Welcome to Hampton House
Parent/Guardian Handbook
Welcome to Hampton house
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 Hampton House systems meet the highest requirements laid down by the Government through the National Minimum Standards for Boarding schools (May 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 Hampton House, as well as providing contact details of key House staff.
In September 2018, the Pastoral community at LVS Ascot changed the names of the Houses to distance us from the alcohol brands that we were previously linked to, in our case, Guinness.
Situated in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, Hampton Court Palace is now known as one of the secondary British Royal Palaces and draws a strong connection to our Royal Patronage at LVS Ascot. It was the favourite residence of King Henry VIII in the 16th Century and much beloved by all British monarchs for the next 200 years; King George II was the last British monarch to reside at Hampton Court Palace
The beautiful Tudor and Baroque styled building alongwith its famous Chapel Royal, gardens, and maze is now a major tourist attractionand well worth a visit!
Hampton Resident House Staff
Mr Wilder
Assistant Headteacher - Head of Boarding
Housemaster of Hampton House
DDSL
“Hampton House is a place that young men can call home whilst n the care of their parents I am proud to boast a happy, safe and caring environment where Hamptonites can grow and develop independently, building upon a foundation of strong morals, respect, trust and discipline. We only ask that you play the game!”
Mr Wilder
Mr Mikulko
Senior House Assistant of Hampton House
Mr Gurung
Graduate Boarding Assistant of Hampton House
The boarding team
Assistant Head of Boarding, DDSL
Mr Dennis
Housemaster of Blenheim, Head of Mathematics, Head of Academic Boarding, DDSL
Ms McMahon
Assistant Housemistress 2nd in Art
Resident Boarding Matron
Blenheim House Graduate Boarding Assistant
Teacher of Business & Economics
Non-Resident Tutor
Non - Resident Tutor
Head of Girls Boarding, Osborne Housemistress, DDSL
Kew Housemistress, DDSL
Kew & Osborne Senior House Assistant
Osborne House Graduate Boarding Assistant
Non-Resident Tutor
Head of Philosiphy Non-Resident Tutor
Prefects
Hampton House has up to 8 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.
Useful Communication Information
Hampton House Office number : 01344 898543
Mr Wilder mobile number: 07880 054213
Mr Mikulko mobile number: 07827 284284
Mr Wilder email address: j.wilder@lvs.ascot.sch.uk
Mr Mikulko email address: MikulkoJ@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. Their allocated house 2. A full Boarding community 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, Hampton 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.
“Inspiring Independence”.
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.
Hampton House provides accommodation for up to 56 boys, together with resident staff. Accommodation for boys is in the form of shared dormitories. To ensure our aim of creating a happy and relaxed atmosphere, a lot of careful consideration goes into allocating boys into dormitories and there are changes to whom boys share a dorm with, within their Year group as we move through the academic year.
Prefects share their own flat; it has facilities for cooking, making refreshments and relaxing. In addition to the flat, there are two large and one small common rooms One has a pool table, working area and a printer; whilst the other large common room provides facilities for making hot drinks or snacks and watching television. The smaller common area acts as a private study area and a place where the older students in the House can have some peace and quiet if they wish.
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 Hampton 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 Hampton House
Hampton House seeks to promote an all-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 Hampton 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 Hampton 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 (Hampton 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 Hampton 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). Anyone brand new is required to have a School managed device.
Games consoles are not permitted.
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 take a register whilst putting the boys to bed to ensure that all pupils are present, as required.
WEEKENDS
A formal roll call is taken by House staff at 10:15 or 10:30 respectively and 17:25 on both Saturday and Sunday.
There is also a check-in roll call at 14:30-14:45 on both days, during which every pupil must come to the House Office and check in with a member of House staff.
As with weekdays, the House is locked and alarmed at 21:45. A member of House staff will then take a register whilst putting boys to bed to ensure that all pupils staying in for the weekend are present, and accounted for.
On Sundays, a formal House meeting takes place at 20:20, 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.
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 Hampton; 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 not permitted for health and safety reasons Personal food may be stored in the fridges in the kitchens. There is also a freezer in the downstairs kitchen and oven which you are welcome to use once inducted. Personal food items 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, lunch and supper in the Dining Hall every day.
Takeaways
You may order a takeaway at the weekend but only during times specified by duty staff that weekend. This is normally on a Saturday evening.
BOARDING Activities
In addition to the co-curricular activities organised by the school, there are many organised activities provided after school during the week, 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 and what boys have signed up for will be displayed on one of the House noticeboards. Hampton staff will assist in signing boys up for activities on Evolve.
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
Padelboarding and Kayaking
Visits to Legoland and Thorpe Park
Paint balling
Archery
Cinema trips
Ice Skating
Golf, Top Golf and Crazy Golf
Pool tournaments
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 the boarders. 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 Hampton.
Signing in & out of the house
You must sign in and out on Orah every time you are leaving or returning to Hampton. Even if you are going to another area of the school site, it is important that you update your location on Orah so we know where you are.
ORAH
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. If leaving the School site for whatever reason, Boys MUST sign out with a member of staff before they leave
WEEKEND LEAVE
Boarders will be asked to confirm their plans for the weekend early in the week and we expect to know for certain on a Wednesday by bedtime.
If someone is expecting to be out for the weekend, Parents/Guardians are then required to inform us via a leave request on Orah the plans for this time away There will be a weekly weekend email sent on either a Thursday or Friday to list who has said they will be out and if we have had the confirmation on Orah or not. 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
Hampton Office - 01344 898543 (264)
Mr Wilder’s Work Mobile - 07880054213
Mr Mikulko’s Work Mobile - 07827284284
Osborne House approved locations
Year Group Approved Locations When Allowed Permission Needed Group Size
Years 5 – 7
Year 8
Year 9
Not permitted to leave the school site without direct supervision by a member of staff.
School site only unless directly supervised Direct staff supervision required Staff supervised only
Ascot High Street; Martins Heron Tesco 16:00–17:40 (Mon–Fri) 09:00–17:30 (Weekends)
As Year 8, plus The Lexicon, Bracknell
Year 10 As Year 9, plus Windsor
Year 11 As Year 10, plus Reading town centre, The Oracle and Oxford
Ascot/Tesco: as above Lexicon: 09:00–17:30
Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
Local destinations: as above Windsor: 09:00–17:30 Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
Local destinations: as above Reading/Oxford: Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
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 trolleys provided downstairs first thing in the morning, and laundry boxes returned to the named shelf.
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.
All rooms must always be kept presentable and safe, with consideration for your roommate(s). In particular, heavy or bulky items must not be stored on the top of wardrobes, and suitcases must be stored in the luggage room. Clothes, shoes and cables must not be left on the floor where they can create a trip hazard. The boys 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, the boys should use their noticeboard!
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..
We truly want you to enjoy your time in Hampton House, to have fun and to make some lifelong memories and friendships.
