiritually, intellectually, morally, socially, and emotionally in a conducive atmosphere of positive praise and reinforcement
• The promotion of mutual respect and the right to be treated as an individual.
• The right of the individual to not suffer any form of abuse.
• An equality of opportunities provided to all, regardless of socio-economic or cultural background.
• The right to privacy.
• Fostering supportive links with parents and guardians
In addition to addressing physical needs and a sense of security and safety, Blenheim House seeks to contribute to its Boarders’ development in their sense of belonging, their self-esteem, self-respect, sense of belonging and self-realisation. House staff are and should be advocates for the boarders in their care.
Pupil voice is taken seriously, and the House also promotes leadership qualities.
Aims, objectives and expectations
The aims and objectives of each Boarding House will differ in practice depending on the age range and circumstance of the House, but all will seek to:
• Create a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for all Boarders.
• Provide a range of experiences and opportunities and conditions that will encourage self-development: physically, spiritually, intellectually, morally, socially, and emotionally.
• Develop an open and trusting ethos in which Boarders are confident that they will be treated with respect as an individual.
• Create an atmosphere which is non-conducive to any form of bullying and where it would have difficulty flourishing.
• Develop a sense of responsibility for self, others, and the environment
• Develop Boarders’ qualities of leadership and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Encourage supportive relationships between Boarders, staff, parents, and guardians.
We are a modern, inclusive, and self-determining school, driven by essential behaviours, sharing knowledge and skills in a culture of trust within an adaptive environment.
Blenheim House provides accommodation for up to 53 boys, along with two resident members of staff. Boys are accommodated primarily in twin dormitories, although single rooms are available as a premium option.
To support our aim of creating a happy, relaxed and positive atmosphere, careful consideration is given to dormitory allocations. Throughout the academic year, boys may change who they share with within their year group, helping them to build friendships and develop positive relationships across the house
As with any community, certain basic rules and routines are necessary to ensure the freedom, safety and wellbeing of every boy within the House. These may differ from, or be more extensive than, those boys are used to at home; however, they are essential for living successfully as part of one large community.
These expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:
To be polite and courteous to other members of the House, the wider School community and staff;
To be tolerant of others and respectful of their feelings;
To be clean, smart and appropriately dressed at all times;
To be punctual, both in attendance and in handing in work;
To take pride in belonging to Blenheim House by helping to keep it clean, tidy and welcoming to visitors;
To participate in all activities to the best of their ability;
To challenge themselves to fulfil their potential;
To work hard for the good of the House;
To put others first and show selflessness in both their thoughts and actions.
CelebratingBritish Values within Blenheim House
Blenheim House seeks to promote anall-inclusive community whereby all our Boarders can live and develop in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of their culture or religious beliefs. We actively encourage our Boarders to embrace British Values, through our range of exciting House trips and events. Boarders are asked to adopt and follow the clear expectations and customs that British citizens are expected to embrace and incorporate into their own daily lives. We wish to instil a sense of pride and respect within the House, by offering our Boarders a range of opportunities for self-enrichment and fulfilment, through visits to local and national places of cultural importance. Boarders will learn what ‘good citizens’ are by following and respecting the rules of the House. They should work with the House in its ambition towards living in a fair, democratic, and a homely environment. Boarders are given the opportunity to develop into caring and confident citizens, who are educated in the modern British way of life Blenheim House welcomes cultural diversity while taking pride in its strong sense of Britishness Our Boarders learn to live together respectfully and peacefully. They are given the chance to become confident and well-informed leaders, through our Prefect system. They are given every equal opportunity to celebrate their cultural backgrounds and to take full advantage of what is on offer regardless of their race or religion.
Expectations
To be polite and courteous to other members of the house, to other members of the school and to members of staff
To be tolerant of others and to respect the feelings of others.
To be clean and smartly dressed at all times.
To be punctual, both in attending lessons and handing in work.
To take pride in belonging to Blenheim House, accepting responsibility for helping to keep it clean, tidy and welcoming to visitors
To participate in everything to the best of their ability.
School Bounds
LVS Ascot has a 26-acre site, most of which is accessible to all Pupils and it is important that the boarders at LVS are allowed to explore the campus. However, it is also important (particularly during the evening and winter hours) that boarders understand the safe parameters within which they must operate.
