Boarding Handbook 2023
Welcome
Mrs Eke House Mistress
Welcome to The Mount. Welcome to The Mount – your home from home. The Mount is not just a place where you will sleep and work but a place where you will make lifelong friends, laugh, probably cry a little, and carve out a Lincoln Minster career. The Mount is your support; the other students and the house team will be here for you to share in the laughter, the tears, and to ensure you achieve your potential. The Mount is home to a range of students from lots of different backgrounds. We pride ourselves on being the best we possibly can, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously! The Mount is a supportive and caring environment where the students support each other through thick and thin. The House Mistress' aim is to make The Mount an extension of her own family, where the boarders can share their day, their successes, and their own ‘must-try-harder’ moments. We all have one thing in common; we all belong to The Mount family. This handbook is designed to give you The Mount specific information and also some basic school information and how this links into boarding at The Mount. If in doubt, always ask, or check the House Handbook. Information about the school routines, rewards, sanctions etc. can be found in this handbook but for more detailed information please look on the main school website. The House Handbook is only useful if it’s up to date, relevant and beneficial. If you have any suggestions for things you would like to add then please let Mrs Eke or Mrs Brigden know.
Yours sincerely, Mrs Eke
Who is Who?
I am Head of Boarding, Teacher of Geography, DofE leader and Deputy Head Pastoral responsible for the wellbeing and pastoral care of all students at LMS. Prior to moving to Lincolnshire I ran a lively girls boarding house at Haileybury College for 60 pupils aged 13-18. I have several years experience as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and am currently studying for a Doctorate in Education focusing on ‘Pastoral Care in a Boarding School Context’. I have twin daughters, Pippa and Libby, as well as ‘twin’ golden retrievers Doug and Milo. My husband Bill and I love long walks on the beach in Norfolk. My door is always open and if you can’t find me in The Mount please do email me! I will never be too far away.
Mrs Brigden Head of Boarding
I am House Mistress of The Mount and Subject Lead for Business and Economics. I joined Lincoln Minster School in 2020 from QEHS Gainsborough after a previous career as a Solicitor. I am a keen musician and artist, enjoying singing in the LMS choir and also taking part in the life drawing at the school. I live with my husband, Russell, who is a Corporate and Commercial Solicitor and keen cyclist and climber! We have eight children who are now starting to fly the nest, leaving only Ben and Clarke who live with me at The Mount. We have a lively (naughty) working Cocker Spaniel puppy named Odie and a very senior chocolate Labrador Olly, who spends his day sleeping and trying to pretend Odie doesn’t exist!
Mr Chalmers Resident Tutor
Mrs Watson Boarding Tutor
I am the Resident Tutor, but also the Head of the STEM Faculty. I joined Lincoln Minster School in September 2023, having previously been a Vice Principal at a small international boarding school in Leicestershire. I am a keen cook, like walking and enjoy building and fixing things. When not in school, I live with my wife and my dog in Stratford Upon Avon. I am in the boarding house all week, when I am not teaching in the Science labs.
I am the Boarding Tutor, but also work at the Prep School. I work at the Prep School, having joined Lincoln Minster School in 2018, and have many different roles. I am a teacher and teach in all year groups at Prep as well as supporting other staff. I support children with Special Educational Needs throughout the school and I am also the Crèche Manager. I enjoy all kinds of music and love dancing as well as visits to the theatre. I have one daughter Poppy, currently at Senior, who has been at Lincoln Minster School since she was 2 years old.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wake Up (7:00)
Mrs Eke
Morning Call (8:10)
House Time and Afternoon Prep (16:15-19:30)
Evening (19:30-22:30)
Overnight (22:30 onward)
Mrs Eke (Mr Chalmers on call)
Thursday
Friday
Mr Chalmers
The Mount Contact Details Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any stage. However, please be aware that I teach a full timetable and therefore I am likely to only pick up voicemails in the morning, lunchtime and after 6pm. I will check emails in between lessons so this is often the easiest way to get in touch. The landline below will ring in the main school office who will be able to contact me in class in the event of an emergency. Yours sincerely, Mrs Eke School Office: 01522 551300 Boarding Mobile: 07936558029 E-mail: abbie.eke@lincolnminsterschool.co.uk
The Mount Duty Rota 2023/24
A House Full of History The Mount has a special place in Lincoln Minster’s history as it originally formed part of the Roman Catholic convent and the associated convent school on the site. For this reason we still have the remains of the “Nunnel”; the tunnel that joined The Mount to the chapel on the site. The house benefits from beautiful gardens and character throughout the property due to this history as part of the Cathedral area of the city. The merger of the Cathedral School for boys and the Convent School for girls into what is now Lincoln Minster means The Mount has been a key part of the schools boarding offering for a number of years.
