parents with dc who board.

[morethanpotatoprints]

We are going for an interview with the head tomorrow and can't think what questions to ask.
I know as soon as we get home we will think of something.
I understand all schools are different and this school isn't run of the mill, but the boarding aspect is still the same.

Can you remember what sort of questions you asked or think of anything we might not think to ask that maybe important
Tia for your responses.

They always interview the child! It is the child who is being taught there and they want to check on suitability. You are largely superfluous apart from your wallet! We went back to see a Deputy with responsibility for pastoral care post offer to talk through any concerns we had. Any school will do this for you.

It seems logical, I know. I had just never considered it to be so and presumed it would be us as much as the dc who were applying and going through the stages.

I suppose it might be a little disconcerting - to realise they see her as a separate little person.

But have you not read all any of the fifteen trillion school application threads here?

Did your DD not have any sort of entrance exam? That might have given you a clue that it really is all about her.

(Forgive me if my words look mean. Absolutely not intended to be so - I'm partly bemused and partly wondering if you're feeling a mite shaken and sad at this unexpected realisation.)

At dds school any boarding issues & questions were addressed by the boarding house staff (there are two houses organised by year group)

Questions I never thought of but have since come across are snacks (evening meal has less choice of menu so what if they don't like it)

Drop off & pick up arrangements, what time due back after exeat

Mobile phone/Internet use

If they are ill do they have a sick bay or are you expected to drop everything & come for them.

Bedtimes

I only actually met the staff after ds had auditioned & been given a place at the school (on induction day) as dh took her initially. She was given the opportunity to board for a week during their summer school.

Good luck to your dd.

Zero

Just musing really. I think it surprised me a bit, but not in any negative way, more thoughtful really. A bit different hearing them ask why does dd want to attend the school, rather than why we would like dd to attend the school.
On reflection it seems a great way to find out those who are doing it for themselves rather than for their parents.

balletgirlmum

I know when my DD had her skype interview with the head we were told to place the notebook flush agsisnt the wall. Then we were told to sit behind DD. So the head could see we were not giving instructions.

All questions asked by DD was noted by the head and the teachers or boarding mistress responsible took turns in answering the questions in their area of expertise.

The interview tends to be about 30 to 40 mins long. They do ask many questions to see if the school ethos fits in with your DD.
I do think its important to find a school that fits your own DD. NOT ONE that fits your expectations but your DD.

I found that tutoring my DD to death to get those so called good grades left her empty inside. So we found a school with lots of sports and extra curricula stuff. She loves it. She plays the piano now not because she had too. She plays because she wants too. She will run not because she is forced too but because she likes too. She will swim again because she finds enjoyment in it. The school trips are great she loves them and is more inquisitive rather than just touching her mobile phone.

O yes the best part is she comes top of her class not because she is tutored but because the teachers actually teach. These are her words not mine.

I wish you luck in finding a good school too....By the way we all graduated from University college so we don't put that high an emphasis on academic achievement but more on the ability to think.

Hello all.

Just wanted to share our news.

She did it - wooah and she is so excited, happy and can't wait.
We received the letter straight away and now starting to make plans.
She has to attend a trial boarding period in the summer, before the holidays with the other new children.

I would just like to thank you and the posters on the music threads for your lovely support and well wishes for dd.
Its so exciting, but I know I will miss her like crazy especially as she has been H.ed for the past 3 years.
She constantly reminds me she can skype every night if we want. and home every weekend unless she finds something better to do.
I'm prepared for the call of "something better to do" when she is settled.

Well done!

To you too. I know that these things are equally about family effort.

Fantastic news!

"Congratulations to your DD" Morethan......

Many congrats to your ds, Morethan.

Well done I'm so pleased for both of you.

Well done. Great news!

Delurking on this thread to say well done to your DD.

Thank you so much for your lovely comments.

She still hasn't dropped from the ceiling yet, and is so excited.
Music practice today is all new pieces and lots of improvisation with dh.
I told her everyone else has half term, but she said that's for wimps.

A lady there (other parent) told me they have their own duvets with pictures of pop stars etc, so dd is going to get one today from somewhere. Minus the pop star obviously.

I will probably be popping up on threads asking stupid questions over the next few months.

The first stupid question is where to buy really nice name labels that aren't horrible itchy and scratchy material, embroidered and not printed, so as not to fade. The ones our older dc had were horrible and of course didn't need to label their underwear.

Anyway, rambling now and have to go and buy a new violin chin rest as she lost hers, like a numpty.

