Welcome to Osborne House
Parent/Guardian Handbook
come to borne
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 Housemistresss (BHM) and the House team to ensure that their daughter/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 Osborne 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 Osborne House, as well as providing contact details of key House staff.
Osborne House is LVS Ascot’s Junior Girls boarding house from Year 7 to Year 11 a home away from home for all the pupils.
The house takes its name from Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Osborne House was Queen Victoria's private Italianate palace on the Isle of Wight. It was designed by Prince Albert who ensured it provided a peaceful coastal escape from London court life. The estate features a private beach and the intricately decorated Indian Durbar Room. Following Queen Victoria's death there in 1901, it became a historic visitor attraction.
Osborne staff
Paulina Swiech
Housemistress of Osborne
Head of Girls Boarding
Teacher of English as an Additional Language (EAL), Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
A warm and heartfelt welcome to all our lovely ladies, parents and guardians! Welcome to Osborne, our true home away from home. For some of you, this is the very start of your boarding adventure. For others, the journey continues with exciting new milestones ahead.
No matter where you are on this path, please remember that we are all in the same boat, sailing together. To make our journey fruitful, all we need to do is look out for one another, talk openly, and fill our house with kindness and empathy every single day.
Whenever stormy days come our way, you will never have to face them alone. We have an incredibly loving, dedicated team right here to guide and support you through every single step. We are always here for you, and no worry is ever too small for us to listen to
This little booklet is here to help students, parents, and guardians alike It is packed with useful information about daily life at Osborne. It also shows how our cozy House systems fully meet the Government’s National Minimum Boarding Standards to keep everyone safe and happy.
If you have any questions at all please reach out. You can always contact me at: Paulina.swiech@lvs.ascot.sch.uk
Resident staff
Miss Chiwara
Resident Boarding Matron
Miss Sterling
Osbrone House GBA
The boarding team
Head of Boarding, Hampton Housemaster, DDSL
Mr Dennis
Housemaster of Blenheim, Head of Mathematics, Head of Academic Boarding, DDSL
Ms McMahon
Assistant Housemistress 2nd in Art
Kew & Osborne Senior House Assistant
Blenheim House Graduate Boarding Assistant
Head of Philosiphy
Non-Resident Tutor
Non-Resident Tutor
Assistant Head of Boarding, DDSL
Kew Housemistress, DDSL
Hampton Senior House Assistant
Hampton Graduate Boarding Assistant
Non-Resident Tutor
Teacher of Business & Economics
Non-Resident Tutor
Prefects
Osborne 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.
House Captain
Deputy House Captain
Pastoral Prefect International Prefect
Activities Prefect
House Prefect
Useful Communication Information
Osborne House Office number : 01344 898536
Ms Swiech mobile number: 07557014096
Mr Swiech email address: Paulina.swiech@lvs.ascot.sch.uk
Ms Chance email address: Sophie.chance@lvs.ascot.sch.uk
Post and packages for you should be sent to the following address:
[Student’s Name]
Osborne 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 alloacted 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, Osborne house seeks to contribute to its Boarders’ development in their sense of belonging, their self-esteem, self-respect and self-realisation. House staff are and should be advocates for the boarders in their care.
Pupil Voice is our internal communication’s tool, is taken seriously. The House also promotes leadership qualities through the system of Prefects.
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.
Life at Osborne House
Our Community: Home to up to 53 girls and supportive resident staff.
Shared Dorms: Thoughtfully allocated and rotated within year groups to build friendships.
Prefect Flat: A dedicated Year 11 space with cooking, refreshment, and lounge facilities
Active Common Rooms: One large room for study and printing; one for snacks and TV.
Quiet Room: A peaceful, private space for study, relaxation, and mental health well-being.
As with any community, certain basic rules and routines are necessary to ensure the freedom, safety and wellbeing of every girl within the House. These may differ from, or be more extensive than, those girls are used to at home; however, they are essential for living successfully as part of one large community.
Expectactions
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 Osborne 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 Osborne House
Osborne 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 girls 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. Girls are given the opportunity to develop into caring and confident citizens, who are educated in the modern British way of life Osborne 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.
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 Osborne House
Toiletries (Toothbrush/shampoo/etc.) As well as a towel and a face towel.
Home casual clothes and footwear.
Small electrical items as required, please see below.
Pocket money to be kept in House if worth over £50GBP, however, in a world of contactless payment we strongly suggest a debit card for our girls to use instead of cash.
Tuck/snacks (optional, but must fit into the box provided)
Bedding (Osborne can provide bedding, but you are also welcome to bring your own)
Please consider the appropriateness of very expensive items of clothing/footwear/jewellery.