Essential items for living in Blenheim House
Toiletries (Toothbrush/shampoo/etc.) As well as a Towel and face flannel.
Home casual clothes and footwear.
Small electrical items as required, please see below.
Pocket money to be kept in House account if worth over £50GBP, however, in a world of contactless payment we strongly suggest a debit card for our Boys to use instead of cash.
Tuck/snacks (optional, but must fit into the box provided)
Bedding (Blenheim can provide bedding, but you are also welcomed to bring your own)
Please consider the appropriateness of very expensive items of clothing/footwear/Jewellery.
Although Blenheim House is a safe environment, we cannot be sure that items will not go missing or be damaged. Also consider how certain items of property can be an advert for trouble whilst outside the school, or how uncomfortable some of your fellow Pupils could feel that may not be as financially lucky as you.
There will be regular opportunities to shop for essential items, for example, shampoo or a toothbrush Nevertheless, if there are emergencies, please encourage your Son / Ward to speak to a member of the House’s staff directly if he requires something more urgently.
Electrical Items
All Boarding Houses must follow Health and Safety guidelines. As electrical and electronic equipment can present Health and Safety risks, we impose the following restrictions:
All items must be electrically safe and fitted with a standard three pin, fused plug. All items will be Portable Appliance Tested (PAT) The house staff reserves the right to confiscate and return to parents any item which they consider unsuitable, or which is being used improperly. Items that fail the PAT test will be disposed of appropriately.
Allowed –
Clocks
Laptops/tablets
Mobile phones
Cameras
Hairdryers, straighteners etc.
Not Allowed –
Electric heaters or blankets ·
Kettles
Personal fridges
Televisions
Rice Cookers
Electric Fans
Laptops, Notebooks and Games Consoles
There is an expectation at LVS Ascot that Pupils will come to school with a device in which they can complete their schoolwork, this device must have a keyboard attached (i.e. not an iPad).
Games consoles are not permitted unless it is for the senior members of the House and previously agreed after discussion with the Boarding Housemaster/mistress.
Mobile phones
Boarders’ mobile numbers need to be registered with the House staff on arrival into the House or when they change their phones. These will be used in an emergency or as otherwise required.
Parental/Guardian Permission for certificated items
Boarders who wish to watch films or play video games with a certificate which exceeds their age, must seek written permission from their parent/guardian to do so. All permissions and thus responsibilities should be granted through the boarding permissions form sent via Orah at the start of the academic year.
Passports
Any passports, legal documentation (particularly pertaining to ID) or visas brought into the House at any point during the year, should be handed to member of House staff, to ensure that it is not lost over time. All documents will be logged via Orah and kept in the House safe.
ROLL CALLS
WEEKDAYS
A register is taken by a member of House staff each morning as pupils leave for breakfast.
A formal roll call is then taken at 17:40, during which pupils are given important information about the evening ahead and the following day. The House is locked and alarmed at 21:45. A member of House staff will then walk around the House and take a register to ensure that all pupils are present, as required.
WEEKENDS
A formal roll call is taken by House staff at 10:00 and 17:40 on both Saturday and Sunday.
There is also a check-in roll call at 14:00 on both days, during which every pupil must come to the House Office and check in with a member of House staff.
On Saturdays, the House is locked and alarmed at 21:45. A member of House staff will then walk around the House and take a register to ensure that all pupils staying in for the weekend are present, as required.
On Sundays, a formal House meeting takes place at 21:00, during which pupils are given important information for the week ahead. The 21:45 register is then also completed in the same way as on Saturday.
Weekend Routines
Saturday
Sunday
On a school day
Meal Times
Breakfast is served from 07:45 - 08:30
Lunch is served from 13:00-14:00. Dinner is served between 17:40-18:30.
