E d u c a t i o n M a t t e r s
CHOOSING A BOARDING SCHOOL
Obtaining Advice
Some schools advertise in Service newspapers and associated publications but do not necessarily have the support or approval of the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Recommendations from other Service parents need to be treated with care. What suits one child may not suit another, some parental expectations of a school may be different to yours, and some schools change significantly in character over quite short periods of time.
Prospectuses
All schools will provide a prospectus and some are producing video tapes of what they offer. CEAS holds a variety of boarding schools prospectuses and can assist with the drawing up of a short list.
The prospectus should give you a great deal of information about the school. Remember that it is designed to give a good impression and will play down any negative aspects of the school. You should make a list of questions arising from the prospectus which you can ask when you visit.
A further guide to life at the school will be found in the school magazine and you should ask for a copy of the latest issue.
The school may have recently been inspected by The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), or the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and the school will provide you with a copy of the report.
Arranging a Visit You should arrange to visit the school during term time when it is operating normally and classes are in progress. If possible both parents should visit the school and it is recommended to take your son/daughter as well. Talk to as many pupils and staff as possible. Arrange to see a senior member of staff at the end of your visit to ensure all your questions are answered before you leave.
First Impressions Don't be beguiled by attractive buildings; what the children are doing is much more important. Are they happy in the school? Do they have a good relationship with the staff? Are all pupils in the classroom involved with the lesson?
Will your son/daughter thrive in the type of atmosphere generated within the school?
The Head and Staff A good Head teacher makes a good school and a poor Head teacher can break it. The good Head teacher will express an interest in your child and try to find out what he/she is like.
THE DAY SCHOOL ALLOWANCE T 26
he Day School Allowance was introduced to allow an eligible child, who is attending school as a boarder, to become a day pupil at the same school and
to live at home, when family circumstances permit, and ensures that continuity of education is maintained.
Service parents cannot claim the allowance unless the child has already been boarding for three full terms at the school, and agree that the child will revert back to boarding when they are posted away from the area.
Spring 2008
The day school allowance is only available where the school used for boarding and for day provision is the same. You cannot change from a boarding to a day allowance and change schools at the same time. To do this prior authority must be gained from the appropriate policy branch.
Parental Contributions Parents are required to pay a minimum contribution of 10% of the school fees. This is in accordance with the regulations for CEA(Board).
The housemaster or housemistress will have an important influence on your son/daughter. You must have confidence in the people who will be looking after your children.
The staff must convince you that they will not only care for your son/daughter but will provide a good education that will meet their needs. Discuss with the Head teacher any special concerns that you may have or any particular interests your child has.
Special Educational
Needs If your child has special educational needs bring these to the schools attention and be assured that they can meet these needs. If your child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs please provide the school with a copy of this and a copy of your child’s latest Annual Review. If the statement is currently being maintained by a UK LEA you must agree the Boarding School placement with the LEA, and ensure that they will continue to maintain the statement through the Annual Review process.
Contact with Parents Parents should receive regular written reports on their children's progress. Most schools also produce newsletters for parents and many have parents' associations.
You should be informed if your son/daughter seriously breaks the school rules. Find out the school's approach to discipline, including what are regarded as the more serious offences and how they are dealt with.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56