Although Osborne 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 fellow pupils could feel that may not be as financially lucky as some other students.
There will be regular opportunities to shop for essential items, for example, shampoo, toothbrush etc Nevertheless, if there are emergencies, girls are encouraged to communicate with a member of House staff directly if they need some items 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
All electronics are collected from students in all years up to and including Year 11 They are stored in a locker and/or the locked office, thus allowing pupils to sleep uninterrupted. A prefect on duty is given the responsibility to look after their own electronics at night to ensure their duties are done on time the following day. However, should they fail to meet expectations, they too will follow the rules of the rest of the year groups.
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 arrive at school with an appropriate device on which they can complete their schoolwork. This device must have a keyboard attached (for example, an iPad without a keyboard is not considered suitable).
Games consoles are not permitted. Osborne has a Play Station 5 for the girls to enjoy.
Mobile phones
Boarders’ mobile numbers need to be registered with the House staff on arrival into the House or when the pupils change their phone numbers. 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 via Orah at the start of the academic year.
Passports
Any passports, legal documentation (particularly pertaining to ID) or visas brought into Osborne house at any point during the year, should be immediately handed to a 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
Breakfast roll call is taken at 7:45am and dinner roll call is taken at 5:30pm. During roll calls pupils are given important information and notices.
The House is locked and alarmed at 9:45pm. 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 10:30am and 5:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday. There is a Check-in at the office on Friday and Saturday between 9:45pm - 10:00pm. Students must then come to the House office to check in with a member of staff.
There is also a check-in roll call at 1pm on both days, during which every pupil must come to the Common room and check in with a member of House staff.
On Sundays, the House is locked and alarmed at 9:45pm. A member of House staff will then walk around the House and take a register to ensure that all pupils are present. Bedtimes as normal.
On Sundays there is a dorm check completed at 8pm to ensure students’ dorms are tidy and that the students are ready for the school week ahead.
Weekend Routines
(Timings are for orientation only, check the weekend plan for details)
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 Osborne House – one upstairs and one downstairs. We have three fridges: a personal fridge a small house fridge upstairs, and a large house fridge downstairs. We also have a freezer. Should the girls wish to purchase food items and store them in the personal fridge or freezer, they may do so, provided they ensure that the fridges and freezer are kept tidy, regularly check use-by dates, and label their food. Both kitchens include a kettle, toaster, microwave, sink, and dishwasher. The girls are permitted to cook using these facilities once they have received an induction into basic food hygiene from house staff. This includes the proper use of colour-coded chopping boards for different foods. Kitchens and equipment must be left clean and tidy after use. Personal cooking equipment such as rice cookers or hotplates is permitted on the understanding that it is stored in a food cupboard within the House, used only in kitchen areas, and only at permitted times. These items must be kept in a tidy and hygienic condition by their owner. Boarders are not permitted to store fresh food in their rooms or 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; therefore, food and ingredients should only be purchased in small quantities. If a student purchases food without consideration for others and there is insufficient space, the food may need to be disposed of. Additionally, due to associated health risks, boarders are not permitted to possess high-caffeine drinks (e.g. Red Bull, Monster, etc.); these will be confiscated and not returned. All boarders are expected to eat breakfast and lunch in the Dining Hall every day.
Takeaways
Takeaways can be ordered on a Saturday from 6pm only. They cannot be ordered on any other day of 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, after prep and at weekends. It is each pupil’s responsibility to participate in the wider life of the school and not the responsibility of Osborne staff to constantly remind them. Sign ups to co-curricular activities are done by parents via Evolve.
ACTIVITIES & WEEKEND OUTINGS
WEEKEND OUTINGS/Activities
Throughout the year, we participate in a wide range of activities and outings, many of which are inspired by the interests and suggestions of the girls or organised by staff. Below are some examples of recent activities and trips:
Go Karting
Thorpe Park
Trips to London
Art gallery visits
Paint balling
Jump in
Cinema trips
Indoor skydiving
Dinton park pastures
Signing in & out of the house
Pupils must sign in and out on Orah whenever they leave or return to Osborne House. This includes when moving to other areas of the school site, ensuring House staff are always aware of pupils’ whereabouts.
All pupils are required to use our boarding electronic registration system, Orah. Each pupil must download the app, register using the link sent to their school email account, and log in using the same details used to access school email and the internet.
Pupils must sign in and out via Orah whenever leaving or returning to Osborne House There are tap devices located around the House to make this process easier. Parents must also use Orah to submit all leave requests and complete boarding-specific forms.
In addition, the girls MUST inform a member of staff and seek permission before leaving site at all times.