House History
Here For You The care and happiness of all Boarders is our priority and often academic success does not come without a good sense of wellbeing and contentment. Below is a list of people boarders can approach should they need to. More information is available in school at the Hub and is displayed on the board in the house. Mrs Eke – House Mistress Mrs Brigden – Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Boarding Parents Form Tutors Teachers Mrs Williams – the Hub School Counselling Service Independent Person Outside of school there are many organisations pupils can phone for help such as Childline - 0800 1111
Pastoral Support
Academic Monitoring and Support
Teachers Teachers are central to the development of all pupils at Lincoln Minster School. They become someone students can trust and go to for help primarily regarding academic issues but also with pastoral issues. Students meet their form tutor daily and follow a programme of activities as part of the wider school community. Over the year we will be encouraging staff across a range of departments to come into the house during prep time to offer support and additional help for Boarders, additionally, the house team will be key in bridging communication between students and their teachers, to get in extra support where needed, particularly for those in exam years. House Mistress The role of the House Mistress is to oversee the wellbeing and academic progress of every student in the house. The House Parent team, supplemented by teachers on duty, will always try to help if Boarders have any problems with prep (homework). The teaching staff are always happy to help students and if pupils think they are going to struggle with some prep they should email their teacher well in advance of the deadline. There may well be a help session pupils can attend or a teacher may suggest a time to see them individually for some help. Sixth Form students are often also very happy to offer help but please be aware that they have lots of their own work to do! Pupil Voice Pupil voice is a central part of Lincoln Minster life. In school we have a School Council chaired by the Head Students and we would encourage Boarders to join to represent our unique community in the school. We also have catch ups in-house to get Boarders' views and we will publish minutes of meetings in-house so students are aware what is being suggested. In the house, if there are any comments you wish to make, please talk to the House Mistress. There is also the suggestions box (situated by the kitchen) which is anonymous. We value your comments and ideas and will respond to them in call and via the house pupil voice poster.
Join an Exciting and Supportive Community
House Code
The Mount should always feel like home. In order for everyone to have the opportunity to be themselves and achieve their full potential it is important that the community we live in has a shared code of conduct that everyone adheres to. Maintain the friendly house atmosphere in all your dealings with others. Respect the authority of members of staff. Accept disciplinary issues with good grace. Take responsibility for your own actions and consider the effect they may have on others. Be approachable and courteous towards all house visitors. Maintain the security of the house including your own and other peoples’ possessions. Be tolerant to and respect the views, beliefs and ideas of others, even when they differ from your own. Take responsibility in ensuring the wellbeing of younger Boarders, especially new Boarders. Respect the need for other people’s privacy. Respect other people's property and always ask before borrowing someone’s possessions. Be responsible for the correct use of prep time. Respect the wishes of your roommates. Help foster an environment in which everyone can fulfill their academic potential. Be responsible for tidying up in communal areas, especially washing up. Support house activities and make every effort to encourage house members participating in school events. Honour all commitments to their completion. Don’t forget that we are a shoe free house upstairs. To save your socks don’t forget to rock your slippers!
House Responsibilities
A Team Effort The Matron along with the school Estates Team are responsible for the care and upkeep of The Mount, but not for tidying up after the Boarders. If you have anything which you would like to wash privately, please talk to Mrs Eke or the Matron. They will help with laundry, any problems with rooms and is someone Boarders can go to for a chat. Boarders will be expected to adhere to the following responsibilities: It is expected that Boarders will take responsibility for making their beds and keeping their rooms tidy. Everyone is expected to clean their own basin or shower after they have used it and to leave things as they would like to find them. All washing up must be done in the kitchen and not in the bathroom areas. Laundry must be left in named bags in the hallway by 7:30am on a Tuesday - Thursday morning. Anyone can use the washing machines and tumble dryers when they are free in the afternoons or evenings. Everyone must sign out when leaving the house at any time with the exception of lesson and meal times. No Blu or White Tack anywhere on the walls.
