Boarding essentials

🏷️ From £175
🎧 All boarding staff, especially those new to boarding
📍 Online

Course outline:

The level of professionalism expected in boarding supervision has significantly increased in recent years, driven by stronger regulatory frameworks and rising parental expectations. This seminar is designed to support staff who are new to boarding by complementing their school-based induction and providing essential context around the key responsibilities and expectations of the role.

By equipping new boarding staff with a solid understanding of the principles, legal context, and practicalities of boarding care, schools can quickly establish confident, capable teams who enjoy their duties and provide high-quality support to the young people in their care.

The session will explore the Duty of Care framework, safeguarding, roles and boundaries, and how to meet the everyday needs of boarders. Delegates are encouraged to familiarise themselves in advance with their school’s boarding handbook and relevant boarding-related materials from their school’s website.

Training topics will include:

• Safeguarding and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding:
  An overview of legal and inspection requirements, with a focus on current safeguarding expectations in boarding practice.
• Meeting the Needs of Boarders:
  Practical case studies to explore common scenarios in boarding life and how to manage them effectively and empathetically.
• Understanding Your Role in Boarding:
  Discussion around the expectations of the school, the boarding house, parents—and your own expectations as a member of the pastoral team.
• Working Safely and Looking After Yourself:
  Tips and guidance on maintaining your wellbeing, working safely, and finding fulfilment in your boarding role.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key principles and expectations of working in a boarding environment
• Feel more confident in supporting the wellbeing and development of boarders
• Recognise the legal context, including safeguarding responsibilities and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding
• Reflect on their role within the wider pastoral team and identify strategies for maintaining personal wellbeing and resilience

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Speakers:

David Walker FTIOB, Executive Director, Boarding and Director, BSA/TIOB

David joined BSA Group in August 2023. He has over 20 years’ experience in boarding schools and has worked in a range of schools in the UK and Africa, alongside being a prep school governor and a trustee of a MAT. Before taking up his post at the BSA, David was Deputy Head Pastoral at a large co-ed independent school in the South-East.

Dale Wilkins, Executive Director, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance

Dale joined the BSA during Summer 2017 with responsibility for safeguarding and standards, having previously been a course tutor since 1998.  Dale leads on all safeguarding, inspection and compliance matters for BSA Group, including liaising with ISI, Ofsted and DfE in England, and leading on the group’s work in Scotland and Wales. He trains and delivers consultancy extensively for BSA and SACPA and is Vice Chair of the Group’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Advisory Board (SAFCAB).

For 31 years Dale was a boarding practitioner. After boarding positions at Norwich School and Tettenhall College, Dale became a Housemaster at Old Swinford Hospital in 1992, and was promoted to Deputy Head in 2007, and subsequently also DSL. He has also been a multi-agency trainer for the Dudley Safeguarding Children’s Board, is a safeguarding trainer for the Methodist Church, is a trustee of the National Youth String Orchestra and chair of a small performing arts charity. He also holds volunteer roles in sport and in the Scout Association.