OUR AIMS FOR BOARDING Boarding accommodation aims to provide as near a home-like environment as is practical, with this caring situation being based on the highest standards of behaviour, trust, respect, morality and common sense so that there is a mutually acceptable sense of responsibility. Such an aim can be translated into specific objectives: To provide a warm, comfortable, safe and relaxing environment at the end of the school day. Respecting, as far as possible, a sense of individual privacy. Encouraging the development of social and personal skills and relationships so that due consideration is shown towards fellow boarders and towards those who work in the boarding home. Enriching experience by providing a formal and informal range of learning and recreational activities. Ensuring that there is positive inter-action with the wider community.
RIDLEY HALL AND ITS LOCATION Ridley Hall is a fine old country house set on a thirty-three acre estate comprised of woodland, playing fields and lawned gardens. The original Ridley Hall, built in 1567, burned down and was replaced by a Georgian building in 1743. Since 1830, the Hall has been connected with the Bowes-Lyon family. Under their ownership, formal gardens were laid out and a system of paths was made in the Allen Valley (now National Trust property). In 1876 John Bowes, the founder of the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle inherited the house. In 1891, under the ownership of the Hon. Francis Bowes-Lyon, the Hall was again rebuilt (in its present form) in the popular neo-tudor style. The older part then came to be used as stables and servants' quarters. Many of the internal fittings are of historic interest, notably the fireplace in the Dining Room, which was originally from Mottisfont Priory in Hampshire. The stone fireplace in the main hall dates from 1639. With the death of Francis Bowes-Lyon in 1947, the Hall passed to the Rev. E A Evans, who brought to it from Hexham, St. Nicholas's boys preparatory school. During the seventeen years as a prep school, the garden was laid out again with many roses, azaleas and rhododendrons being added. The kitchen gardens passed to the National Trust to provide a car park for the Allen Banks Nature Reserve. In 1967 Ridley Hall became an annexe for the first year students of Northern Counties College. In 1976 it became the main boarding wing of Haydon Bridge High School under the auspices of Northumberland County Council.
The estate borders Allen Banks, a nature reserve owned by the National Trust. The surrounding woods comprise mainly of mature stands of oak and beech trees, which harbour roe deer, red squirrels and other fauna. The area is popular with walkers, ornithologists, and others interested in natural history, ecology and botany. The area is steeped in historical interest with the Roman Wall close at hand. The substantial remains of two Roman Forts, Vindolanda (2.5 miles) and Housesteads (4.5 miles) allow the possibility of making interesting field visits. The Northumbrian National Park is within easy travelling distance for day outings. The area is one of outstanding natural beauty and unique interest, but unlike other national parks it is neither commercialised nor overcrowded. Hence it retains much of its original character and remains one of the most hidden places in the British Isles.
THE FACILITIES AT RIDLEY HALL Ridley Hall can accommodate up to 60 boarders between the ages of 13-18 years. Boarders normally share dormitories with students of the same year group. Most rooms contain three or four beds but there are some two and five bedded rooms. Study Period Student s Bedroom Each boarder has their own desk, wardrobe and bed with lockable storage space underneath. A duvet, pillows and bedding are provided but students need to provide towels. On the ground floor there is a games room containing a pool table, table tennis table and a TV viewing area, a small gym, snooker room and several general social areas. The Den is exclusively for 6 th Form use where they have tea/coffee facilities and where they are able to make light snacks. There is also a study area with computers and monitored internet access, for use by students, for homework and/or games. Meal Time In the grounds there is a putting green, lawn tennis court, small four-hole golf course, five- a-side pitch and football pitch. The grounds themselves are extensive providing a beautiful setting in the summer for barbecues, camping or merely strolling. A quiet game of pool
ADMISSION POLICY Northumberland County Council maintains boarding provision for Haydon Bridge High School at Ridley Hall. This is for pupils who live within the catchment area of HBHS but have a one way travelling time of 75 minutes or more each way. These are specifically postcodes NE48 1XX and NE19 1XX (where X is any letter). LIFE AS A BOARDER Ridley Hall has a code of conduct and boarders are encouraged to be selfdisciplined and respectful towards each other and their environment. To ensure that this takes place, the boarding wing is run by a very caring management team. The Director at Ridley Hall has overall responsibility and is supported by a Matron, Teachers and Teaching Assistants who cover duties on a rota basis. SAFE GUARDING/CHILD PROTECTION Boarding students have a right to live in a safe and supportive environment that is free from intimidation, bullying and rejection. Our boarding students have a responsibility to live