Boarding at Chafyn Grove

Chafyn Grove is a combination of Day and Boarding education; not all of our children board, but all benefit from the presence of a boarding house at the heart of our provision.

Boarding at Chafyn Grove contains all of the vital, traditional elements which nurture independence amongst a strong and supportive community. However, there is no doubt that the landscape of boarding is changing and we are well-placed to accommodate those evolving needs, whilst maintaining core values.

Our Boarding House

Chafyn Grove has one boarding house, shared between boys and girls and looked after by our Houseparent Mrs Charlotte Oshinsky, who is also our DSL Lead as well as a teacher in the school. Our emphasis is on Family boarding: a community where everyone knows each other well. We do not segregate by age or gender in the way that larger, separate houses must. Nor do we empty at the weekend or rely upon a large, less-integrated overseas contingent. We have around 20 boarders, the majority of whom are British children from military families. Ages range from 7 to 13, with an equal balance of boys and girls. Children share a room with one or two others of the same age. Flexi boarding is becoming more popular and we love to welcome new people into our boarding home.

The benefits of boarding at Chafyn Grove are that we are an exceptionally flexible, welcoming and warm place to be. We have a great mixture of regular weekly boarders as well as full time boarders and odd night boarders. The boarders enjoy a variety of evening activities throughout the week as well as extra support with prep, additional lessons and support in organising their schedules.

Boarders benefit from small numbers in dorms where they can take charge of their personal space, accept responsibility and have a strong pupil voice. We have a Head Boarder who supports the younger pupils and provides a key bridge from staff to pupil.

Mrs Charlotte Oshinsky

Amongst our full boarders are a limited number from Spain and China. At other times of the year, we also enjoy hosting children from Italy and France. Overseas children are carefully and fully integrated into the school.

Whilst we have exeats in the long Autumn term, they are optional in Spring and Summer. Boarders can see family at any time and there are multiple ways in which communication with home is kept open too. Chafyn has the advantage of being within walking distance to both town and countryside, but is on its own well-appointed and secure estate. Supervised excursions to the shops, the neighbouring farm or just playing in our fields are an essential part of the boarding experience, along with trips to further afield on Sunday which encompass sports matches, the beach and other leisure activities, all of which are included in the fees.

 

We are one big family

Structure of the boarding day

Monday to Friday

 

7.10 am Wake-up
7.30 am Breakfast
8.00 am Teeth-brushing and music practice
4.40 pm Tea
5.00 pm Prep
5.45 pm Change clothes
6.20 pm Supper
7.00 pm Activity
From 8.00 pm (youngest boarders) Showers / Reading / Bed
From 8.15 pm (oldest boarders) Showers / Reading / Bed

Activities include: Dodge ball, swimming, capture the flag, Bingo, board games, Wii games, cooking, table tennis, basketball, football, cricket

Saturday

 

7.40 am Wake-up
8.00 am Breakfast
8.30 am Teeth-brushing
9.00 – 12.30 pm School or Activities
12.30pm Lunch
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm Matches / Walk to town / Free-time
4.00 pm Tea
4.30pm – 6.00pm Free-time / Activities
6.00pm Supper
7.00 pm Evening activity
From 8.15pm (youngest boarders) Showers / Reading / Bed
From 8.30pm (oldest boarders Showers / Reading / Bed

Activities include: Dodge ball, swimming, capture the flag, Bingo, board games, Wii games, cooking, table tennis, basketball, football, cricket

Excursions vary each week and include: Premiership rugby, Premier hockey, Premier basketball, Golden Gecko indoor climbing, Romsey Rapids swimming, the beach, FlipOut trampolining, Ten pin bowling

Sunday

 

From 8.00 am Wake-up
9.00 am Breakfast
9.00 am Teeth-brushing
9.15 am Free-time and Activities
11.00 am Excursion
4.00 pm Tea
4.30 pm – 6.00 pm Free-time / Activities
6.00 pm Supper
7.00 pm Evening wind-down
From 8.15 pm (youngest boarders) Showers / Reading / Bed
From 8.30 pm (oldest boarders) Showers / Reading / Bed

Activities include: Dodge ball, swimming, capture the flag, Bingo, board games, Wii games, cooking, table tennis, basketball, football, cricket

Excursions vary each week and include: Premiership rugby, Premier hockey, Premier basketball, Golden Gecko indoor climbing, Romsey Rapids swimming, the beach, FlipOut trampolining, Ten pin bowling

Boarding Fees

Boarding fees can be found on this link.

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT

CONTACT

FAQs

What time do boarders go to bed?

In general, different ages tend to follow these times:

Y3 and 4 go to bed by 8.10 with lights out by 8.20pm

Y5 go to bed by 8.25 with lights out by 8.35pm

Y6 go to bed by 8.40 with lights out by 8.50pm

Y7 go to bed by 8.55 with lights out by 9.05pm

Y8 got to bed by 9.10 with lights out by 9.20pm

Everyone is encouraged to read for 10 minutes before lights out.

What time are boarders woken up?

On weekdays it’s usually 7.10am.
On Saturdays it’s around 7.40am.
On Sundays it is usually later, depending on the trip!

Are boarders allowed tuck?

Yes, on Wednesdays after supper and at the weekends.

Who does our laundry?

The house staff will wash your clothes or you can take them home at the weekend.

What happens if I am poorly in the night?

Ring the night bell and the member of staff on duty will come.

Can I have pocket money at school?

Yes. The staff look after it for you and let you have the right amount for each trip.

What can we do in the evenings?

You can choose what you do and there are always organised activities as well as free time.

Inside you can go to the Green Room, or chat in your bedrooms, watch TV, play on the Wii, play table tennis, lego or board games.  Outside there are fields and tennis and squash courts to play on, as well as the sports hall, and in the summer and autumn you can go swimming.  Boarding staff also offer activities in the evening such as cooking or dodgeball. 

Are we allowed to bring in cuddly toys?

Yes, of course…and photos and posters to decorate your dorms, too!

What happens if we don’t finish our prep?

The boarding staff will give you lots of support during prep time and can also help you finish things off after supper if you need to.

Younger boarders will also have support with reading, tables and spelling practice.

Can we do our music practice in the evenings?

Yes you can – evenings and/or mornings. There is a timetable which tells you when you should do your practice.

Where and when can we phone home?

You are welcome to use one of the house phones. You can also Skype using the school ipads.

When can I use my mobile phone?

Mobile phones are not needed in the house. If you travel to the school with one, it is collected and looked after until you need it to travel home again.

Is the food good?

The food here is great! There is lots of choice and variety; we take surveys throughout the year to keep things tuned to everyone’s tastes.