Hatton House Boarders’ Guide
Welcome to Hatton House
Welcome to Hatton House! We hope you are feeling excited about your move to Monkton, but realise you may also be feeling nervous about what to expect. We hope that this guide will help you to feel more prepared and excited about the friendships and adventures that you will have here!
Some things may be a little bit different this year as we continue to develop Hatton. This booklet reflects how Hatton House usually runs so that you can see all that we usually get up to!
Meet the Team
Houseparents
Mrs Winfield Mr Winfield
Assistant Houseparents
Residential Boarding Assistant
Ms Gould
We also have a team of brilliant GTAs (Graduate Teaching Assistants)
Mrs Hurdle
Mr Hurdle
Ethos
Creating a family atmosphere and a home from home is at the heart of our boarding ethos. As staff we want to be Christian role models for the boarders in our everyday lives, treating others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
The size of the House, and the number of boarders that we have, makes it possible for us to have a deep knowledge and understanding of each individual child - what makes them tick, who they are as a person, what their dreams and aspirations are. This helps us as we communicate with them, encourage them and empower them to be the best that they can be in all areas of Monkton life. It is a huge privilege to see a child develop over the time they are in our care.
“Hatton house is a warm, loving and caring environment” Tia, year 5
Ethos
Be Known
We prioritise knowing each student as an individual, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and unique learning styles. This personalised approach allows for tailored support and guidance.
Our Values
Be Inspired
We aim to spark curiosity and passion in students, encouraging them to explore a wide range of interests and talents. This could involve anything from academic pursuits to creative arts, sports, or community involvement.
Be Ambitious
We encourage students to set high goals for themselves and to develop the resilience and determination to pursue them. Monkton provides opportunities for students to challenge themselves and grow, both inside and outside the classroom.
Dormitories
The dormitories (dorms) are all different shapes and sizes. The girls’ and boys’ dorms are on separate corridors. Boarders find out which dorm and bed they are allocated ready for the beginning of each academic year and they remain in that dorm for the rest of the year. Every boarder has the opportunity of a lockable space within their dorm. If they have any other valuable items, these can be stored in a locked filing cabinet within the Deputy Head’s Office.
If you are joining Hatton for the first time, you will be allocated a ‘Buddy’ in your dorm, who will reach out to you in the summer before you arrive. They will help you find your way around the boarding house and will help you settle in to your dorm.
“Dorm friends are best friends for life” Rebecca and Grace, Year 7
Common Rooms
There are several Common Rooms where the boarders can play games and socialise as well as a ‘quiet room’ for some reading and down time. These rooms double up as ‘cinema rooms’ for Friday film and tuck evenings. All our communal areas are downstairs - our dining rooms, medical room, common room and snug.
“Hatton is a home away from home” Hannah, Year 8
Hatton Kitchen
The Hatton Kitchen is a multi purpose space at the heart of the Boarding House. In the evenings the Year 8 boarders use it to make hot drinks, bake and socialise. They learn how to use a dishwasher and make good balanced choices about what they eat. During the daytimes and weekends, the kitchen is bustling with people. From 1-2-1 catch ups, hot chocolate with a friend rewards, Heads of House planning meetings or just an extra social space to spend time with friends.
The year 8s have clear boundaries about what they allowed to use this space for. We ask that any snacks are never used as meal replacements, that the food is balanced and nutritious and that they show care and respect for themselves, each other and the space.