We are fortunate to have two well-equipped kitchens in Blenheim; one upstairs and one downstairs. Both kitchens include a kettle, toaster, microwave, sink and dishwasher. Boarders are permitted to cook food using these facilities once they have been given an induction into basic food hygiene by house staff. This includes the proper use of colour-coded kitchen knives and chopping boards for different foodstuffs. Kitchens and equipment must be left clean and tidy after use out of consideration for others Personal cooking equipment such as rice cookers or hotplates are permitted on the understanding that they are stored and used only in the kitchen areas and only at permitted times. They must be kept in a tidy and hygienic condition by their owner. Personal food may be stored in the large fridges in the kitchens. There is also a small freezer in the upstairs common room. It must be stored in an orderly way, clearly labelled with the name of the owner and checked regularly so that out-of-date food can be removed and thrown away Boarders are not permitted to store fresh food in their rooms or to eat in their rooms as this presents a health and safety hazard. If Pupils wish to eat in house, food must be prepared and eaten in the common areas around the kitchens. All boarders should be mindful that there is limited storage space in the kitchens and fridges, so should purchase food and ingredients only in small quantities. If a boarder purchases food without consideration to others and there is insufficient space, the food will need to be disposed of Also, due to their associated health risks, boarders are not be allowed to be in possession of high caffeine drinks (e.g. Red Bull, Monster etc.), which will also be taken and not returned All boarders are expected to eat breakfast and lunch in the Dining Hall every day
Takeaways
You may order a takeaway on a Saturday evening. Takeaways cannot be delivered during Prep so please make sure you order it to arrive outside this time. You may not order takeaways at lunchtimes on either day or at any other point during the week.
BOARDING Activities
In addition to the co-curricular activities organised by the school, there are many organised activities provided after school during the week from 16:00-17:40, after prep and at weekends. The House stresses that it is each Pupil’s responsibility to participate in the wider life of the school and not the responsibility of House staff to constantly remind. All activities will be displayed on one of the House noticeboards.
ACTIVITIES & WEEKEND OUTINGS
WEEKEND OUTINGS/Activities
Throughout the year we participate inva number of activities or outings, many of which are instigated by what the boys want to do or provided by staff. Below are some recent examples:
Go Karting
Gravity Force
Trips to London
Art gallery visits
Paint balling
Archery
Cinema trips
Bar nights
House touramanets such as pool and poker
All House activities are paid for by the House. If an activity does involve an additional charge, parents and guardians will be informed in advance, and the activity will be optional.
During weekends, there is generally more free time for pupils in the senior houses. This is an important part of boarding life, as it allows pupils to manage their own time, relax, complete prep, take part in activities, and spend time with friends. Pupils are expected to use this time sensibly and continue to follow House routines, expectations, and check-in times.
Town leave is permitted at weekends, provided pupils have the correct permissions in place and sign out and back in with House staff Pupils must behave responsibly while off site and return to House by the agreed time.
Across the year, we also offer trips as a whole boarding community. Some of these trips are optional sign-up activities, while others may be compulsory.
The first weekend of the academic year is a closed weekend, which means we would prefer all boarders to stay in House. This gives everyone the opportunity to settle in, bond as a House, and allows staff and pupils to get to know the new boys joining Blenheim.
Signing in & out of the house
Pupils must sign in and out on Orah whenever they leave or return to Blenheim. This includes moving to other areas of the school site, so House staff always know where pupils are.
ORAH WEEKEND LEAVE
All Pupils need to use our boarding electronic registration system Orah. Each Pupil has to download the app, register by clicking on the link sent by Orah to their school email and use the same log in details as for accessing school email or the Internet . Pupils must sign in and out via Orah. There are tap devices in house to make the process easier. Parents must use Orah to submit all leave requests and complete forms specific to Boarding. It is also sensible and polite to find a member of staff and seek their approval before leaving – particularly on the weekends and in the evenings
Boarders will be asked to confirm their plans for the weekend on a Wednesday by bedtime
Parents/Guardians are then required to inform us via a leave request on Orah that their son/ward will be out for the coming weekend. There will be a weekly weekend email sent on either a Thursday or Friday.
This email will also include any notices for the coming week, updates on events that have happened since the last email. If parents wish to allow their child to leave the school site to stay with a friend, or in the care of adults other than themselves, their guardian, or the staff of the school, they are asked to inform House staff via email at least 48 hrs beforehand. The House staff will then also require a confirmation email and contact details of the person they are planning to stay with. It must be understood that, for the period of time between the Pupil leaving the Boarding House and their return, the parent/guardian requesting the leave is fully responsible for the welfare and whereabouts of the child.