A Team Effort As well as the responsibilities regarding cleaning, Boarders are also expected to follow those relating to food: The kitchen is not for use in prep times. Everyone must attend meals. No food or drink to be eaten near the computers in the resources room. It is the responsibility of everyone preparing and eating food to wash up and clear the kitchen after use. Only non-perishable tuck may be stored in bedrooms and this should be kept in a tuck box. Milk etc. must go into the fridge. No meals to be consumed in bedrooms. Food and drinks must not be taken out of dining room or borrowed from other people without their express permission.
House Duty Roles
Junior and Senior Duty Roles Everyone in the house is required to take responsibility, on a rota system, for certain areas. Duties are to be drawn up by the Head of House; an example week is set out below: Distribute post and keep the post area tidy (Junior Boys) Keeping the common room and atrium tidy (Senior Boys) Keeping the kitchen surfaces and hob clean (Senior Girls) Clearing the dining hall at breakfast, lunch and supper (Junior Girls) Sixth Form Duty Roles 18:00 – Ensure the house all go to dinner and assist with serving and helping younger students if needed. Primarily, set a good example with table manners and etiquette! 21:00 – Oversee Junior Boarders handing in phones to tutors’ office 21:30 – Check kitchen is clean and house is tidy Supervision There will always be a member of staff around to help whilst on duty, as such if you are unhappy dealing with anything please ask them to support you.
Layout and Facilities
Before the summer, The Mount was exclusively a girls house but we have separated key areas of the building now that it is a mixed boarding house. This is to ensure the wellbeing of all students in our care from a safeguarding point of view but also maintain age and stage boundaries as well. Everyone enters the house through the main front door. The atrium/hall doors are for emergencies only. The House Ground floor: kitchen, laundry, noticeboards, post area, common room, atrium, resource room, House Mistress’ office, guest toilet and boys bathrooms, Junior Boys bedrooms. First floor: Senior Girls bedrooms, Junior Girls bedrooms, Senior Boys bedrooms, House Mistress’ flat and staff accommodation for duty staff, bathroom. Facilities Kitchen: 1 oven and hob, 2 fridges, 1 kettle, 1 toaster, 1 sandwich maker, 1 microwave, 1 air fryer Laundry: 1 washing machines, 1 tumble dryers Three TV’s and consoles WiFi in all areas of the house and 4 networked computers in the resource room. Pool table Quiet Space Living in a boarding house is busy and loud. If you ever need somewhere to sit quietly you are welcome to spend time in the room next to Mrs Eke’s Office. Around the school there are places where you can be alone, most notably The Hub.
Boarding Packing List 23/24
In addition to the Lincoln Minster School day uniform and sports kit (detailed in the separate Uniform List), boarders require the following items: • 1 dressing gown with belt/cord • 2 Pillow cases, 2 duvet covers and 2 bottom sheets (duvets are provided and mattress protectors) • Towels (2 large and 1 small, with hanging loops) • 1 face flannel • 2 pairs of pyjamas • Toilet bag containing shower gels, shampoos, toothbrush etc • 1 laundry bag • Casual outfits for after school , plus one smarter outfit (we suggest a minimum of five T shirts and at least three bottoms, please include two hoodies/jumpers) • Swimwear • Underwear, socks (ten of each) • 1 pair of slippers • Coat • Coat hangers • Rain jackets
Sixth Form Students Uniform Requirements In addition to the above please ensure as a Sixth Form Student you have a minimum of five shirts or appropriate formal tops to cover a full week. Electrical Equipment All electrical equipment, even if it is brand new, will be PAT tested (Portable Appliance Test) during the first week of term, otherwise it may not come into the boarding house. For most equipment, a certificate lasts for one year. Items of Value For safety, we recommend that non-essential items of particular monetary or sentimental value are kept at home, and not brought to the boarding houses. We have secure storage to keep your child’s passports and other such documentation safe. Please ask the boarding staff about this. We cannot accept responsibility for valuables which have not been handed over for safe keeping.
