Boarding FAQs
Our staff have completed safeguarding training and continue to do so regularly. They are supported by the school DSL, who will support students and families. The boarding house is secure, with a system of electronic entry fobs to allow access. The site has a manned reception during the day, and students are taught how to access help if they require it.
Students sign in and out of the boarding house with staff, and visits arranged by students are communicated to parents to ask for approval.
Throughout the year, students are taught to stay safe through the personal development curriculum, assemblies, and boarding house inputs. They have access to support in school and at boarding from House staff or counselling staff employed by the school.
Students have reminders of key staff posted throughout the boarding house and all have access to an independent listener.
Trips and visits are monitored centrally by the school and comply with the school trip and visits policy.
Yes, Dallam school staff have regular safeguarding training, and in school, there are groups such as the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) that are run by staff and students to support and provide a safe space for all.
The school works with Anti Racist Cumbria to actively promote anti-racism, and pastoral staff support students in school if any issues need resolution.
These can be found in the boarding handbook. They are a guide for students so that they know the expectations of the house and can prepare for school. Students have set mealtimes, prep and check-in, and bedtime routines to ensure that they are safe and have time for activities and enrichment opportunities.
Yes. We recently appointed a new medical officer to Dallam Boarding and significantly improved our physical facilities to care for unwell students. This includes enhanced communications between school and boarding staff, who liaise closely to meet wellbeing needs.
Yes, there are various methods for students to express their views to staff via daily meetings, through the boarding student leadership team, or through house staff. Students’ experiences and views are important in shaping how we develop excellent provision for them.
The school has a new leadership team committed to developing the highest-quality provision for students. Sometimes, staff changes happen due to factors beyond our control, but any changes will be coordinated carefully and communicated to students and parents.
Yes, the team of houseparents is committed to developing quality pastoral care. They have developed a handbook for students to help guide them, and the team works collaboratively to ensure all students have their needs met. This may be through interventions in school or the boarding house or via outside agency work based on the assessment of need.
All boarders returning to Dallam the following academic year can store luggage at the boarding house during the holidays and over the summer holiday period—a storage room will be provided.
Invoices are sent out in advance of the start of each term. Payment should be made at least one week before the start of each term. The annual boarding fee is split into three payments.
Providing you forward all flight details to the boarding house 21 days before each holiday, we will help you coordinate your child’s travel plan.
For more information on travel, see ‘Essential travel information’ in the Boarding Handbook below.
We understand the importance of communication between parents/carers and the boarding team. We will send you a report in the first two weeks to let you know how your child is settling in, and then a full report is sent to you every term.
Our boarding houseparents are always in touch here and there with little updates, too.
Students travel to and from the boarding house by school bus or can walk the short distance.
School uniform is worn in Years 7-11.
That’s great! Email us at boardingadmissions@dallamschool.co.uk or call us on 015395 63377.