Visitors to the House
All visitors to the House must report to the duty member of staff before entering the House. Once permission has been granted for them to come in the visitor must sign in using Orah in the main downstairs common room
At no point do visitors enter Pupil dorms. They are welcome in the common area downstairs
Any Pupil visitor who has not sought permission from the duty member of staff will not be welcomed back in the House
Safety and Security
The Boarding House has an intruder alarm system which is set every night between 21:45 and 07:00 the next morning There are also several roll calls (registrations) to check all the boys are accounted for Boys must enter and exit the House via the main front door signing in and out on Orah as they do. The other exits are fire exits and will trigger an alarm if opened. The main door has a fitted security ‘punch’ lock (for pupils’ usage) and an electronic keypad (for staff usage at times when the House is locked to Boarders). Boarders are not permitted to return to the House during the School day, apart from at lunchtime.
Parents and guardians have the option of providing standing permission for boarders to visit certain destinations within the local area, according to Year group. Please note that town leave is not directly supervised by staff, giving Boarders the opportunity to develop independence and responsibility. It remains with the Head of Boarding to deny permissions for the below should they deem the Boarder unable to meet expectations
All of this will only be put in place once Pupils have had a guided tour of the area by Boarding Staff. At the weekends, Boarders will be able to make the following visits at agreed times with the Duty Staff:
Emergency Telephone Numbers
All boys should have these stored in their mobile phones.
School - 01344 882770
Blenheim Office - 01344 898551 (267)
Mr Denis’ Work Mobile - 07557014058
Ms McMahon’s Work Mobile - 07825195456
Blenheim House approved locations
Year
Year 11
Sixth Form / Pre Alevel
Ascot High Street; Martins Heron Tesco, The Lexicon, Windsor, Reading, Oxford
As Year 11, plus Fernbank Road shops and London
16:00–17:40 (Mon–Fri) 09:00–17:30 (Weekends) Windsor, Reading, Oxford: 09:00–21:45 weekends only.
Fernbank: 12:00–17:40 London: weekends only, with further detail agreed in advance
Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
Orah – Town / Trip permissions form London: parent email and agreement with House staff 2+
London visits require further detail and communication with House staff for each visit.
Pocket Money & Personal Property
Pocket money can be logged with any member of resident staff at any convenient times. It is then distributed when needed unless parents/guardians request otherwise Any large quantities of monies should be stored within the House safe upon arrival to the House. It is strongly advised that if Boarders have cash that exceeds the equivalent of £50 GBP (in any currency) that this is logged with the House to prevent any financial loss. Neither the House nor the School can be responsible for any monies that are not logged with House. It is expected that any monies the Boarders do not log with the House (no matter how small) will be stored in their personal safes that are provided. It is suggested that all boys have pre-paid debit cards such as GoHenry rather than cash
The House cannot provide lending or overdraft facilities to the boys.
No Boarder should be in possession of large amounts of money (of any currency), either on his person or in the House, as it can encourage theft. Gifts of money in the post should be handed in to a member of staff for safe keeping.
Please be aware that neither the School nor the House accept any responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.
Parents are strongly advised to check that their household insurance covers their son’s property outside the home
Parents are strongly advised to ensure that their son has a debit card rather than cash for pocket money
Bank accounts
We highly recommend that boys have a British bank account during their time in Hampton House. Please be aware that there are some restrictions where bank accounts are concerned. For an international Pupil to open a bank account you will need their passport and a letter from the school indicating that they are enrolled at the School. We recommend UK guardians ideally doing this before arrival or during the first half term break in October
Laundry Room Care
Every boarder is issued with a laundry number and named laundry box on arrival. All clothes must be labelled with the allocated laundry number.
Dirty washing should be placed in the laundry boxes provided first thing in the morning, and left by the laundry room.
Underwear should be put in the net bags provided. Delicate items (coats, etc.) have separate deposit bins to ensure they are kept separate from the normal wash.
Laundered clothes are placed back in these boxes ready for collection after school.
