vocational boarding school

[ifnotwhynot]

My 11 yr old daughter will be starting at a vocational boarding school in September and I wonder if anyone has any tips, experiences or information that could help with the settling in process and the practicalities of life as a boarder etc. She is very strong and determined but I expect that the impact of her being away from home will be greater than she thinks. I am totally in the dark about what to expect and I'm sure there are loads of things we haven't thought of yet that will make everything much more straightforward!

[mountaingirl]

Hello, ds1 is doing the same in September but going into year 10. I feel quite overwhelmed with all that needs to be organised as this has been a very last minute decision. I'm sure he'll just love it though and it will be me at home feeling like something is missing! I won't miss the rows about homework though!

[ifnotwhynot]

Ooh, so glad to come across someone in the same boat! I'm sure the children will be just fine as dd just can't wait to be doing so much more of what she loves! Is your ds a dancer or a musician - they may be going to the same school!?

[mountaingirl]

No he is into his sports though the school has an amzing music block and he will do the drums there. I do hope your daughter likes it. My dd aged 11 would love to go with all the facilities available and ds2 says he is going as well but they are going to have to wait.

[SueW]

Is she full boarding, weekly boarding? Does she get exeats - how many? Will she be able to keep in touch by phone/email?

Even if you get lots of texts/calls/emails,, don't rule out sending real letters and small gifts. I work with sixth form girls in boarding and they love it when I've picked up the mail and there's something for them - from parents, grandparents, any fam/friends, as well as parcels from asos.com...!!

What are they allowed in their rooms? Their own duvet cover/blanket/lamp/ipod speakers/fairy lights/pictures and photos? Snacks? Drinks? Tuck box? What happens with pocket money and valuables? Regular medication - can she store it in her room securely or does it have to be held by house staff?

Remember to label ALL clothing and laundry including underwear. All possessions, preferably.

Can't think of anything else off the top of my head but feel free to ask. As I said, my girls are much older though and are mostly weekly boarding so tend to see parents every weekend, and sometimes in the week, not just 2-3 times per term.

[mumoverseas]

agree with what Sue has said.
My DD1 aged 13 has been boarding (same school where moutaingirls's DS is going) since last September and loves it although the first few days were a bit hard for her but she absolutely loves it now and has made loads of friends.
Most boarding schools (if not all?) they have to take in their own bedding and she has taken lots of photos, ipod etc (make up, jewellery, clothes and other girly tat!)

I am normally in the Middle east and try to write to her every few weeks and signed her up for a monthly magazine subscription (sugar which the girls all like) which she loved.
Pocket money gets paid to her housemistress by way of cheque and she drip feeds it (othewise it would be spent in one hour!)

Also I need to send regular phone top ups!

[mumoverseas]

P.S. Sue, can you say which area your school is? Is it just girls?
Just curious as DS1 is going to 6th form college in September as a full boarder and I had lots of questions ref boarding life there

[SueW]

mumoverseas, the school I work at is co-ed, in the Midlands.

[ifnotwhynot]

Thank you. Mumoverseas, I can't answer all your questions yet but I now know to ask them at the induction day so thank you very much!