First Time Boarders

FIRST TIME BOARDERS

At Maidwell Hall, we work hard to provide a welcoming environment that creates a home-from-home experience for first-time boarders.

We know that boarding can be a daunting prospect for some children, as well as many parents. That is why we make every effort to support first-time boarders, ensuring they feel welcome in our family-orientated environment. The size of our school means that any new boarders are very quickly integrated into our community and soon feel at home.

We provide a friendly induction programme for first-time boarders. This includes showing them around the dormitories, explaining the evening and morning routines, and introducing them to the dorm captain. Dorm captains are normally Form I (Year 8) pupils who take responsibility for looking after younger boarders. They provide the first point of contact for pupils who may feel unwell or upset during the night.

The Houseparents and a team of Matrons are on call overnight in their flat close to the dormitories and is always on hand to provide comfort and care at any time of day or night, supported by a team of teaching staff, gap tutors and the Headmaster. All our boarding staff have the safety, happiness and wellbeing of our pupils as their first priority.

First-time boarders are also paired up with one or two other pupils, who act as their guide. These guide pupils help the new pupil to find their way around, ensure they get where they need to be on time, answer any questions, and provide reassurance and a friendly face around school.