Prep Boarding Handbook
Contact Details
House Parent
Paul Smith
Assistant House Parent
Sophie Calverley
Matron
Hannah Arthur-Barrass
Email: prepboarding@bedes.org
Duty Phone: +44 (0) 7970 337284
Head of Prep School
Leigh-Anne Morris
Deputy Head
Matt Bennett-Tomlin
Boarding Supervisor
Marie Allirot
Academic
If your query is of an academic nature, please contact your child’s Head of Year:
Laura Burdekin - Head of Year 8 - laura.burdekin@bedes.org
William Atkinson - Head of Year 7 - william.atkinson@bedes.org
Fraser Allan - Head of Years 3-6 - fraser.allan@bedes.org
Medical
Medical enquiries should be sent to prep.medical@bedes.org and cc the Boarding Team on prepboarding@bedes.org
General
You will receive the School Newsletter, each Thursday, which contains a range of updates and information about school life, including upcoming trips and events. Please ensure that you read the information and complete the response forms as required.
We would also encourage you to sign up for Classlist as this is an opportunity for you to see photo updates of what your child is doing both in and out School. Registration details will be sent over the summer break by the Admissions Office.
Welcome to Boarding at Bede’s Prep
It is our pleasure to welcome you all to boarding at Bede’s Prep. We aim to provide each and every child a safe, caring, supportive ‘home from home’ environment where each individual child can develop the confidence and skills to achieve their full potential. We encourage and facilitate opportunities for personal growth and increasing independence alongside close support from the boarding team. Boarding at Bede’s Prep will provide positive experiences and preparation on the journey towards life at senior school and beyond, whether as a full boarder, weekly or flexi boarder.
We feel it is important to get the balance of structured activity, relaxation and school work right. There will be a range of evening activities on offer every week, as well as the opportunity to relax and have some well earned down time in the house - which is always a lovely way to build memorable friendships with fellow boarders.
Continual and supportive educational opportunities are central to a positive boarding experience. The school’s core values are deeply embedded into our culture with the boarding environment providing a perfect environment to both demonstrate and develop these. Social and emotional learning is promoted and supported on both an individual and group level, as well as a focus on health and wellbeing education. The staff will also help to develop the pupils’ awareness of the importance of looking after themselves with the basics of a balanced, healthy diet and the importance of hydration, ensuring enough sleep, and exercise.
Effective and open communication is key in maintaining a happy and safe boarding environment. Subsequently, children are reminded on a regular basis that they can speak to any member of staff, at any time, if they have a worry, concern or complaint. To support this message ‘Need to Talk’ posters are displayed around the school and within the boarding house.
We would love to know more about our new children before they arrive at Bede’s and we encourage them to send an email to tell us more about themselves, their interests and their family life. The children can always email prepboarding@bedes.org if they have any more questions.
Welcome from the Head
I am delighted that you have taken the time to explore our school and that your child will be joining a provision ‘where every child belongs and finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance.’
I am filled with gratitude for the countless opportunities and personal growth that the boarding provision offers our pupils. At the core of Bede’s lies an exceptional sense of community. Pupils enjoy embracing differences, forging strong friendships, and appreciating the beauty of cultural exchange.
Our pupils discover the power of independence within a safe and nurturing environment. Being away from home challenges them to develop essential life skills, such as time management, decisionmaking, and self-discipline. The guidance, support and genuine care from our dedicated boarding staff, empowers pupils to embrace every opportunity presented to them and to be the best versions of themselves.
Pupils will enjoy an array of extracurricular activities tailored to their passions and interests. Our boarding provision provides pupils with an immersive educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom walls. It will equip your child with the skills, values, and friendships that will shape their future.
We are incredibly proud of all our pupils here at Bede’s and the energy, diversity and joy that they bring to our school community.
Bede’s Prep is a vibrant, energetic and forward-thinking school, which focuses on promoting learning, personal growth and development. We provide pupils with a curriculum that is broad, stimulating, and one which is designed to facilitate the highest possible levels of attainment by those who follow it.