cooperatively with others and to see to their own needs within the context of the needs of the community. The Staff are fully aware of their responsibility to ensure appropriate arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of boarders. Ridley Hall has a comprehensive policy on Child Protection/Safeguarding and all staff employed at Ridley Hall go through enhanced DBS checks. We are committed to the protection and safety of our students. TRANSPORT Transport from home to school and school to home is provided by the Local Authority on a Monday morning and Friday afternoon. For journeys on other days, students may be asked to pay a fee by the Bus Company. Ridley Hall boarders are transported the four miles to and from school by coach. During the evenings a minibus is available and used to enable a varied programme of activities to take place. ACTIVITIES Participation in hobbies and interests of all kinds is strongly encouraged. Staff organise a varied activity programme and during their time at Ridley Hall, boarders will be given the chance to experience a wide range of activities. The activity list is very comprehensive indeed and includes:
archery athletics badminton beach visits bivouacking camping canoeing cinema visits cookery crafts cricket football go-karting golf hockey horse riding mine visits orienteering quasarlaser rock climbing skiing snooker/pool snowboarding (dry slopes) swimming table tennis tennis trampolining volleyball weight training 10 pin bowling and many others Abseiling Football In all cases Local Authority guidelines for supervising and instructing groups will be strictly adhered to. This will especially apply in activities that may have an element of risk. Canoeing on Kielder Archery in the grounds
MORE ACTIVITIES Go-Karting Our Christmas Disco Raft building almost! Keep fit Mine visit 10 Pin Bowling
INTERACT Ridley Hall has a thriving Interact Club, which is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Tynedale. Through various fundraising activities, thousands of pounds have been raised for both local and national charities. This year s charities include: The Great North Air Ambulance Macmillan Cancer Support Project Trust Barnado s
STUDENT COUNCIL Boarders are involved in some duties and responsibilities concerning day-to-day running of the boarding home. They are also encouraged to share in the decisionmaking process regarding various aspects of their boarding life. The student committee meets on a regular basis to discuss issues such as house fund, activities and outings, codes of discipline etc. DISCIPLINE In the event of a breach of accepted behaviour, the care staff will deal with the situation on much the same lines as a normal home. Minor incidents could involve the removal of a privilege or some form of extra duties. More severe problems would of course involve consultation with parents. Where there has been a serious breakdown of trust, or even after repeated anti-social behaviour, a student might be asked to travel daily to school from home which allows time to consider whether boarding is the most suitable option. BULLYING The boarding home will not tolerate any unkind actions or remarks even if these were not intended to hurt. Boarders are encouraged to support each other by reporting any incidents of bullying. These will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately. HOMEWORK There is a one hour period set aside each evening for Homework. This is a supervised session, though the Sixth Form are trusted to work in their rooms. Supervising staff will support youngsters in their homework and check homework diary entries as necessary. The weekly signing of the homework diary should be completed at weekends by parents. The homework diary is used as a basis for discussion regarding a student s weekly academic progress at Haydon Bridge High School. COMPUTERS Computers are available to support student learning. Students have monitored and filtered access to the internet. ATTENDANCE In the case of absence (i.e. illness), staff in the boarding wing must be notified in advance as well as the school. Please telephone the boarding wing before 4:00 p.m. If we do not have any contact from parents / carers or children we will have to assume that you are missing and in accordance with our Missing from Home policy, we may be prompted to contact the police.
Any requests for planned absences should be accompanied by a letter so that arrangements can be made in good time. In order to have complete safety of movement, staff must be made aware of changes in routines through written parental notification. MONEY House Fund: The Student Council decided that each student should contribute 15 per year. This will be collected in September, the start of the academic year. Students have a say in what this money is spent on at their Council meetings. It can be used to replace sports equipment, purchase games for X Box, or for buying new recreational equipment, DVDs/Board Games etc. Pocket Money: We recommend that 14-year olds have about 5 per week, this is usually enough to buy sweets from our tuck-shop. Occasionally, more expensive outings are organised e.g. Ice-skating, go-karting, cinema, wet and wild etc. but students will have notification of such trips in advance so they can budget accordingly. Students in boarding should not have large amounts of money but if they do, it should be given to a member of staff to be placed in the safe until needed.
