What our boarders say
We don't have a long journey to school in the morning and breakfast is fun too. We have lots of activities to choose from in the evenings, my favourites are Art, Cookery, Astronomy and Dance.
I like boarding at Chilton because my friends are here and it is like having a sleepover. We have a lie in at the weekend. I look forward to seeing my family at half term but on the weekends I am in school I enjoy the trips to Laser Quest and adventure parks. We go to the cinema or ten pin bowling, which I am quite good at! My favourite activities are Rock Workshop and Woodcraft.
My room is really cosy. I share with friends from my class and we have photographs and posters on our wall. I bring my own duvet and things from home, so it is a bit like going to stay at my gran's house in the summer.
Why Board?
Boarding is an attractive option for lots of children and we often find that flexi-boarding for day children is a treat. The boarding family enjoys a broad range of activities and freedom around our beautiful grounds. Being together fosters special bonds and friendships in a warm community. Boarding offers a practical benefit to parents too, with less time spent on the school run or in organizing childcare when meetings keep them late at work.
Children adapt quickly to the boarding way of life, but it does not suit everyone. We offer boarding tasters for children whose parents are considering boarding.
There are some indicators which highlight whether a child will particularly enjoy boarding:
• Enjoyment of sleepovers and spending more time independently with friends
• Joining clubs and activities outside of the school environment
• The whole family is positive about the boarding lifestyle
It is important that your child is mature enough to understand the reasons for boarding and that they feel part of the decision process.
Weekends are a busy time for boarders. For those staying in, trips are organised to activity centres, the cinema, theme and water parks as well as a wealth of activities on site. Some boarders go home for the weekend whilst others simply choose to stay because they enjoy the independence.
Boarding children grow in confidence as they take greater responsibility for their day-to-day lives. They become more independent as they progress through the school and are more organised. Living in a community also encourages them to understand that their actions impinge on others and they learn to be considerate of others and respect different opinions.
Boarding life is busy and usually very cheerful. There are of course moments for every boarder when things may not be going so well and they miss home. The boarding and teaching staff have great experience of this and will help children to feel better quickly. The boarders themselves are quick to spot any changes in behaviour and help their friends. It is important for children to understand that life has its ups and downs and that this is quite normal and something with which they can cope.
Many boarding families comment that time together at weekends, half terms and holidays is more special - true family time. Boarding parents can work hard in the knowledge that their children are cared for, happy and busy at school.
