Ballet4Boyz

Can anyone tell me what happens to the boarders in event of illness ? I understand anything serious will require immediate pick up by parents, but what about a heavy cold / fever which would prevent the child from attending classes but may pass in a day or so ? In cases like this - are the children looked after at the boarding houses or would parents be required to collect ?

Thanks Snape , big help as always !!

Can anyone suggest what type of school bags/dance bags I should look at for my DS ? He will be boarding, and I'm aware will possibly be arriving at school wearing dance uniform / tracksuit & then be changing into academic uniform after dance classes. . So I'm thinking he'll need a school bag for all his academic books/pencil case etc & possibly a hold-all to take his uniform in and put his dance gear in after changing ? What do other boarders do regarding carrying things round or do they tend to keep some things at school in lockers. Thanks for any replies

I am classed as self-employed but a bit unusual as I pay into an NHS superannuation scheme. I've taken it that if I declare all my gross profit ......... this is the total amount I earn before paying tax and before paying superannuation contributions...... this is the figure they need to know. So for instance if my gross profit/earnings is £X ...... This is the amount I'm declaring for MDS calculations. From that value £X I would then be paying tax & pension contributions.

Yes Sarahw ..... all dance wear & dance shoes covered & tracksuit upto a certain amount each year - think it's £700 + (but not totally sure on that) . Academic uniform isn't covered by MDS

Thanks again - can answer some of his questions now !! ????????

Thanks Eowyn - wow, time is tight on an evening !!

Thanks Pictures - that's quite a tight time frame for them in the evening then - considering they'll need to fit showers in etc ? I won't hold my breath for my DS making regular phone calls - but hold the feeling that "no news is good news" I take it from your post that they eat lunch & tea at school then , do they have breakfast at school as well ?

........yes thankyou for all the great replies - really informative & helps to feel a little prepared. This may be a stupid question (sorry) but regarding the exeat weekends ... do their rooms have to be completely emptied , in other words - do we have to take everything home every time ?

Ha !!! Bet they love that ????????????

Is it a good idea to invest in an extra-loud alarm clock ? ....... or do the house-parents help rouse them. Last question for now Thanks v much

Thanks Pictures ........that's all really helpful !! DS particularly likes the sound of shopping trips !!

A few forum members have very kindly offered their advice re attending the Hammond, and as my DS is about to join year 7 - I thought it best to ask all of you (in the know) rather than aim lots of questions at any one person ???? Here goes : • do the boarding houses have Wifi ? • is it advisable to take a small laundry basket for his room? - not sure how laundry is collected. • are iPads / phones collected in at a certain time in the evening ? • do all boarders go home/leave the boarding houses on exeat weekends - or do some stay ? • are the children allowed their own snacks/tuck etc ? The list could go on ........ Sorry !! but DS has been asking a few questions & thought it would be nice to find a few answers for him (& me) and perhaps other slightly daunted DC & their parents. Thanks to anyone who can offer some pointers.

Hi, my DS just been offered a place from the reserve list too ???? ........ anyone know of any other boys attending ?

......so if the children have ballet first thing & arrive at school with leotards etc under their track suits - I take it , they have to be organised enough to take their academic uniform with them to change into afterwards. Have visions of my DS only having one shoe, no tie, odd sock, no pants and maybe a blazer if he's lucky !!! ...... and then there will be school books etc to remember - heavens above...... He's not the most organised !!???? Think he will have to learn ....... and quickly !!

Congratulations Sadie123 to your DS - brilliant news !! Keeping everything crossed for everyone still waiting - could still be movement yet and/or bursaries that could make it possible ! ????????????

He wears 3A leotard and small adult sized tights. He's nearly 12 but fairly long legged . Thanks Pictures ????

Thanks Pictures - I've sent you a pm.????

Hi, I would be interested in buying items such as Blazer, Sweatshirts, Scarf, Tie, Dance Tracksuit, Two-toned unitards (Warren Split Capri) in good condition suitable for year 7 boy (12yrs) - to act as spares, as he's very good at losing things Thanks

Thanks everyone for your messages ..........it's starting to sink in now and already had a couple of 'wobbles' at the thought of him leaving. Goodness knows how I'm going to cope nearer the time, but I'm sure it will be made easier by the fact that he's so happy to be attending such a lovely school xx

I'll second that - I wish all the DC the good luck we have been fortunate enough to receive - also really rooting for your DD Lema. Her determination, strength of character & hard work I'm sure will pay off eventually and if she were my daughter - I would be extremely proud !! Xx

Thankyou so much everyone - it's still sinking in to be honest !!

Thankyou both , and yes balletmum20 ...... It has certainly been a roller coaster - 4 finals, 2 no's, 2 reserves and finally a yes !! Highs and lows and lots of wondering how we proceed in the event of 4 no's. Our DS had decided to just keep trying but I really feel for everyone still hoping for a place - Good Luck to everyone for further places & bursaries xx

Hi everyone, don't give up all hope just yet ....... we had a lovely phone call today with the offer of an MDS place for our DS (from the reserve list). He is the happiest we have ever seen him !! We are so aware of how lucky he is to be given this opportunity and also know the feeling of being told no. We are really keeping everything crossed for all those children who've worked so hard but are still waiting to hear their 'yes' - hopefully there will be more movement from the reserves xx

Congratulations to your DD balletmum20 - amazing achievement ......and everyone on reserve ......chins up - our DC have done brilliantly to get to finals !!