The Boarding House offers the option of flexi-daily boarding for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 13, (Years 3 - 8). However due to new legislation and in adherence with standards and policy, boarding is split between Lower school (Years 3 - 5) and Upper school (Years 6 - 8) nights. These are demonstrated on the Boarding Activity schedule as yellow for Lower School and green for Upper School.
We pride ourselves on the unique offering of flexi-boarding but to ensure our house staff and kitchen team are informed to make the necessary provisions, we do ask for 24 hours' notice prior to your child boarding. Therefore, bookings need to be made and confirmed (at the latest) by 16:00 on the day before you wish your child to board.
To ensure your booking is processed swiftly and accurately, it is essential you include the following information:
Child’s Full name & Year group
Details of which night you wish your child to board
Any Medical or Dietary needs or requirements
Please indicate if your child is boarding for the first time
There will be occasions when we can be more flexible to accommodate children in the event of extenuating circumstances but this will be subject to the abilities and provision within the boarding house. We advise all parents to book early to avoid disappointment, as the house is often fully booked. Equally, we ask for 24 hours' notice in the event of the need to make a cancellation. Please let us know at your earliest opportunity.
We understand that sometimes children are ill or are unable to board for a number of reasons, and it isn’t possible to honour a booking. We greatly appreciate being made aware of this at the earliest possible time, ideally at least 24 hours prior to the planned boarding evening. Although regrettable, ‘No-Shows’ without communicated reason, will incur the full cost of the original booking.
Just a note to remind parents of children that stay over on Friday nights, pick-up time is by 09:30 on Saturday morning. If your child needs to be collected at an earlier specific time for an appointment or other commitment, please communicate this clearly when making your booking. Thank you in advance for your kind consideration.
The boarding house also offers two other options that are popular with parents. Parents can drop pupils at school from 07:30 and join boarders for breakfast. In the evening, pupils can remain on site and join the boarders just for supper, or supper and the evening activity. Pick-up times after ‘Supper’ or after ‘Supper + Activity’ can vary and should be made expressly clear during the booking stage.
Information on pricing for these various options can be found within the 'Fees' section of this handbook
We politely remind parents that although not exhaustive, this Handbook does provide a suggested kit list which can be found here. This will depend on the time of year and activity for the evening. It is asked for children to consider the nature of their activity and ensure they are fully equipped to maximise their enjoyment. Always bring a wash bag including toothbrush and any washing materials they need to ensure they can keep themselves squeaky clean. A towel is also an essential item and serves as a comfortable reminder of home.
Children who board are not given a snack for the following day but they will have access to the fruit bar stations. If you would like your child to have a specific snack, please feel free to pack it with them and hand it in to us for storage until the following day. We have access to a small fridge in case the snack needs to be kept cool.
A varied activity programme runs each evening throughout the week, including Friday night. The schedule is published prior to the beginning of each half-term. The programme aims to utilise the wonderful grounds and facilities on the school site and at times when transport permits, to get out in the local community to enjoy the great outdoors and a range of recreational activities on our doorstep. Further information about the activity programme can be found on posters in form rooms and key areas around the school.
The experienced team of House Staff takes a real interest in the academic progress of its boarders, working alongside academic staff, tutors and the pupils themselves to ensure that they maximise their potential in the classroom. Year 8 is particularly important for most, and the boarding house provides a conducive environment to prepare for examinations that lie ahead.
Boarding provides access to the various music practice rooms at the school, so those who board always have the opportunity to practise their instrument.
Many pupils who leave St Peter's decide to embark on new adventures at schools where a boarding house becomes central to their daily life, whether as a day pupil or a boarder. Experiencing the boarding environment at St Peter's can certainly make for a smooth transition and many board for this reason.
Most importantly, all of the opportunities above exist in a warm and caring environment. For example, boarders are housed in comfortable dormitories, which they can make their own, and enjoy relaxing in the snug together in the evenings. Boarder’s learn to respect others, their personal space and belongings, as well as being mindful of everyone’s need to rest, recharge and sleep.
House team staff will wake the Boarders up in the morning.
Boarders are woken up at 07:00 and get dressed ready for the day ahead. All single-night boarders will strip their bed and put used linen in the dorm wash bag or basket. They are provided with fresh linen and tasked with making their bed as neatly as possible. Those staying the following night will make their bed and ensure their area is a tidy one to come back to. Beds and dormitories are inspected prior to the boarders leaving for school.