Our core values of compassion, courage, conscientiousness and curiosity shape a pupil’s educational experience. A Bede’s education
is based upon academic rigour, through excellent teaching, encouraging our pupils to explore, question, take risks, and develop their creativity, communication and teamwork – all central to successful life-long learning.
Our kind-hearted community is underpinned by generosity of spirit, mutual respect, warmth and compassion. By providing a festival of opportunities, we enable our pupils to discover new passions and develop new talents.
Pupils are recognised and appreciated for who they are as individuals. They are supported and nurtured by teachers who really care.
Bede’s provides an all-round education where academic pursuits are supported by wonderful co-curricular opportunities and where pupils learn lessons that books cannot give; courage and joy, resilience and self belief, developing into confident globally-minded young people.
I am incredibly proud to be the Head of Bede’s Prep School. It is an amazing community where pupils and staff feel empowered, supported and valued. This is my eighth year at Bede’s and the more time I spend here, the more I realise that this is a truly remarkable place. I hope that our school will mark the beginning of a new journey full of joy, knowledge and exhilarating challenges.
Thank you, and I look forward to having the privilege of meeting you and your child in the near future.
Leigh-Anne Morris Head
Statement of Boarding Principles
Bede’s celebrates the importance of each child under our care being given the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant learning experience; we seek to develop a kind-hearted community in which we enhance the lives of those around us. The Boarding team are key to making this happen and to allowing pupils to find joy in their pursuit of brilliance.
AIMS
To promote the school values to our boarders in everyday life
Our Values
Be Compassionate
Because a caring community fosters belonging. We expect our community to show kindness to people of all ages, genders and ethnicities, maintaining campuses where every person feels joyful and energised.
Be Courageous
Because fortune favours the brave. We challenge our community to stand up for what is right, providing them with a safe environment where they can take bold action in pursuit of brilliance.
Be Curious
Because wisdom can be found off the beaten track. We encourage our community to discover unlikely passions and hidden niches, releasing them into a wealth of opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
Be Conscientious
Because dedication is a spearhead of success. We ask our community to throw themselves wholeheartedly into every endeavour, taking responsibility for their journey and inspiring others to do the same.
To help our pupils to learn social skills and give them the sense of community and responsibility which will equip them well for the rest of their lives.
To these ends, we set out to create a safe, secure and happy environment with an atmosphere that is relaxed and yet purposeful.
Boarding Life
What happens when your child arrives?
On arriving at Bede’s, whether you have visited the Prep School before or not, we will make sure everything is in place to ensure your child settles in as quickly and as easily as possible.
Most new pupils will feel a mixture of excitement and a few nerves - which is perfectly normal! The good news is that your child will not be alone and we want to reassure you that all staff will do their utmost to support them through this. To support your child in settling in, during their first few weeks we will make sure your child has a ‘buddy’ to help them settle into life at Bede’s. Moreover, during the first few days pupils will meet staff and pupils from their class and year group, as well as being shown and supported through the daily routine. During the boarding hours, the boarding team will be on hand to give guidance and support. This is in addition to your child’s Form Tutor and Head of Year, who will oversee them during the school day. Fellow boarders, buddies, prefects and roommates will also be there to help along the way.
Pastoral Support
Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do here at Bede’s. Furthermore, within the boarding house our focus is on providing a safe and nurturing environment, and ensuring all of the children feel completely supported.
Through building strong relationships with the children, we aim to meet all of their individual needs. We openly encourage the boarders to share the positive things in their lives, as well as seeking advice or support when they are finding things challenging. Regular meetings with members of the boarding team help the team to develop a rounded understanding of each child, both socially and academically. We aim to foster an environment where pupils feel that they can share their problems, achievable targets can be set and advice and support given, as required. As part of our excellent pastoral care provision, you can expect regular and timely communication from members of the boarding team, as well as your child’s Form Tutor.
Whilst at Bede’s, boarders learn to be more self-reliant and independent; getting organised for school, working independently on their homework, tidying their bedroom, etc. They build tolerance as they learn to live alongside others and share their space.
