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Statement of Boarding Principles and Practice. The pastoral care of all our pupils at Taunton Preparatory School is seen as a priority. Boarders receive a high level of care from a committed team of staff in both boarding time and during the school day. We recognise that a boarding house cannot fully replace a child’s home but we try to make Thone as homely and relaxed as possible. It is important that the children feel cared for and valued and not dictated to by the rigidity of institutional rules, as was often a common feature in boarding schools of the past. To this end our rules are kept to a minimum, but, living in such close proximity to others means that certain guidelines need to be followed. The over-riding principle on which we operate is that everyone has the right to live a peaceful and happy life, without fear and anxiety. It is expected that everyone will be treated with respect and common courtesy and that boarders and staff alike will develop an increasing awareness of, and tolerance for, people of different views, beliefs or cultures. The school has a Christian foundation and our chapel services play an important part in the moral and spiritual guidance the children receive. Through playing and working together we try to build a strong community spirit within Thone and, through chapel, with the wider Taunton School community. We aim to develop within our boarders a sense of personal fulfillment, responsibility, a respect for themselves and others and the independence, confidence and social skills necessary to prepare them for their future lives. There are no boarding house prefects as Year 8 pupils are all expected to act responsibly. In order to distinguish between school and “home” we do not have an extensive list of rules and sanctions. We see the boarding community as an extended family and, therefore, as far as possible, try to apply acceptable family sanctions such as the temporary loss of a privilege, undertaking a useful and necessary household task or an earlier bed time for a night or two. Occasionally, time out procedures are invoked when children will be required to set aside an amount of time to reflect on consequences of their actions. Staff are expected to use their discretion when applying sanctions and treat each child as an individual whilst also trying to ensure that a sense of fairness and equality is maintained. The houseparents and headmaster are always available should help and advice be required. A duty log is kept in which minor misconduct and sanctions are recorded. Major incidents requiring more formal sanctions, such as suspension or exclusion are recorded by the headmaster in the school records. Responsibility for the boarding house and the happiness and welfare of all who live in it lies with the houseparents, supported by a team of friendly and caring staff: matrons, tutors, house assistants, GAP staff and the headmaster, who also undertakes a boarding duty each week. At the weekends this team is assisted, on a rota basis, by members of the school teaching staff. Communal living places some limitations on personal privacy. It is expected that staff and boarders will respect the privacy and dignity of others as far as possible. Staff knock on doors before entering dormitories and the children are allowed to dress, undress and wash free from unnecessary staff intrusion, although washroom areas are discreetly monitored for health and safety reasons. Within the boarding house there is a diverse, and often conflicting, range of wishes and desires expressed by the children. They have opportunities to make their feelings known at any time through discussions with staff or by placing a note in the suggestions box and in person at house meetings. All suggestions are accepted, although not all can be acted upon quickly and some not at all. Either way, some feedback will be given to the boarders concerned. A diverse range of activities and trips is arranged for the weekends. In boarding time the children are not allocated to a particular member of staff but are the collective responsibility of those on duty. Set staff rotas ensure that the children know who is on duty each night. Children who have concerns may contact any member of staff of their choice and the houseparents, or headmaster, are always contactable in an emergency. Should the need arise; the houseparents will communicate any concerns with the appropriate member of school teaching staff so that a continuity of care is achieved. As in all matters, we recognise the importance of boarding house / home communication. We aim to contact parents or guardians quickly should a problem arise and work on the principle that a close relationship between the boarding house and the home is vital in order to provide the best care for those who board in Thone. The headmaster of Taunton Preparatory School is the school’s child protection officer. Each child also has access to useful telephone numbers, such as child line and the school’s independent listener, which are published by the telephones. |