ORAH WEEKEND LEAVE
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 daughter/ward will be out for the coming weekend. There will be a weekly weekend email sent on Thursday stating 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, they must inform Osborne 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.
Please note that the only taxi service approved by the school is Ascot Cars. This is because their drivers are DBS checked which gives us an extra layer of security. House staff will not be allowing students to use any other taxi service when travelling alone.
Visitors to the House
All boarders visiting the House must report to the duty member of staff before entering. Once permission has been granted, they must sign into Osborne House on Orah. All non-boarder visitors must sign in using the Visitor’s Book, which is located in the downstairs common room. At no point do visitors enter pupil dorms They are welcome in the common room downstairs.
Any pupil visitor who has not sought permission from the duty member of staff will not be welcomed back in Osborne.
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 Girls 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 a 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 girls should have these stored in their mobile phones.
School - 01344 882770
Osborne Office - 01344 898536
Miss Swiech - 07557014096
Osborne House approved locations
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) Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
As Year 8, plus The Lexicon, Bracknell
Year 10 As Year 9, plus Windsor
Ascot/Tesco: as above Lexicon: 09:00–17:30 Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
Local destinations: as above Windsor: 09:00–17:30 Orah – Town / Trip permissions form 3+
Year 11 As Year 10, plus Reading town centre, The Oracle and Oxford 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 House staff at any convenient time. 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 staff to prevent any financial loss. Neither the House nor the School can be responsible for any monies that are not logged with House staff. It is expected that any monies the Boarders do not log with the House staff (no matter how small) will be stored in their personal safes that are provided. It is suggested that all girls have debit cards rather than cash
The House cannot provide lending or overdraft facilities to the girls.
No Boarder should be in possession of large amounts of money (of any currency), either on her 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 daughter’s property outside the home
Parents are strongly advised to ensure that their daughter has a debit card rather than cash for pocket money
Bank accounts
We highly recommend that girls have a British bank account during their time in Osborne House. Please be aware that there are some restrictions regarding opening bank accounts. For an international pupil to open a bank account, a passport and a letter from the School confirming enrolment are required. We recommend that guardians arrange this before arrival or during the first half-term break in October.
Every boarder is issued with a laundry number and a 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 by 8am 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 on a Tuesday.
A dry-cleaning business is located at Fernbank road shops if pupils require dry cleaning during the school term
All laundry is machine washed and tumble-dried. All clothes provided must be suitable for this process.
Room Care
Girls are expected to keep their dorms tidy and presentable at all times. Each morning, they should neatly fold back their duvets, turn off the lights, tidy desks, open their curtains and windows, remove their laundry boxes, and ensure the floor area is left tidy. Dorm checks are carried out by duty prefects and staff each morning during the school week to monitor these standards. Dorms that do not meet the required standards will receive a House sanction - 24 hr confiscation of electronics. Suitcases must be stored in the upstairs storage area. Girls are encouraged to personalise their rooms and display boards to create a welcoming and homely environment.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Everyone in the House is on a weekly chore rota for their respective duties. It is the expectation that every student fulfills their roles when requested to do so by a member of staff or Prefect. The duties are not too strenuous and may include (but may not be limited to): cleaning the kitchen; loading/emptying the dishwasher and collecting rations. It gives the pupils a sense of ownership and helps to instill pride in the House by carrying out these tasks, as well as preparing them for independent living in the future.
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. The person collecting the girls will also be asked to show proof of ID.
Holidays 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.
Medical centre opening hours
Medication Counselling Health & Wellbeing Centre
The Health & Wellbeing Centre (HAWC) is staffed by qualified nursing staff and a wellbeing practitioner, providing pupils with access to a range of support services, including medical care and counselling. If boarders feel unwell for any reason — physically or emotionally — they are encouraged to speak to a member of house staff or contact the HAWC directly. Further information can be found on the house notice board.
Confidential private counselling services are available to pupils at LVS Ascot. Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment for young people to discuss any concerns or challenges they may be experiencing. Parents can arrange a counselling appointment directly with our counsellor, Julie Easterbrook, via her website: www julieeasterbrookcounselling com
Every boarder is required to register with the School Doctor and, should a boarder require medical treatment during school holidays, they should register as a temporary resident with a local doctor. Pupils may not keep or use any medication, whether prescribed or non-prescribed, unless it has been approved by the Health and Wellbeing Centre. All medication, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines, must be declared on arrival, remain in its original packaging, and be clearly labelled in English. All items must be approved by Health and Wellbeing Centre staff before use Any undeclared or unapproved medication found in a pupil’s possession will be confiscated and may be clinically disposed of for safety reasons.
Term Dates