What to bring - PLEASE LABEL
Girls’ Uniform Boys’ Uniform
1x Blazer (All years - from Year 7 pupils can change into boy/girl style)
Yr 3 - 5
2 x pinafores / summer dress
2 x School cardigans
4 / 5 x white revere shirts (they can be short or long sleeved all year round)
6 x navy tights or 8 x navy knee highs socks
Yr 6 - 8 (all year round)
2 x skirts/trousers
4 / 5 x white revere shirts Yr 3 - 8 (they can be short or long sleeved all year round)
2x School v neck jumper
5x Navy tights or navy knee highs socks NO tie required
1x Blazer (All years - from Year 7 pupils can change into boy/girl style)
Yr 3 - 5
2x navy school shorts (optional charcoal trousers when Winter uniform announced)
2x School v neck jumper
4 / 5 x white shirts
6 x pairs navy banded school socks (they can be short or long all year round)
1 x School tie
Yr 6 - 8
3x charcoal trousers
4 / 5 x white shirts (they can be short or long sleeved all year round)
2x School v neck jumpers
7 x pairs black or grey socks
1 x School tie
School coat optional - any listed style (see website, but must be one of the School styles)
1x School backpack (there are two sizes - the larger recommended for Yr 6 - 8, although the younger years could have this as well )
What to bring - PLEASE LABEL
What to bring - PLEASE LABEL
Girls’Uniform
1x Soft shell red Jacket
1x School training pant
2x Red Fitness T-shirts
2x Navy hockey shirts
1 x Navy skort
1 x Navy school running short
1x Fitness leggings (optional)
1x Red mid layer
2x Navy games socks
2x White PE socks
1x School base layer top
1x Navy base layer leggings
1x Games bag
1x Navy swimming costume
1x swimming hat navy or white
1x Goggles
1x light swimming towel
1 x Wide brimmed hat
Secondhand Uniform - a) Uniformis website
c) Yr group WhatsApp chat advertises uniform for sale independently
Boys’Uniform
1x Soft shell red Jacket
1x School training pant
2x Red Fitness T-shirts
2x Navy rugby shirts
2 x Navy rugby shorts
1x Red mid layer
2x Navy games socks
2x White PE socks
1x School base layer top
1x Navy base layer leggings
1x Games bag
1x Navy swimming costume
1x swimming hat navy or white
1x Goggles
1x light swimming towel
1 x Wide brimmed hat
b) Monkton Parent Community have intermittent sales
Please see Sports Guidance for accessories
What to bring - PLEASE LABEL
What to bring - PLEASE LABEL
Bed
- Single duvet
- 2 x duvet covers
- Pillow
- 2 x pillow case (Sheets and mattress protectors provided)
- 3 x pyjamas
- Dressing gown
- Cuddly toy
- Photos
- (Bedside clock/light)
Wash - Washbag with all essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo etc)
- Plastic Container with handle for all items
- Pleasedon’tbringanyaerosols.
- 2x bath towels with loops.
Medical - Any medication (including over-the-counter medicines) MUST be handed into the Houseparents.
Home - Slippers
- 2x trainers
- 6 sets x casual clothes
- 10 x casual socks and pants
Other - Casual hat & gloves
- Light waterproof
- Coat
- 1x swimming towel
- 1x set of casual swimwear
- 1x small overnight bag
- 1x large suitcase
- 1x small rucksack
- Electronics (named including chargers and wires and CE mark) Hair dryers are allowed but no hair straightenersplease.
- Please provide labelled batteries for any devices. (To be stored in the office).
- Optional 1 x tuck box (approx. 19”x14”x12”) for extra storage of belongings in dorm - not for tuck! ...for toys etc.
- Blutac/drawing pins
- Photos/posters/cards for your pin board
- Shoe polish
- 3 x laundry zip mesh bags named
All items must be clearly labelled with your child’s name!
Daily Rhythms
7:00 Wake up, get dressed and make your bed
7:30 Breakfast in the dining room
8:00 Take any medication from Nurses, brush teeth and get ready to go to school
8:10 Go to school, head to your Tutor or Class Teacher
Morning
Daily Rhythms
Dinner - In the dining hall every evening at 17:30.
Phoning home - There will be a chance to call home at some point each evening but the times will vary depending on the activity.
Prep - Boarders will be asked to sign up for 1 prep session during the after-school activity slot. We will then offer 2 further 1 hour prep slots in the evenings per week. 1 x Juniors, 2x Seniors (Tues and Thurs).
Activity - pancakes, outdoor game, swimming, family meeting, film & tuck from 19:00 onwards.
Afternoon
Daily Rhythms
At the end of the day the boarders are in bed 15 minutes before lights out for quiet time and reading.
Juniors (Y3-6)
Quiet time in bed
19:45 Y3-4
20:00 Y5-6
Lights out
20:00 Y3-4
20:15 Y5-6
Seniors (Y7&8)
20:45 Quiet time in bed
Lights out
Y7 21:00 Y8 21:15
Evening
Leadership and Responsibilities
We believe that leadership and responsibility are crucial aspects for children as they grow and develop. As in many families, our boarders have opportunities throughout their time here to take on roles and responsibilities.
From helping serve food and clearing tables, to supporting younger boarders with reading time, prep or preparing for the week ahead,. There are plenty of moments throughout the week for our boarders to serve each other and contribute to the community.
As a senior boarder these opportunities increase, preparing them for Senior School and allowing them to use their own experiences to help others.
Our Heads of House and Deputy Heads of House are key roles in the life of Hatton. They plan and run events throughout the year, such as the Hatton Family Quiz and the Hatton Easter Egg Hunt, as well as nominate dorm of the week at our family meetings and contribute ideas and suggestions as to how we can improve not only the pupil experience but also support our wider community.
Exeats and Half Terms
Exeat Weekends and Half Terms allow boarders to have a rest from the busy pace of school. These are compulsory at the Prep School. Where boarders are unable to go home to their parents for the break, they spend it with Guardians or here at school. Please note we are unable to receive boarders back to Hatton earlier than the times stated on the website unless returning on international flights and the boarding house is open for the weekend, if it isn’t, please arrive in the time window stated on the website..