Beds must be stripped (sheet, duvet cover & pillowcase) and handed to the laundry for washing once a week.
A dry-cleaning business is located at Fernbank road shops if pupils require dry cleaning for suits or other clothes during the school term
All rooms must always be kept presentable and safe, with consideration for your roommate. In particular, heavy or bulky items must not be stored on the top of wardrobes, and suitcases must be either packed away inside the beds or placed in one of the house storage cupboards. Clothes, shoes and cables must not be left on the floor where they can create a trip hazard.
You are free to personalise your room with photographs, posters and other personal items, but please do not fix anything to the walls with Blu Tack or drawing pins
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Everyone in the House is on a weekly chore rota for their respective duties. It is the expectation that your child fulfils their roles when requested to do so by a member of staff or Prefect. The duties are not too strenuous and may include (although not a definitive list): cleaning the kitchen; loading/emptying the dishwasher and collecting rations. It gives the pupils a sense of ownership and helps to instil pride in the House by carrying out these tasks, as well as preparing them for independent living in the future.
Holidays
Boarders are expected to leave the House as close to 16:00 on the last day of term and half-term (unless term ends earlier) and no later than 18:00 Boarders are expected to return from 18:00 and before 20:00 on the night of their return, including weekends (apart from the first and last night of the academic year where other arrangements will be put in place).
The House will be closed over the holidays between the above times.
Parents/guardians should aid in the removal of personal possessions during breaks/holidays when the House will be closed. Rarely will pupils be expected to remove all their belongings from the House, and international Pupils are always able to leave some possessions in boxes over the summer holiday. However, it is recommended that as many possessions are removed as possible during holiday periods. This tends to ensure boarders do not hoard items they no longer need or use
If Boarders are due to arrive or depart on flights very early in the morning/late at night, outside the 07:00 to 22:00 timeframe, it is expected that they will be collected by their guardians either from the House in advance or from the airport, and looked after by them until a more suitable time.
The House is required to have received an address and contact number, if different to Home address or Guardian’s home address for over the Holiday period, in case there is the need to contact a Pupil in an emergency and for immigration regulations
All early departures/late returns from holidays, should be confirmed in writing to the House staff at the earliest opportunity, for permission to be sought from the Principal. However, Pupils should not be taken out of School during term time, term dates are published a year in advance.
For safeguarding, Parents/Guardians must log on the Orah leave request if anyone other than the parents/guardian is collecting the Pupil from the Boarding House.
Guardians
If Boarders’ parents live overseas, they MUST have a legal UK guardian (UK National or holding settled status) aged 25 or over residing in the UK Parents should consult the School’s Guardian Agreement Policy for further information regarding prerequisites for guardianship.
Parents must inform the school of any changes to the (UK) emergency contact details as soon as they occur and ensure that an updated guardian agreement form has been completed.
Health & Wellbeing Centre
The Health & Wellbeing Centre (HAWC) is run by nursing staff and a wellbeing practitioner. Pupils have access to facilities such as doctors and counsellors through the Centre If boarders feel unwell for any reason – physical or mental – they should speak either with house staff or directly with the HAWC.
Surgery times:
Further information can be obtained from the house notice board, duty member of staff or from the LVS Senior School Handbook.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 08:00 - 18:00 Thursday – 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday – Open for any Sports Fixtures or open mornings
Counselling
Confidential Counselling Services are available to all Pupils at LVS Ascot Counselling is a safe space for young people to explore whatever is bothering them. Boarders can arrange to see a counsellor by emailing the counselling service directly at counsellor@lvs.ascot.sch.uk or by speaking in confidence to the House Staff.
Medication
Every Boarder is required to register with the School Doctor and, should you require treatment during School holidays, you should register as a temporary resident with your local Doctor. Pupils may not possess any medication prescribed or otherwise, unless these have been approved by the Medical Centre
Any medication prescribed or otherwise, including vitamins, supplements and indeed protein shakes or powders for shakes, must be declared on arrival, be in their original packaging and in English. These must be approved by our Health and Wellbeing Centre staff before being used. If Pupils are found with any medication of any sort it will be confiscated and may be clinically destroyed for safety reasons.
Term Dates
and finally..
INDEPENDENCE BUILDS MEN