Boarding Handbooks for parents

SECURITY, FIRE AND EMERGENCY The boarding house is locked throughout the school day. Boarders are brought to the House at 7.00pm by the member of staff on evening duty.

They are then signed in to House by the Head of Boarding so that there is a definitive register of everyone, boarders and staff, who will be in the House overnight. The boarding house is locked overnight.

In the event of a fire drill or emergency, boarders should leave the House following the green emergency exit signs. The meeting point for fire evacuation is on the Front Lawn. All rooms and landings are fitted with smoke detectors and emergency lighting, and termly fire drills are carried out.

PARENT BOARDING HANDBOOK

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CONTENTS PAGE

Values and Mission Statement

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Introduction

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Your Boarding House Team

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Boarders’ Daily Routine

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Bookings, Boarding for the First Time , What to Bring

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Boarding Accommodation

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Evening and Weekend Activities, Tuck

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Electronic Devices

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Illness

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Security, Fire and Emergency

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ILLNESS If a child is unwell during the evening, they should report to the House staff on duty. Parents will then be contacted by phone and asked to collect their child, who will be cared for by the staff on duty until collected.

If a child is unwell during the night, they should alert any member of the House staff. They will be cared for overnight and parents will be contacted in the morning and asked to collect their child.

On the rare occasion that a parent cannot be contacted, we will use the emergency contacts given on the child’s essential details form.

The in-house surgery carries first aid equipment and “over-the-counter” medicines and remedies. These will be administered to pupils as and when necessary. A signed parental consent form for this is required when the child joins the school; without this cannot we give any form of medication.

If pupils need to bring their own medication, this should be handed in and clearly labelled with their name. Prescription medicine should be in the original packaging with the dispensary label attached and the relevant paperwork should be completed by the boarders parent.

Asthmatic boarders should carry an inhaler with them at all times and have it at their bedside overnight.

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TERRINGTON HALL SCHOOL VISION AND VALUES

OUR VALUES: Kindness

We act with kindness always. It is at the heart of everything we do. We show children the power of kindness, encouraging them to act with empathy for each other, their community and our planet.

Confidence As we take our children on a journey of discovery, we make learning fun and light a spark in hearts and minds. We show how with every small step, we learn and build confidence in our own unique abilities.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Boarders may bring mobile phones, electronics and chargers to school with them. These must be handed into the office upon arrival at school in the morning. They are kept in the school office throughout the day and may be accessed by Year 5 upwards during the evening, between 8.00pm and the beginning of their bedtime routine. Electronics are then returned to the office for safekeeping at bedtime.

Courage

It takes courage to do the right thing. We act with integrity, showing the value of honesty and good character. We show how with courage, we can take calculated risks and are willing to have a go without fear of failure.

Due to the importance of online safety, we have a robust mobile phone policy. Boarders are asked to use their electronics in the Common Room with the understanding that a member of the boarding team may ask to check their device at any time. Additionally, boarders are asked to refrain from using social media whilst at school, and cannot take photographs and videos.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

Boarders of any age are more than welcome to use the school phone to contact home, if they wish.

effect change, and for the future.

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As the world around us evolves, so do we. We encourage children to expand their minds, life experiences and skills, to build confidence and

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INTRODUCTION

EVENING AND WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Every day is an adventure at Terrington Hall's boarding community. Our children enjoy quality time with friends, engaging in diverse activities, themed nights, and enriching trips. Prep sessions also offer extra tuition for those who need it.

There is a planned program of activities every weekday evening from 6.00pm – 7.00pm. Day pupils are welcome to stay for tea and take part in the activity only, but the most popular choice is to book in for boarding, Some activities are boarders only, due to limited numbers.

We welcome weekly and flexi-boarders from Year 3 onwards, with regular boarding weekends tailored for busy families. Our family-friendly ethos supports a growing number of children opting for weekly stays, easing the transition for Year 7 and 8 students preparing for senior school. Younger children eager for a full-week boarding experience are also always welcome.

There are regular Special Boarding Nights such as the Halloween Party, and Year Group Boarding Nights.