DOMESTIC MATTERS Students are required to make their own beds correctly, and to ensure that their dormitories remain tidy. They are responsible for the care and safe-keeping of their own possessions whilst at the boarding home. No liability can be accepted due to loss or damage resulting from pupils' own carelessness. Students also assist in the kitchen and dining room (by helping to set up for breakfast after supper. This is done on a rota basis. Footwear: Students must have sensible low-heeled out door shoes, trainers (or gym shoes) and slippers. Once inside the building students are only allowed to wear slippers. Trainers are not all purpose shoes to be worn in and out of doors. Clothing: A high standard of school uniform is maintained in the boarding home and is checked every day. Items of uniform (e.g. sports shirt) can be purchased directly from the school. Once home from school, students may wear casual clothes of their own choice, as long as they are clean and in good repair. Personal Hygiene: Students are required to wash and shower regularly as they would at home. Students should bring their own towels and toiletries. Aerosols are NOT allowed in Ridley Hall in accordance with NCC Health & Safety Policy. Health & Welfare: Parents will be contacted in the event of a student being unwell either at school or at Ridley Hall so that the necessary arrangements can be made for them to return home. Personal Equipment: Students are allowed to bring portable electrical equipment but not allowed to bring televisions. The safety of such equipment is the responsibility of the owner. Electrical PAT testing is carried out every January and after this date any items without a sticker will be removed. Laptops may be brought to Ridley Hall from home by arrangement. They should be fully insured and may only be used in the ground floor rooms. MEALS AND CATERING Ridley Hall is involved in promoting healthy eating and the general wellbeing of the students. Meals taken in the boarding wing are prepared in our own kitchen and focus on using quality ingredients with plenty of fresh vegetables, salads and fresh fruit. All boarders are well catered for with regard to a balanced diet. They have a continental breakfast, a choice of two evening meals and supper in the Hall. Boarders are given the opportunity to suggest meals at the food committee meetings held each term.
Lunch is purchased from the school cafeteria. Should a student require a packed lunch for a school trip, these can be ordered from Matron. The evening meal is designed to encouraged boarders to socialise with others. Members of staff also sit at the tables and promote high standards of table manners and etiquette during meals. SAMPLE DAY ROUTINE 7.30 am Rise, dress and organise for the day. 7.30-8:10 am Buffet breakfast. 8.20 am Depart for school (on Bus) 3.20 pm Leave from school and return to Ridley Hall 4.30 pm Evening Meal 5.15 pm Activities 7.00-8.00pm Homework (Prep) 8.45 pm Supper 9.30 pm Dormitories for Year 9 9.45 pm Dormitories for Year 10, lights out for Year 9 10.00 pm Dormitories for Year 11, lights out for Year 10 10.15 pm Lights out for Year 11 10.30 pm Dormitories for Sixth Form TELEPHONES There is a pay phone available for the use of all boarders. Private calls can be received on this line. The telephone number is: Hexham (01434) 344377 Please do not ring this number during the time set aside for prep i.e. between 7.00 pm and 8.30 pm in the evening. Students can bring in mobiles phones,(with appropriate consent), They must take responsibility for them. Using phones after lights out will result in a confiscation. Concerns regarding inappropriate material on a phone could lead to a ban. PARENTS EVENINGS Parents are encouraged to visit the boarding wing on Parents' Evenings. On these occassions you will be given a letter to indicate how your son or daughter is progressing in boarding and more importantly, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the staff who are involved in their care. These informal chats over a cup of tea are invaluable in cementing a caring partnership.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE There are various people who can be involved in the event of a complaint. The decision on who to consult will depend on the nature of the complaint. Most complaints can be dealt with through the following people: 1. Mrs H McCormick Headteacher (Acting) 01434 684422 2. Mrs T Taylor Link Governor 01434 684422 CLOTHING LIST For students in residence in boarding the items mentioned below are essential. All clothing and articles must be clearly labelled with the name of the student, and must be kept in good repair. Sponge bag Slippers Nightwear Underwear Plain, black school trousers/skirt White polo shirts School sweatshirt Towels Linen bag for dirty washing Black school shoes Trainers Casual clothes for evening wear Swimming costume Waterproof coat/anorak (especially in winter months!) School P.E. Kit. JEWELLERY The school guidelines for jewellery will be followed by the students while at school or when engaged in organised physical activities around Ridley Hall. When in boarding students are totally responsible for their own jewellery and are asked not to bring expensive items in. No hats/caps are permitted to be worn in the building