House staff serve ‘Boarders breakfast’ in conjunction with a member of the kitchen team, in the school dining hall each morning. Cereal and toast is available everyday with additional baked goods (or hot options on certain days during the week). At around 08:10, the boarders play an integral role in clearing up, wiping tables and sweeping up the dining hall. Grace is said, followed by any announcements, information or reminders before returning to the boarding house.
Once upstairs, the boarders clean their teeth and House Staff check the dorms. Those who are particularly tidy, and demonstrate excellent levels of tidiness and organisation will be praised and earn merits for their efforts and high standards. These contribute to the Boarding House Merit system.
When everything is tidy, departing bags are left in a designated place for collection later in the school day. (It is really important that boarders remember to take home their belongings!) Boarders are then sent off to school. Those staying more than one night are not encouraged to return to their room during the school day and should seek permission from Matron if they do need to for any reason.
Having returned to Harefield House from a supervised prep session with their tutor, boarders may continue with their prep at Late Stayers. This is supervised by a member of the main school staff. This should provide ample time for all prep to be completed but on arrival and registration to the Boarding House, children will be asked if all prep is completed as necessary. Further time may be allocated if possible.
Boarders will be collected from Late Stayers and registered, (usually by the House Boarding Assistant) and taken up to the Boarding House to change into casual clothes ready for dinner and the evening activity. This is a time for children to organise their belongings and ensure everything is kept tidily. Boarders are again rewarded for showing excellent organisation, tidiness and readiness for the evening.
Set up, eat up, clean up.
The kitchen staff on duty cooks dinner for the boarders, chats to them about their day and reinforces good table manners. The menu is carefully planned and additional dietary needs are catered for as required. Parents are asked to ensure any specific needs are made clear during the booking process. This gives the kitchen team adequate time to make the necessary provision. When the children have cleared away and wiped the tables, Grace is said, followed by any announcements or information relevant to the evening.
In order to help the boarding house run smoothly, boarders will be part of the weekly duty rota. This includes laying the table, setting out cups and drinking jugs, as well as the tidying up afterwards. This gives boarders responsibility within our community and improves the way in which pupils relate and work alongside each other. It also helps our wonderful kitchen staff in keeping the area a clean, tidy and enjoyable place to dine. It instils positive values and reinforces good habits that may even find their way into their own homes!
The activity for the evening takes place. Activities are usually 60-90 mins depending on what is planned. A programme of evening activities is issued to parents via the main school Newsletter, usually during the last week of each half term. The House Staff will always endeavour to conduct the advertised activity but from time to time they are subject to change, due to the number of participants, inclement weather or due to other unforeseen circumstances. We ask boarders to show the characteristics of adaptability and acceptance if changes occur. Either way, we will always ensure fun and safety are at the centre of everything we do.
After activities have finished and any tidying up has been done, children may have a little free time. This is a chance to get showered, wind down and have quiet time before getting ready for bed. Bedtimes vary depending on age and boarders are encouraged to respect the fact that some children will want to settle down to sleep earlier than others. Occasionally, pupils decide to go to bed early after a particularly busy day. It is instilled by the boarding team that sleep is a key part of everyone’s well-being and development, and an integral aspect of good boarding practice.
From 19:45-20:00
All children change for bed
20:15
Lights out for Y3-5
20:30
Lights out for Y6-8
The number of personal belongings brought into the house will depend on for how many nights your child is boarding. The following list should provide some clarity on what is required (per night). Items should always be named where possible.
School uniform
Evening clothes
Sleepwear & hygiene
Shirt
T-shirt
Pyjamas
Trousers/Skirt
Casual trousers or suitable alternative
Dressing gown
Jumper
Casual jumper/top
Pair of slippers
Blazer
Waterproof jacket
Pillow/blanket (optional)
Tie
Warm coat
Towel
Coat
Casual footwear
Washbag (including soap, toothbrush/paste)
Black shoes
Casual socks
Poster/Pictures of family (optional)
Games kit (including sport specific footwear)
Hat and gloves (seasonal)
Healthy break time snack
Socks
Pocket money (dependent on activity)
Reading book
Underwear
Swimming trunks & goggles (dependent on activity)
Musical instrument (if one is played)
Electrical items (optional)
Dirty laundry bag
Cuddly toy or other reminder of home (optional)