Name Taping All items must be named. Transporting Items and Laundry As weekly boarders students are expected to routinely take dirty clothes home to wash at the end of each week and bring back clean clothes the following week. Please ensure you provide a suitable small suitcase or bag to facilitate this. There is a washing machine in the house for emergencies and in addition boarders do have access to a weekly laundry service for bedding and other items should they wish to utilise this. Should your child require use of the weekly service please ensure they have sufficient clothing to allow a one week turn around on clothing.
Monday - Friday 08:10 ‘Formal call’ for the whole house in downstairs common room – house register and notices for the day. 16:30-18.00 Call in House / Prep for all (M, Tu, W, Th) – Prep and study sessions etc. take precedent here; opportunity to get on with prep or participate in co-curricular activities. 18:00 Dinner 19:20-19:25 ‘Call In house’ Start of free-time or evening activity 21:00 Junior Boarders – phones to be handed in overnight 21:30 Bed Roll Call for Junior Boarders 22:00 Bed Roll Call for Senior Boarders
Call Times
Prep and Study Periods Prep starts promptly: you need to be at your desk ready to work by 16:30. Silence throughout: no music or talking. Stay in your area: no wandering around the house. Mobile phones should not be used and will be confiscated. Computers should only be used for academic studies. If you have completed all of your prep, read a novel or do some extra reading for one of your subjects. During the prep slot house staff and visiting teachers will be available to support you with your studies please don’t hesitate to ask for help or assistance! Signing In and Out You must sign out when: You leave the school or boarding house, including when going to the shops in the Bailgate area or city centre, except when on organised school activities. You are likely to miss any Call. You leave the house after 17:45. You must sign out with the time you are leaving but you may tick to show you are back in.
Expectations
Visiting and Evening Hours At those times when visitors may be welcome in the house all pupils must act responsibly, respect the privacy of others and observe the spirit in which the guidelines are framed. Displays of affection in public areas are discouraged. Pupils are asked to avoid gathering in large groups around the house or anywhere else around the school. The Mount has areas which are to some extent personal and private – e.g. dormitories. Girls may visit girls in other rooms, and boys may visit boys in other rooms but visiting is allowed in these areas only at the times displayed in The Mount. The house has areas where a variety of people are welcome - common rooms, kitchens etc. Visitors must ensure that they are aware which are designated common areas and where they are welcome. In The Mount, the downstairs common room, atrium, kitchen and laundry are open to visitors. With the exception of some Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, pupils in Sixth Form may leave the house after the evening study period. All pupils must sign out, naming a destination. Some Tuesdays and Wednesdays (detailed in the calendar) are “House Nights” and pupils are expected to be in the house. After Call at 21:30 or 22:00, pupils may only leave The Mount with the permission of their House Mistress or the staff member on duty.
Clothing and Jewellery Please check the pupil handbook and school website for information on students expected dress and appearance. Boarders are expected to be neatly turned out in appropriate clothing at all times. Please ensure that all items of uniform and casual clothes are named. It is vital that Boarders adhere precisely to the dress regulations set down in the clothing lists. We do not wear outdoor shoes in the house and therefore Boarders may like to bring a pair of slippers. Please note the regulations on the wearing of jewellery. It should be very basic and unobtrusive. Boarders should not bring any valuable pieces of jewellery to school. Makeup may be worn by the older students as long as it is discreet and professional looking. Jewellery and uniform checks will take place in morning Call. The House Mistress and school staff will also continue to check throughout the day. Boarders will be asked to remove any jewellery that is not appropriate. School Blazer supply the school uniform and it can be ordered through their website.