Boarding Induction
All new boarders will be helped to settle into the boarding house by a member of the boarding team. The induction will include a detailed tour of the house, a demonstration of how to get help and also a discussion about the various routines. To support the boarders, all information will be easily accessible on notice boards as well.
Homesickness
Boarding is fun, challenging and fulfilling, although staying at school during term time will differ from living at home. Everyone will feel homesick at some stage in their boarding journey, no matter how old or brave a child is. It is totally natural for your child to miss home and we recognise that some boarders settle quickly, whilst others take a little longer.
The House staff are very experienced in dealing with homesickness and will help and support children through it. We do recommend that during a child’s first few nights of boarding, communication with home is kept to a minimum. This can be hard but, in our experience, it allows each child to establish valuable and trusting relationships with their friends and the boarding team.
If you would like more information on dealing with homesickness please contact a member of the boarding team.
Building Relationships
A happy boarding house is based on positive relationships with every member of the boarding community. Whether it is their roommates, housemates, boarding staff, teachers, matrons and the cleaning staff. Behaving with consideration for others is a vital ingredient for a harmonious existence in the boarding house, relying on inclusivity, tolerance, respect for others and a good night’s sleep! As a school, we have a zero-tolerance approach to all kinds of bullying and staff follow the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy.
We promote positive friendships and will support and guide all children in building these. Being kind and respectful towards each other in the boarding house is important for building positive friendships. We will always encourage you to be the best possible version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try new things around the school.
Where we live Welcome to Fairfield House at Bede’s Senior School
We are very much looking forward to re-opening the Prep School Boarding House, Meads End, following the extensive redevelopment and refurbishment programme that is currently in progress. In the meantime, we have created a home from home for pupils in Fairfield House. It’s a cosy and comfortable house, based at Bede’s Senior School, where you can relax at the end of a busy day at the Prep School.
Within the house, pupils have access to:
• a communal lounge area.
• designated washing and toileting facilities.
• their own sleeping area.
Lounge area
There is a lounge room with kitchen facilities attached, which acts as the heart of the house in the evenings, providing space for boarders to relax and spend time together.
Bedrooms
Boarders share their bedroom with other children of a similar age and gender. Within the room there is storage space for essential items such as uniform, home clothes and personal items. Moreover, each pupil will have at least a wardrobe and drawer.
All bedding is provided, however, you may prefer to bring your own, machine-washable, duvet set so that your bed makes you feel more at home. Boarders are encouraged to bring in photos and posters to personalise their area of the bedroom and to help make it feel homely.
Wider Facilities
Whilst at Fairfield House, during certain times in the day the pupils will have access to the senior school facilities. The boarding team will ensure there are plenty of things for everyone to do.
Expectations
It is always helpful if boarders keep their rooms and areas tidy. All boarders are responsible for their own sleeping areas and each morning the rooms will be checked by a member of the boarding team. Furthermore, children are asked to help clear up afterwards whenever playing games, eating or any other activity in the house.
The team will ensure clothing and other items are washed and all they will ask the children to do is to be helpful and supportive with this as they would do at home when making sure all their clothes need to be washed.
An example of the daily routine
6.45am Wake up and get ready for school, make beds and pack for the day
7.15am Breakfast in the dining hall
7.45am Depart for Prep School
8.15am Arrive at Prep School for Registration
8.25am - 5.20pm Day School routine
5.30pm Depart for Fairfield
6pm Dinner at the Senior School
6.30pm Homework
7pm Evening Activities and time to call home
8pm Showers
8.30pm Bedtime routine (lights out 9pm)
Bed Time
Prep School Activities
The Prep School’s daily activities programme runs after lessons, between 4.20pm and 5.20pm, except Wednesdays when pupils are involved in sports fixtures and Fridays. During this time boarders will be encouraged to follow a variety of pursuits, as well as try new things.
Meal Times
The boarding staff sit amongst the boarders to encourage good table manners and to ensure that children are maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. All pupils are expected to help with the clearing and cleaning of their tables at the end of meal times.
