West Hill Park School

Welcome to our Boarding House

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:28:29 PST

The House is currently undergoing significant refurbishment but can still accommodate up to 50 full or flexi boarders. We have dormitories to accommodate 3 to 8 beds, plenty of shower and washroom facilities, a TV and games room, internet linked computers, a recreational area in the school cellars and extensive grounds and sports facilities providing all boarders with a real home from home experience.

The House Staff

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:30:51 PST

Our boarders are in the care of professional House Parents, supported by matrons and a resident team of teaching and non teaching staff with boarding experience. The staff are always around to listen, play or just have a cup of tea with. In the evenings and at weekends, day staff can always be found around the House, bridging the transfer from day to boarding.

We are delighted to be able to announce that Mr John Bond and his partner Meg Goodwin have been appointed as House Parents for September 2010. John is currently Director of Studies at King Edward's School, Bath and is keen to move into a pastoral role and back into the traditional boarding school environment. Meg is currently undertaking a degree in Education and has experience as a Matron, Boarding House Tutor and Learning Support Tutor. Together they will be a strong experienced team who understand the demands of the boarding house and the commitment it takes to keep it thriving. Our current boarders had a chance to meet them earlier this term and enjoyed an informal chat with them during the interview process as well as spending Sunday with them at Marwell Activity Centre.

Statement of Boarding Principals and Practice

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:47:59 PST

Boarding ethos

Boarding education at West Hill Park will provide a safe, caring, supportive ‘home from home’ environment in which each individual child can develop the confidence and self assurance to achieve his or her full potential.

Boarding practice

The school aims to:

1) Ensure an extremely close partnership between Houseparent, matron, child, parent and school.
2) Provide full boarding; including a full programme at weekends as well as maximum flexibility for the occasional boarders.
3) Ensure that each child’s boarding experience, however short, is a positive and happy one.
4) Instil a strong sense of community.

Boarding policy

To achieve these aims the school will ensure that:

1) Children are valued as individuals and their strengths and weaknesses are considered, understood and appreciated.
2) The school’s relationship with parents is highly valued.
3) Sufficient members of staff are resident on site to provide a well-balanced pastoral care structure.
4) Issues arising in ‘Chat Time’ discussions are considered seriously and, where appropriate, acted upon.
5) Medical care is provided 24 hours a day by the school nurse or matron in her absence and supported regularly by the school doctor and her local practice. There is access to the local minor injuries unit and to the district hospitals of Portsmouth and Southampton.
6) Child protection procedures, anti-bullying protocols and complaint procedures are known to staff, parents and children and are updated and revisited regularly.
7) Regular reporting of each child’s progress is made between school, boarding house and home, and any matters of concern are raised at the earliest opportunity.
8) Overseas children must have a guardian preferably residing in the local area with whom the Houseparent can liaise regularly regarding welfare issues.

Boarding Options

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:50:17 PST

Flexi Boarding

This can be truly ‘flexible’. You can book in advance or, assuming there are beds available, even on the day. You can also stay as long as you want. We have regular flexi -boarders and offer occasional and a one off experience to suit you. Everyone is welcome.

Full Boarding

There is no pressure from us, but if you are going to board at your senior school, we do advise boarding here at West Hill Park for at least a year and a term in preparation for your next stage.

Routines and Life in the House

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:38:08 PST

Routines

Boarding has to be appealing to children and here at West Hill Park, boarding is very much based on feeling happy and safe, and having a lot of fun. There is a firm, but fair routine, time set aside for study, music practice and quiet relaxation as well as regular fun nights and special weekend activities.

Boarders can contribute to life in the House.

Boarders have the opportunity to have their 'say' in regular House meetings as well as more informally at any time. Discussions are two-way and taken seriously with minutes displayed on the noticeboard and regular feedback sessions.

Wednesday nights – are Fun Nights!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:40:02 PST

Fun night on a Wednesday is proving very popular. Be it ‘spot light’ or ‘chill out’ night, early booking is essential. It is also tuck night! Other activities include: chocolate bingo, beetle drives, talent competitions, walks on the beach, Burns Night… the list is endless.

Friday Nights – DVD night.

Weekends

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 10:42:22 PST

Our weekends are flexible; we no longer have ‘Staying in Sundays’, but Special Activity weekends when we encourage boarders to invite friends in to experience life in the Boarding House. There is always a full program of activities for those who choose to stay in.


	Building Dens

Health

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:43:52 PST

The School’s Medical Centre is based within the Boarding House. We have an ensuite sickbay staffed by our School Nurse who, together with our matrons, provide round the clock care for any child who is ill or in need of some tlc. The school doctor can be seen at the localsurgery as and when necessary and we have access to a minor injuries unit locally or within 30mins at either Portsmouth or Southampton Hospital.

Transport

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:45:32 PST

We can help you with escorted journeys to and from Southampton, Heathrow or Gatwick airports and by train to or from most destinations calling at Southampton Parkway or Portsmouth Stations. The school also has a local bus service which could be used on a Monday morning. Please call the House Parents for more details.

Contact Us

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:42:21 PST

House Parents

Mr and Mrs Ramsay
01329 840411
k.ramsay@westhillpark.com

Senior Matron

Miss M Dyer
01329 840420
m.dyer@westhillpark.com

School Nurse

Mrs Lesley Johnson
01329 840417
l.johnson@westhillpark.com

Boarding Inspection Report

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:32:37 PST