Personal Belongings
Personal Areas & Shared Responsibilities
Pupils of different age groups live together in house and it is expected that they have respect for each other and each other’s space/property. Many tasks concerned with keeping the house clean and tidy fall to Lincoln Minster Employees, others fall to the pupils themselves. Pupils have the responsibility of keeping their personal spaces tidy and year groups have the responsibility of keeping their shared spaces tidy. The other duties in the house are shared fairly and appropriately to the age of pupils, as determined by the House Mistress. No pupil may ask another pupil to do a task for him or her, except where it is a case of mutual and equal help. We summarise our policy in the following way: We ask our pupils to co-operate with all their fellow pupils and treat them with respect. No pupil from one year group can have a task performed for him or her by a younger pupil without the agreement of an adult. When pupils are in the same year group we accept that tasks are performed out of friendship, but we need to be aware of the possible abuse of this understanding. We encourage our prefects to be good examples of mutual respect and to be vigilant in seeking to check inappropriate behaviour.
Communicating Home All pupils have the opportunity to communicate with home but this should not be during prep or bedtime, unless in an emergency. We will work with you to make sure that you are able to contact your parents if timezones make this difficult. Sanctions While we generally avoid using sanctions in The Mount, sometimes they become necessary. Including: Gating House detentions Signing in during free time Loss of privileges Class Charts Sanctions in line with the wider school behaviour policy Rewards In The Mount we reward positive behaviour with praise and celebration. We use rewards tickets to recognise service to others, kindness and care within the boarding community specifically, which can be cashed in at the end of a half term with Mrs Eke for a prize.
Communication and Behaviour
Obtaining Essentials At the Mount we have a spare supply of everyday hygiene products such as shower gel, toothpaste and sanitary products. Please talk to the House Parent team if you need anything along these lines. Medical Matters and Medication Rules If you need to see a GP, other than in an emergency, you must talk to a member of the house team first who will contact the appropriate GP for you and liaise with parents as required and appropriate. If a pupil becomes ill during the school week parents will be contacted to collect their child at their earliest convenience. Medication can only be kept in the house with consent from the House Mistress and must be logged and registered with them. The school will require medical and parental consent for you to keep and self-administer your medication otherwise all medication must be taken under the supervision of the House Parent Team. Medication you are permitted to keep must be stored and locked in your lockable space. You must not allow any other pupil to access or take this medication. Your House Mistress can store medication overnight until this consent has been obtained. If you have permission to keep medication such as an Asthma Inhaler or an Epipen (or similar device) you must carry these at all times.
Essentials and Medication
Health and Safety
Fire Fire Orders are clearly displayed in the house. All people should leave the house as soon as they hear the alarm (a continuous ringing), and wait in a line by the gate (the one closest to the road). Everyone has a responsibility for keeping the house safe. Boarders should not place bags, shoes etc. in front of fire exits and should always be careful with electrical appliances, for example turning the oven off after use, not overloading electrical sockets and not placing unsuitable items in the microwave. Further guidance is displayed on posters around the house. Fire Orders & Electrical Safety There is no distinction between NIGHT or DAY procedures. If you hear the alarm (continuous ringing bell) leave the house by the nearest exit. The over-riding aim is to get EVERYONE out of the house as quickly as possible. You should move quickly and quietly to the ASSEMBLY POINT which is by the main gate. Assemble in silence so that a roll-call can easily be taken. REMAIN THERE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD WHAT TO DO. DO NOT RUN. WALK QUICKLY TO THE ASSEMBLY POINT. Particular Points If you are the first to sense there is smoke or burning do not hesitate: SHOUT FIRE, FIRE, FIRE and ROUSE THE NEAREST STUDENT OR STAFF MEMBER. Ensure, where you can, that all the doors and windows are shut to lessen any draughts which may fan the fire. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT DO NOT SPEND TIME IN THE VICINITY OF THE FIRE. GET YOURSELF AND EVERYONE ELSE OUT OF THE HOUSE. TAKE CARE TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE IS WOKEN UP WHEN THE FIRE IS AT NIGHT. Take every care to ensure that everyone is alerted and BE READY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY WHETHER YOU ARE THE YOUNGEST OR THE OLDEST PERSON IN THE HOUSE. Do not wait for someone else to take the initiative. SPEED IS OF THE ESSENCE.
