Boarding school for children in care

[Reallytired]

A headteacher has suggested that boarding school could be an alternative to being in care.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/wales_politics/7754823.stm

I think it could be a good idea, I would be surprised if a boarding school could be worst than the corporate parent. Certainly weekly boarding might give families some respite to cope.

However I wonder if the headteacher knows what she would be taking on. Although I suppose it would be good for private schools to be doing something to earn their charitable status.

I think that the child would have to be positive about the idea. It would be awful for a child to be sent to boarding school by a LEA against their will.

There are also state boarding schools that I would imagine are also well-placed to accept looked after children. I think this may well be appropriate for some children.

They already do it and it's done for the very limited number of looked after children it's suitable for

I know of one state boarding school that does actually take children in care. It is the Royal Alexandra & Albert School in Reigate where my daughter attends. She started there in September and it is far cheaper than 'normal, ie private' boarding schools. Her fees are just under 4k a term (including extras such as fees & medical insurance) and horseriding) So far the school seems ok although I have to say, not a patch on some of the other private schools.
Saying that, it is more affordable than the school my son wants to go to for 6th form next year which is 7,725 per term (before extras!) Have just had an offer letter today and have to accept or decline by 10th December. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to boarding school and at least one girl was there as an alternative to care.

She took a long time to settle in. I think she resented being sent there against her will but was desperately unhappy at home and flourished after a while. Her home circumstances were deperately sad. Once she realised that not everyone who boarded was a stuck up snob with loadsamoney she found it a lot easier. We all mucked in together, she wasn't the only one who didn't want to be there and who didn't feel that she fitted in.

This was in the 80's though

I know of one charitable organisation that gives grants to vulnerable children whose healthy development in an unstable home is unlikely. The organisation gives boarding school grants to children who could benefit by getting out of their own homes and into a positive environment.

More here:

www.royalwanstead.org.uk