Boarding Principles and Practice

Woodcote is the ultimate family-run school, not just in fact – the Headmaster and his two deputies both live on site with their young families, and currently three members of the Paterson family (who own the school) are on the staff, with the ex-Headmaster also chairing the Advisory Board – but also in ethos; the individual care and interest shown in each of the boys is, we believe, second to none.
It is this sense of family, with all the traditions and values that this implies, which is central to Woodcote’s philosophy. The school family, backed up by a settled and experienced staff, really know what makes the boys tick, and are committed to ensuring that Boarders are fulfilled, happy, properly looked after, and relaxed – in short we treat them as our own.

• Turning these principles into practice requires, amongst other things:
• Clear communication of these principles to and by those with boarding responsibilities.
• Acceptance and adoption of these principles by those with boarding responsibilities.
• Design and implementation of appropriate policies in the areas of pupil welfare.
• Monitoring and evaluation of these policies.
• The development of a sound and effective model of pastoral care, appropriately staffed.
• Appropriate living conditions.
• Training and induction of those responsible for boarding.

Woodcote houses its 70-80 Boarders in the main school building. Ages range from 8 - 13, and with 12 dormitories of different sizes there is ample opportunity to mix with a range of different talents and backgrounds without being overwhelmed by large numbers. The creation of yet more smaller dormitories is planned over the next two years.
The Headmaster, his wife and the Head Matron are in overall charge of boarding. They train and monitor three Assistant Matrons, all of whom live in rooms close to groups of dormitories. There is a rota of senior staff who help with the evening routine.

Some key elements in our practice:

• Daily meetings to discuss welfare of Boarders.
• Daily meetings between the School Nurse, the Head Matron and Assistant Matrons to discuss Boarders’ needs.
• Several ad-hoc meetings to discuss wide-ranging issues.
• Weekly staff meetings at which Boarders’ welfare is always on the agenda.
• Daily meetings between Tutors and boys, with PHSE on the agenda.
• Weekly meetings of a school council, with representatives of each year group, and regular meetings between the Headmaster, ‘Full Monitors’ and all Year 8.
  

September 2009