First stupid answer (as in probably not helpful - it's not a stupid question) is that the school may well have one authorised supplier who you are instructed to use.

Seriously don't panic. They'll be in touch with a boarders list, handbook, etc etc. You will be inundated with forms and instructions. Clear your diary!

With the labelling, check what the school advises. I am an avid labeller and always sewed in loads of embroidered labels, being careful to avoid back of neck for itching. So I have always sewn labels at the hem of a vest, for example.

I have since found that matron doesn't always spot the labels and we have a few items that she has sharpied on. Not always in the best place.

Sharpies are great for equipment etc. I also get the inch high name tapes for sports kit.

I use this website.

Just check whether there is any particular format that the school use. In one school, there is a particular colour that DS has to use, together with a laundry number.

Cash's name-tapes tend to be the standard (but as an expert in sewing on the wretched things, there are eBay sellers who do ones that are identical at a fraction of the price).

I've no idea if boarding schools are cushier these days, but we used to have a rota for 'dry washing duty' - sorting socks and undies into individual baskets, and it was so much easier if people had nice clear fonts rather than the twiddly italic - or even worse Gothic - and definitely coloured font on white background!

Iirc, the socks I always did by folding the tape in half and then sewing the two short edges together to the top part of the seam across the toes (outside not inside). You can do them the same way on the top, but then they stick out!

I always have nostalgic memories of my mother, sister and I spending the last nights of the school holidays sewing in tapes in front of the television - probably why I bought them for DD (although hers are very non-regulation pink!). Fortunately she only has 5 letter surname as opposed to my 15 letter one - a lot less sewing!

I still have my tuckbox, trunk and House rugby shirt (complete with name-tape).

I hope your DD enjoys her new school!

My experience is obviously limited to only one or two schools but I'd be surprised if any boarding school truly expects parents to be sewing on nametapes themselves. Unless of course the parent happens to run the local "sewing on nametapes" company.

Definitely something to hire out. They'll probably give you the name of the angel who does it.

I'd wait for a bit. Our DCs school provides the name tapes (well, we pay for them, but the school supplier prints them.)
All items come from the school shop and the school is very specific about where they are sewn on on each garment.
We have to buy 2 meshed laundry bags for underwear - less mixing up now than before these were introduced.
School do see them on but charge per item - can't remember the cost but added about £25-£30 to the cost. Totally worth it - especially as it means you don't have to sew name tapes on socks (hate doing that!)
I too remember sitting round with my sisters, sewing endless name tapes onto our uniform - sadly my DC not so keen to carry on with this tradition!
Tuck boxes are fab - love them.
Also recommend mattress topper - most children have them in DC's school.
Well done to your daughter - it is an exciting time!

Ah, thanks.

Also very good points about waiting in case they want a specific type.
I will definitely get some sharpies for equipment though.

Gosh it is exciting, nobody from our family has ever done anything like this before and I wish my parents were here to see it, I know they'd be proud.
Dh parents are making up for it though and if it was up to them it would be on the local tv news (not that its that newsworthy to anybody else of course).

You are all really helpful

Ahh morethanpotatoprints I totally know how you feel, I remember all the excitement of our first DC going off to prep school and now we are all excited about the 'big move' next year to public school. Re the name tapes many senior schools insist that the initial of the school house is included on every name tape so just hold fire..you will get lots of lists and instructions!! Mattress topper was a very good tip..the beds can be a little light on comfort!!

I always sew in name tags (I can sew) my DS's schools have always expected you to do it. You might get away with not doing socks (the most tedious things to do) and underwear lots of school provide a net bag for both which goes in the washing machine so only the bag needs to be labelled usually with a marker pen.
You'll need spare labels for the school to hold, matrons will sew labels into any unlabelled clothes you send to them or if labels fall off.
Don't buy too much PE kit in the beginning see what you really need (especially if there a uniform shop near the school your DD will probably have an account there) IME at the end of the first year some of it went to the 2nd hand shop unworn. Use the 2nd hand shop you do need to organised things go very quickly (I'm not), especially for PE kit. We always buy top quality shoes they do take a real bashing it's worth the investment. A lockable tuck box type of thing for important possessions is essential. Dont take to much stuff especially in the beginning it gets lost especially when they're new you can always add in more things at a later date.
Open you DD a bank account with a card (if she's old enough) so that you can pay money in electronically.

Agree, socks are a pain to label. DD wears black tights which I label at the waist but casual socks I use marker pen on the sole with her initials.

The laundry bags are great, there are various sizes available.