We also have frequent Boarding Weekends which range from a weekend exploring our local surroundings to a Boarders’ Christmas Weekend complete with a trip to go Christmas shopping and craft making.

TUCK

Boarding at Terrington Hall nurtures confidence, social skills, and independence, fostering personal growth and lasting friendships. We value our boarders' ideas and feedback, which help enrich our community.

Tuck nights are on Wednesdays and Fridays; boarders may buy one item at a cost of £1.00 from the in-house tuck shop. This cost is added to the end of term extras bill.

We invite you to visit our boarding facilities. Please reach out to schedule a visit.

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YOUR BOARDING HOUSE TEAM

BOARDING ACCOMMODATION

Mr and Mrs Sigsworth - House Parents Oliver Sigsworth lives in the flat of the boarding house with his wife, Tori, their son, Monty, and golden retriever, Flossie. Boarders know where their door is and are always welcome to knock if they need them. If an adult is needed during the night, there is a clearly marked bell on both the boys’ and girls’ landings which will reach Mr and Mrs Sigsworth.

Monty loves having lots of big ‘brothers and sisters’ at school, and Flossie loves her cuddles and extra attention!

The boys sleep in three dorms situated at the front of the House, which can be accessed by the front stairs. They have their own separate showers and toilets on that same landing. The girls also have three dorms at the back of the House, and the quickest way to these is via the back stairs. The girls’ bathroom is down one flight of stairs, also at the back of the House and there is an additional single toilet just outside their dorms.

The dorms are separated by age, with pupils sharing with children of a similar age to themselves.

Regular boarders (someone who boards twice a week or more, every week) are given their own bed and often choose to bring their own duvet covers in to the House, and may personalise their space. Each regular boarder has their own wardrobe and drawer space for their clothes and personal items.

Gap Students

In the evenings, there’s always the chance for some down time as some will choose to read a book or play a board game. Our downstairs living room is a shared space where boarders can relax with their friends.

Our resident “Gappies” live in the House, and boarders are shown where to find them in case of night-time emergencies. They bring fun and laughter to the house and we look forward to you meeting this year’s gappies: Alex Burton, Eleri Davies and Sophie Whitehead. We also have a non-resident graduate, Billy Chapman, who will assist in the Boarding House.

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BOARDERS’ DAILY ROUTINE

BOOKINGS, CANCELLATIONS AND COMMUNICATION

7.00am 7.30am 8.00am 8.15am

Pupils are strongly advised to book in early, as we often have a full boarding house. Bookings for boarders should be made 48 hours in advance (with the exception of unforeseen circumstances such as a family emergency).

Wake Up Breakfast Return to House Registration

Places can be booked by emailing boarding@terringtonhall.com School day 5:30pm 5.40pm 6:00pm 7.00pm

Sign out to the Boarding House and change into home clothes Tea Activities Return to house and quick boarders’ meeting, before showers and down time.

BEDTIMES 8.00 pm Bedtime for Year 3 & 4 8.15pm Bedtime for Year 5 & 6 8.45pm Bedtime for Year 7 & 8

Lights Out: 8.15pm Lights Out: 8.30pm Lights Out: 9.00pm

As a Year 7 and 8 privilege, their bedtime can sometimes be extended to 9.15pm. Additionally, if they wish, they may shower in the morning, as long as they are ready in time for breakfast.

Any boarding related messages or diary changes will be communicated through the Trumpet.

BOARDING FOR THE FIRST TIME Pupils who are boarding for the first time will be inducted by the Head of Boarding or a senior boarder, shown their dorms, bathrooms and different areas, fire routes and where to find the House staff at night. Everyone who is staying the night should feel confident and reassured that the boarding house is a home-from-home.

WHAT TO BRING It is important that clothing is adequately labelled and children understand that they are responsible for the care of their own belongings. Flexi and occasional boarders will need to bring home clothes, pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers/slides, toiletries, teddy bears, towel and clean clothing for the following day. Bedding and clean bedlinen are provided and there are also spare towels.

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