The boarding team will help the children settle down at bedtime. The children can have 15 minutes of quiet time before lights out where they can unwind after a long day. After this time, the children can turn off their night lights and go to sleep. The Boarding Team will be on hand to ensure that the children get a good night’s sleep.
Issues during the night
We want to ensure your child feels safe and supported at all times, as well as understanding that staff are always available. Subsequently, if your child is feeling unsettled or unwell during the night, they are able to contact the on duty member of staff via a bell or phone/intercom system. If there is a need for your child to be cared for outside their room, there is an allocated ‘isolation room’ which may be utilised.
What happens at the weekend
Weekends are a mixture of fun filled activities and time for relaxation. Moreover, the varied activities programme is designed to suit a range of different interests. We are also keen to give the boarders an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas.
Saturdays
On Saturday the children will enjoy a cooked breakfast before participating in an on-site activity, making the most of the facilities on offer across the Senior School campus. There is often the chance to stock up on the essentials, in the nearby town, before having ‘down time’.
Sundays
The children enjoy a later wake-up time on a Sunday, before heading to breakfast. Sunday’s generally involve an off-site trip, organised by either the Prep School Teaching staff and / or the Boarding Team. Examples of previous activities include:
• mountain biking
• outdoor activity centre
• beach days
• paintballing
• theatre
• water sports
• roller disco
• cinema
Activities and trips may incur an extra charge and any adding additional costs will be added to your school account.
Safety in the Boarding House
The safety of all boarders whilst at school is of the utmost importance. There are many safety features and procedures in place around the school and in the house.
As part of the boarding induction, pupils will:
• familiarise themselves with the layout of Boarding House and its surroundings.
• be made aware of safety features and procedures.
• be reminded of road safety when crossing the road between the dining hall and home, as well as when travelling in the school minibuses.
• be shown how to report any dangers or concerns to a member of staff.
Fire Drills and procedures
The boarding house is equipped with smoke detectors, call points and emergency lighting. All boarders and staff will be made aware of all fire routes and exits from the building when they join the boarding house. All boarders will also be reminded of the procedure every term. It is important that all of our boarders feel confident in reacting calmly in the event of the alarm sounding. We also have one practice evacuation every term, just to make sure.
Complaints
If you have any issues, please contact the Boarding House Parent in the first instance or refer to the complaints policy available from the school website.
Key Dates for the 2024/2025 Academic Year
Autumn Term 2024
Monday 2 September
New Starters welcome event (2-3pm)
Boarders arrive at Fairfield House (4pm)
Tuesday 3 September Term begins
Saturday 21 September, 9.30am Open Morning for prospective families
Friday 18 October, 4.20pm Half term begins
Sunday 3 November, 4pm
Boarders return
Monday 4 November Term begins
Friday 13 December Term ends - after Carol Service
Spring Term 2025
Monday 6 January, 4pm
Boarders return
Tuesday 7 January Term begins
Friday 14 February, 4.20pm Half term begins
Sunday 23 February, 4pm
Boarders return
Monday 24 February Term begins
Saturday 8 March Open Morning for prospective families
Friday 28 March, 1pm Term ends
Summer Term 2025
Tuesday 22 April, 4pm
Wednesday 23 April
Monday 5 May
Friday 23 May, 4.20pm
Sunday 1 June, 4pm
Monday 2 June
Friday 27 June, 1pm
Boarders return
Term begins
May Day Bank Holiday (School Closed, Boarding House is Open)
Half term begins
Boarders return
Term begins
Term ends
Saturday 28 June, 9.30am Prize-giving (Year 2 to 8)
Sports Day will take place on a Saturday in June - date will be confirmed by letter in the newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child call home?
Boarders may contact family and friends each day and this is usually during the evening. We ask families to be mindful of the bed time routine and ensure that any phone call or communication ends with enough time for the children to be ready for bed, wherever possible. If a call in the evening is not possible due to time differences, we will always arrange another time (usually in the morning) where boarders can contact home.
Can my child use their mobile phone?