Key Fire Safety Points to Remember It is important that electrical sockets are not overloaded and boarders must remember to switch off electrical appliances when they leave their rooms. All electrical equipment will be PAT tested and checked regularly. If any item is deemed to be unsafe then it will be disposed of. Doors and all exits should not be blocked. Do not prop open doors. Fire extinguishers should be kept in their set places. Please report any misuse. Fire Contact Numbers: 999: State that there is a fire at The Mount, Lincoln Minster School. Personal Safety and Your Belongings Everyone should have access to a lockable space, although Boarders do need to provide their own padlock. Boarders should never tell anyone else the code. The House Mistress can look after money and passports. Boarders should never bring expensive jewellery into school or anything with great sentimental value. If a Boarder has a reason to leave school during the day they must always have permission and sign out.
Health and Safety Continued
Complaints Procedure for Pupils & Parents
What Happens if I Want to Make a Complaint About Something? Sometimes you may feel that you would like to make a complaint about something that is worrying you. This might be about how you are being treated. The first thing you should do is speak to any member of staff you can trust. In most cases this will be your House Mistress. You can take a friend with you if you wish - another pupil, an older pupil or another member of staff. It is particularly important for you to realise that in the event you are in trouble you can have a house tutor or a friend with you when you are talking with your House Mistress, the Assistant House Parent or the Head of Boarding. If the matter can’t be easily settled to your satisfaction, then you can make a formal complaint. The process is as follows: You must write to your House Mistress or The Head of Boarding explaining that you wish to make a formal complaint. You will then get a note in reply saying the complaint has been recorded and that it is being attended to within two days of your making the complaint. Following this you will be asked to talk the matter through with either the Head of Boarding or The Head. You can have a friend with you, who may be another pupil, your House Mistress or any member of staff. If within two more days you have not had the matter satisfactorily sorted out you may contact any of the people listed above. You do not have to inform staff or anyone else that you are complaining about them. You will not be penalised in any way for making a complaint in good faith.
Adults Visiting the House Before coming into The Mount please make sure you have informed a member of staff who will need to be present at the time. This can either be the House Mistress or the Deputy House Parent. This is to ensure the privacy and protection of all of the students in the house. You need to state when you will be coming, for how long and the purpose of your visit. Just a simple email will suffice. Parking There is a small amount of parking outside The Mount which can be used for drop-offs and pick-ups. At busy times (start and end of terms) more parking is available in front of the Harper Building, adjacent to The Mount. Please park in the designated spaces and don’t block in cars or obstruct the entrance. School Events There are numerous school events where you are welcome, and indeed encouraged to attend. Most of these will be listed in the school calendar. We are sure that you will understand that it is impossible for us to invite you formally on each occasion; nevertheless, your support is always greatly appreciated by those taking part. You will of course receive letters and invitations to important events such as parents' evenings. You are always very welcome at school matches; please do come and support. The termly Cathedral Service takes place on the last day of term at Christmas, Easter and Summer breaks. It is an important day in the life of the school and all parents and guardians are invited.
Information for Parents
Appliances and Valuables We have very few cases of theft at Lincoln Minster School. However, parents should ensure that valuable items such as electrical equipment, watches and telephones are insured by your own domestic policy. They are not covered by any school policy. Please also keep a note of serial numbers. Boarders may bring a stereo system to the boarding house, but they will not need powerful amplifiers. Students may not bring TVs to the boarding house. The heating system in the house is excellent and so students must not bring any additional heaters. They may wish to bring their own desk lamp, although one is provided. Boarders will be encouraged to lock away their valuables. They should bring a padlock with them to secure their lockable space. Boarders should not bring kettles, toasters or element heaters; they present a fire risk. All cooking must be done in the kitchen. All food items must be kept in plastic containers or in the fridge. The Boarders have three meals a day provided in school so there should be no need to have more than a few treats. Holidays If parents are going to be away during the week in term time then they are asked to inform the House Mistress and provide contact details. This may include the details of someone who can act as Guardian in the UK.