Exeat timings
Departure - Friday between 4.15pm and 5pm
Return - Sunday between 5.30pm and 7.00pm
A light buffet meal is provided for boarders on their return.
Half Term timings
Departure - Friday between 4.15pm and 5pm
Return - Sunday between 5.30pm and 7.00pm
Dinner is provided for boarders on their return.
A google doc form is circulated to parents prior to each Exeat and Half Term in order to finalise individual travel plans (ie. whether a boarder is being picked up by car or travelling by train etc).
Weekends in Hatton
Weekends in Hatton are filled with lots of fun. We have a variety of different activities and trips planned throughout the year. IF you are a full time boarder these are all inclusive. If you are a weekly boarder and wish to stay for the weekend, please give us as much notice as possible, as we can’t always say yes, transport spaces and ticket acquisition may dictate this to us! Any additional nights, ticket prices and transport contributions will be added to your terms bill.
You can see the plan for the year here. Please note that these are subject to change as we make bookings.
Pocket Money- CASHLESS
Monkton Prep and Senior school have a cashless system in order to avoid money being lost and fall in-line with our insurance policy.
Boarders therefore need to arrive at Hatton with a gohenry/Rooster (or equivalent) card for occasions where they wish to spend money, such as trips to Bath. Please note we don’t always take phones with us so having apple pay or equivalent isn’t a substitute - more an as well as.
If boarders wish to partake in School organised events, namely charity events, purchasing poppies etc, then this will be added to the termly bill by the organising member of staff.
Birthdays
Birthdays
We celebrate boarders’ birthdays as a family. Boarders may open any presents they are sent by family or friends in their dorms and call home before heading down to breakfast. Birthday messages are written up on the landing in Hatton and ‘Happy Birthday’ is sung by all in the dining hall.
In addition to this, every boarder who is at Hatton on their birthday has a delicious cake made by the catering team that they can share with their friends.
External Clubs
External Clubs
We have a brilliant array of external clubs on offer in the surrounding area which some of our boarders have been enjoying. We are very happy to support any boarders in Years 5 - 8 with co-curricular involvement externally, but to allow us to staff this well we ask that parents manage travel arrangements themselves. If you child is in Years 3 - 4 and is interested in an external club, we require their travel arrangements to be made with a trusted adult and not a taxi company. Below is a short form that we would like you to complete if your child is participating in an external club. On the form is the details of the taxi company used by Monkton School which you would be welcome to use. We will ensure your child is assisted to the taxi, has their mobile phone with them and is met on return to School. Please note that this form must be completed prior to any offsite clubs being attended. Please do fill out the form below to let us know the details.
Hatton Family Socials
A very special part of boarding at Monkton Prep School is that you get to be part of an incredible community of Hatton families. We understand that arrivals and departures are a busy time for parents and often full of mixed emotions and so we offer 3 family socials across the year.
MICHAELMAS:
Hatton Family Quiz run by our year 8s and Heads of House.
LENT: Hatton Parent Meeting to share any updates and an opportunity to ask questions.
SUMMER: Hatton Afternoon Tea following Sports Day.
Medical - Registration & Daytime Care
The Medical Team and Hatton staff ensure any medication is administered to boarders, including prescriptions, vitamins etc. Medication must not be kept by pupils without the Medical Centre’s knowledge. If a boarder is unwell during the day they will be looked after by the Medical Team in sick bay. Parents will be notified by the Medical Team when necessary.
Registration
All boarders will automatically be registered with the School Medical Officers, Dr Sean Martin and Dr Louise Paterson and will have a medical in the first half of their first term. Please make sure you provide the medical centre with your child’s NHS Number on the Medical Form if your child has been registered previously with a doctor in the UK. It is vital that any important information concerning a student’s past or present health is fully disclosed in order that he/she may be given the best possible care while in the School. This includes mental and emotional as well as physical health.
The online Medical History form must be completed by all new pupils with dates of illnesses and vaccinations, students cannot start at the School until this information has been received.
Medical - Nighttime Care
All Hatton staff members are first aid trained. In case of a medical emergency in the night, a night bell is available for boarders to swiftly reach the Houseparents or Residential Boarding Assistant. We also have access to a Night Matron who is based at the Senior School.
If a pupil requires serious treatment, parents will be contacted to obtain any necessary consent. If parents are not available, the School will contact the pupil’s Guardian. If parents are unable to be contacted and the pupil is under 16 then the Head of Prep and the Houseparents will act in loco parentis and give valid consent to the necessary treatment, including the administration of an anaesthetic or an operation.
Medical - dental care
It is advised that children attend a dentist at least every six months. Please arrange dental appointments for the holidays as this is not something the Medical Centre arranges as absences in term-time are inconvenient and also cause unnecessary disruption to pupils' classes. If an emergency dental appointment is required during term time, a visit to a private dentist can be arranged, however, this will incur a charge.