Boarders may use their own mobile phone or alternatively they are able to use the boarding house landline.If a boarder is to bring in their own mobile device, it is requested that both you and your child sign the ‘Boarding Mobile Phone Contract’. We do ask all boarders to have their own set of headphones to allow increased privacy.
The Boarding team ensures that all mobile devices are used in a sensible, secure and sensitive manner. There are some restrictions as to when calls can be made, to ensure privacy, wellbeing and safety. In accordance with safeguarding guidance, mobile phones may not be used in bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets. All mobile devices are collected before bedtime for safe and secure storage to ensure boarders all get a good night’s sleep.
Can my child use the WiFi?
Boarders are able to connect to the WiFi within the Boarding House to enable video calls in the designated areas.
What if my child is unwell?
All of the Boarding team are trained in first aid and the administration of medicines and all boarders are registered with the local GP. Both the Prep School site and Senior School sites do also have designated Health and Wellbeing centres.
Any medication must be handed into the Boarding team on arrival for secure storage and administration by them. Medicines must not be kept in bedrooms. Please note that we cannot administer medications prescribed from outside of the UK. If a boarder requires regular medication, parents should speak to the Boarding team ahead of arrival to make the necessary arrangements.
The Boarding team will arrange emergency appointments to the doctor, dentist, optician or physiotherapist, as required. We do ask that you schedule routine appointments during the School holidays, where possible.
Does my child need pocket money?
Boarders will need a small amount of pocket money. Some children bring a bank card that they use to manage their own pocket money, whilst others prefer to keep cash in the house safe and have a small amount given to them each week. Each child has a personal safe where they can keep the money. Boarders must not bring valuables to the house. They must bring everything they need for school including stationery and toiletries; the boarding team will arrange shopping trips to buy extra things as necessary - pocket money for these extras is useful.
What clothes does my child need to bring?
In addition to the daily school uniform, boarders need comfortable clothes to wear at the weekends and after school. There is limited storage within the bedrooms and washing is done every day by the Boarding team.
Clothing must be clearly labelled so that it can be easily identified and returned to each child to put away. This includes underwear and socks. Please see the parent portal for information about school uniform and sports kit requirements.
We encourage children to take increasing responsibility for their laundry as they get used to the house and the routines. Please only pack clothes that can be washed and tumble dried.
What about sleepovers?
We want our boarders to have a social life outside of school, as they would if they were day pupils. With parental permission, boarders may stay with friends and go to parties - many of our boarders often spend weekends with their day pupil friends.
What happens if it is my child’s birthday?
We always celebrate our boarders on their special day with a birthday cake, balloons and, of course, a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday! Parents are always welcome to come and join us or take their child out for the evening if they are able to do so.
Do you have exeat/extended weekends?
We do not have exeat/extended weekends in the academic year, but we encourage boarders to have some time away from the house during the early May Bank Holiday weekend (first weekend in May). This gives boarders a chance to spend the long weekend with family, who often use this opportunity to visit.
How do I arrange airport transfers and other transport requests?
We ask parents, where possible, to book travel arrangements in line with the school calendar to ensure children do not miss out on any special events that occur at the end of term. Permission for a child to be absent from school, arrive late to the start of term or depart early at the end of term must be authorised by the Head of Prep School, Mrs Leigh-Anne Morris.
Who can my child talk to?
There is ALWAYS someone to talk to when you are a boarder. If you need personal guidance, there are a number of people at school who you can turn to for help: friends, prefects, Boarding team, your form tutor, teachers, head of year, school matron, a member of the safeguarding team and the Chaplain. We also have school counsellors which we or your parents can refer you to. For those who don’t feel able to share their concerns out loud, you can email needtotalk@bedes.org - the safeguarding team and school counsellors oversee this and all emails will be responded to.
If you would like to talk to someone outside of school:
Childline - 0800 1111
Dawn Rimmington, Independent Listener - 01323 356613
Jonathan Dow, Independent Listener - 01323 356614
Arlington Road Medical Practice- 01323 727531
Office of the Children’s Commissioner - 020 7783 8330
Help at Hand - tel: 08005180731 or help.team@childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
Ofsted - 08456 404040