The Mount Duty Routine
16:30 to 19:30 Duty 16:30-17:30 - Rotate and speak to the students. Post school snack and drink. Prep in the resource room. Check the signing out book. 18:00 supper. 19:30 Duty Call is from 19:20–19:25. 19:25 ring the Call bell. Supervise free time or evening activity. Sixth Form pupils may go out of the house, but must return by 22:00. 21:00 Junior bed time and hand in phones. Check the kitchen with whoever is on duty that evening. At 22:00 check the Sixth Form pupils are in, take Call. Ensure that the kitchen is tidy with whoever is on duty that evening. Complete the Call Sheet once you have the Sixth Form pupils in. The Call sheet becomes the night fire register, so it’s really important it’s 100% accurate. At 22:25 Check all the Sixth Form pupils are in their own rooms and ready for bed. No one should be heading into the shower at this point. Check that you have definitely seen everyone including any day students who might be staying the night. Check oven is off in the kitchen. Shut and lock ground floor windows. Turn off the light in the common room.
Missing Pupil Procedure Day time
A Pupil Will Be Reported Missing By An E-mail from staff A roll-call by staff Word of mouth. All staff and prefects on duty have an obligation to report the absence of a pupil from class or games or any other supervised activity to the House Mistress. The House Mistress will be the person who instigates a search procedure if there is any doubt on the whereabouts of the pupil. The following steps should be taken: Day time Check with the Hub to establish if the pupil is there. Check the pupil’s living area for evidence of a recent departure - or a note, perhaps. Check with the Head of Key Stage/Form Tutor to confirm the last sighting of the pupil. Re-check with subject teacher/games coach/activity supervisor for any further information. Check with the pupil’s close friend(s) for any further information. Conduct a thorough search of the area where the pupil was last seen. Inform The Head of Boarding or Head or Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning) that there is no trace of the missing pupil. Then Phone the next-of-kin/guardian to inform and discuss. If no satisfactory information has been gained, inform the next-of-kin/guardian that the local police will be notified. If it is not possible to contact the next-of-kin/guardian, the Head of Boarding will notify the local police immediately.
What Happens Next Individual cases will vary, but, having followed the steps above, the need to phone the local police should not be more than 1-2 hours after the pupil has been reported missing. The following information should be given to the local Police: Name of missing pupil. Age. Length of time unaccounted for. Last known location. Detail of clothing worn, if known. Where the Police should report on arrival. On arrival of the local Police all relevant parties, and others if requested, will assist in any search procedure instigated by the Senior Officer in charge. All relevant information about the pupil must be given to the local Police Officer in charge at this stage. The next-of-kin/guardian should be kept informed of all developments.
Missing Pupil Procedure Day time Continued
Evenings Using discretion, the same procedure should be followed. The House Mistress has the right to contact anyone at any time to seek information. Pupil(s) Missing From House at Night In a case where an House Mistress or a tutor on duty discovers that a pupil is missing from his/her bed at night time, the procedure outlined below will operate: Check the public areas of the house – bathrooms, toilets, common rooms and kitchens. Check the rooms of other pupils in the year group/friendship group of the missing pupil and establish whether anyone else is missing. Note carefully who is absent if there are other empty beds. Once it is established that there is no simple explanation for the pupil’s absence, the House Mistress should ring the Head of Boarding on their home telephone number and discuss the situation. The Head of Boarding will decide whether to institute a bed-check. If a bed-check is deemed necessary, the House Mistress should check the beds throughout the house and make careful note of any pupil who is absent. NB the priority is to check all the beds as quickly as possible rather than to go looking for individuals.
Missing Pupil Procedure Night Time
What Happens Next The House Mistress should then report the situation in house back up the to the Head of Boarding. The Head of Boarding will then determine what action needs to be taken – e.g. contact the Head, contact the police, contact the night security staff, or make a search of the school/its environments. At all stages, the Head Mistress is advised to make written notes so that they have clear information that can be referred to in case of dispute with pupils or parents after the event. At all times, if the House Mistress is absent, whoever is designated by the House Mistress to be the Acting House Mistress will be responsible for conducting the search procedure. When a search procedure has had to be instigated, the House Mistress should write a brief report analysing any lessons learned and any points which may help in future search procedures. The report should also make clear any reasons given by the pupil for being missing. This should be sent to The Head of Boarding who will send a copy to the Bursar for the Health and Safety File.
The Prior Building Upper Lindum Street Lincoln LN2 5RW 01522 551 300 admissions@lincolnminsterschool.co.uk www.lincolnminsterschool.co.uk