OUR CARING STAFF STAFF LIST 2014/15/ Mr S Sand Director Mrs J Hayward Matron Mr I. Porteous Senior Residential Teacher Mrs V. Drydon Residential Care Worker Mr R. Henderson Residential Care Worker/Handyman Mr S Wilson Residential Care Worker Mrs C Brown Residential Care Worker Mr S Chalk Residential Teacher Mrs J Logan Operations Co-Ordinator Mr S Hill Head Chef Mrs S. Richardson Cook Mrs E. Charlton Domestic Assistant Mrs J Mc Dougal Domestic Assistant Mrs M. Ridley Domestic Assistant Mrs M. Haney Kitchen Assistant
SECURITY FOR STUDENTS PERSONAL PROPERTY All students have access to a lockable bed box in which items can be stored at weekends should a course be in residence, students are given their own personal key but are charged the sum of 10 should they be unable to return the key at the end of the academic year. These boxes are checked by staff at weekends, prior to any residential courses taking place. The dormitories are also checked again before the children return to the Hall. DUAL USE OF RIDLEY HALL The main use for Ridley Hall is as the boarding home for students who attend Haydon Bridge High School, and qualify for boarding by address. However it has another important role as a venue for Courses, which take place at weekends and during the school holiday periods. Occasionally, some day courses are booked mid-week with participants arriving after the students leave for school and leaving before students return. This use of the Hall brings in important revenue, which helps to maintain the upkeep of the building and the quality of the furnishings. Ridley Hall Weddings Our oak-panelled dining room Weekend Residential Courses for Groups Weekday Courses for Teachers
Charter for Living Together All members of the Hall should act with courtesy and consideration to others at all times. Everyone should abide by the following Code of Conduct Try to understand the other person s point of view Make it as easy as possible for everyone to live and exist alongside each other Move around the Hall in a quiet and orderly way Speak politely to everyone Keep the Hall clean and tidy To remember, especially on visits, that the reputation of Ridley Hall and Haydon Bridge High School depends on how everyone behaves
We, the staff of Ridley Hall, agree that we will: Maintain a positive attitude towards your son or daughter and provide an atmosphere of trust and order, in a pleasant and relaxed environment Ensure that homework is regularly supported and give help as required Encourage good attendance and punctuality at the High School Encourage a high standard of dress within the guidelines of the High School Care for your son or daughter giving positive help, both socially and academically Welcome you to the Hall at any reasonable time and offer appointments so that you can talk to care staff about your son or daughter Provide a wide variety of activities and outings for your son or daughter Encourage high standards of behaviour by your son or daughter at all times Provide information about your son or daughter s progress in Boarding through regular letters and consultations on Parent s Evenings Provide a pleasant environment in which your son or daughter can live comfortably and in a relaxed manner
We trust that you, as a parent, will: Have confidence in your son or daughter s ability to live in a boarding environment showing respect to other boarders and staff At weekends discuss weekly homework assignments and take a personal interest in the work of your son or daughter, checking and signing their homework diaries Encourage your son or daughter to attend school and where unable to do so due to illness, inform the boarding wing as soon as possible Ensure that your son or daughter has the correct school uniform and appropriate casual clothes for boarding, including slippers Encourage your son or daughter to take part in activities Encourage high standards of behaviour by your son or daughter at all times Let the care staff know of any circumstances, which may affect your son or daughter s behaviour in Ridley Hall so that we can exercise appropriate care Maintain regular contact with the Boarding Wing, through letters, phone calls, etc Attend parent s evenings and meet with the care staff
We expect that you, as a boarder, will: Conduct yourself at all times in an appropriate manner, showing respect to staff and other boarders Complete all homework to the best of your ability at the correct times Attend school each day in full school uniform Try to get on with the other boarders in Ridley Hall, respect their property rights, and their personal space in dormitories Discuss your school work with the teachers and care staff and listen to their advice Contribute, where possible, to the life of Ridley Hall by being positive and helpful Behave well, in and out of the Hall, at all times Bring all the necessary books, stationery, uniform, clothing and slippers and look after them and take pride in your appearance Be responsible for keeping your area in the dormitory tidy through: o Neatly unpacking any clothes on arrival o Making your bed every morning
How to find us: If you have any further queries or questions concerning boarding at Ridley Hall please contact: Mr Sand (Director) on 01434 344282