by Benjamin Wood
Family-Focused Wraparound Care
In recent years, the role of independent schools has evolved significantly, expanding beyond merely providing an excellent education to taking a more holistic approach in supporting the entire family unit. This shift is particularly evident at Farleigh, where we have recognised the growing demands on parents and responded by offering comprehensive wraparound care that not only addresses the needs of our pupils but also supports their families.
The necessity for both parents to work, in order to afford school fees, has become increasingly common. This trend has been further amplified by recent economic policies introduced by the Labour government, taking effect from January 2024, which has reshaped financial landscapes for many families. Consequently, independent schools are stepping up to fill the gap, ensuring that we provide a nurturing environment that extends beyond traditional school hours.
The Focus on Wraparound Care
At Farleigh, our commitment to family support is evident in our robust wraparound care programmes, which are designed to be both fun and all inclusive. Our 72 acres of playing fields and woods offer a natural, expansive environment for children to explore and enjoy, providing a safe and stimulating setting for after-school activities. These outdoor spaces are utilised to their full potential, with a variety of activities that cater to different interests and age groups. Whether it is sports, drama, forest school, music or creative arts, our programmes are crafted to engage pupils in a meaningful way, helping them to develop new skills and interests outside the classroom.
The outstanding activity provision and wraparound supervision with specialised staff is integral to the success of our wraparound care. Being a boarding school with flexible options, including flexi, weekly, and full boarding, Farleigh is uniquely positioned to offer extensive support to families. Our boarding options provide parents with the flexibility they need to balance their professional responsibilities with their family commitments. This flexibility ensures that parents can choose the best arrangement for their family’s needs, whether it’s occasional boarding during busy working weeks or full-time boarding for more consistent care. Our boarding dorms offer the most stunning views of the grounds, a delight our boarders get to experience every morning.
Moreover, our breakfast and supper clubs are a testament to our dedication to easing the burdens on working parents. These clubs provide nutritious, delicious meals for our pupils, ensuring they have the best possible start and end to their day. By offering these meals, we alleviate the pressure on parents to prepare meals during their hectic schedules, allowing them to focus on their work with the peace of mind that their children are well cared for.
The Benefits to a Child’s Wellbeing
Farleigh’s commitment to family support extends beyond just logistics and convenience. We understand that a child’s wellbeing is deeply intertwined with their family’s wellbeing. Therefore, we strive to create a community where families feel supported and valued. Our school events, parent workshops, and family engagement activities are designed to foster a strong sense of community, encouraging parents to connect with each other and with the school’s staff. These initiatives help to build a supportive network where parents can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate in their children’s education journey. We don’t just have clubs for the pupils but the parents also enjoy using the facilities with Saturday morning hockey, Monday evening football or netball, Thursday rugby and much more.
In summary, Farleigh is dedicated to moving beyond the traditional role of an independent school to become a central support system for families. By providing comprehensive wraparound care, flexible boarding options, and nutritious meal programmes, we ensure that both pupils and their families are supported in their daily lives. Our expansive playing fields and woods, combined with our commitment to outstanding pastoral care and engaging activities, create an environment where children can thrive while their parents manage their professional commitments. At Farleigh, we believe that by supporting the family as a whole, we are investing in the future success and wellbeing of our pupils.
Benjamin Wood is the Deputy Head, Farleigh School, England
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Comment
Thank you, Benjamin, for sharing such great practices at Farleigh School, students wellbeing should always be placed at the heart of a school. I believe happy children will always benefit their learning outcomes too.