Communication
When to Speak to Staff
Staff are available to speak to parents briefly without appointments at the beginning and end of the day (but they may be busy doing other things!) and can often return telephone calls in their breaks or free periods. Staff are always prepared to meet parents at formally arranged appointments, but it may take a day or two to find a mutually convenient time and date.
Contacting the School by Telephone
Before you say good-bye to your son in the morning, make sure he has all his kit and that he knows how he is getting home. This saves a great deal of confusion and anxiety and cuts down on telephone calls. Careful reading of the termly calendar and the weekly newsletter In House will ensure that you are fully up-to-date on the week's events and that you know about any special arrangements which may apply.
Pastoral Care
Form Teachers have primary responsibility for the boys in their charge. Next in line are the Year Heads: Mrs Dart in Years 1 and 2, Ms Lovell in Years 3 and 4, Mrs Gregoriou-Ostojic in Years 5 and 6, and Ms Hutchings in Years 7 and 8. Some pastoral matters are dealt with directly by the Headmaster. If you have a pastoral concern relating to your son, speak to his Form Teacher in person, or on the telephone, or to any one of those mentioned above.
Bullying
Boys use the word "bullying" to cover a wide spectrum of behaviour. The Headmaster rarely has to deal with serious bullying at AH, but he and his colleagues have had occasion to sort out differences between boys. Bullying is always treated seriously at Arnold House and is dealt with swiftly and sympathetically. Pupils are equipped with a copy of the School's policy against bullying. If parents believe that their son is unhappy for any reason, they are urged to contact the School as soon as possible. Never hesitate to bring even what may seem to you a minor problem to the School's attention. Parents should speak either to a boy's Form Teacher, to a senior teacher or to the Headmaster if they are concerned about their son's happiness.
Curriculum Matters and Academic Concerns
If parents have questions about the curriculum or worries about their sons' progress, they are urged to speak directly to subject or Form Teachers. Parent/Teacher meetings are held at least once a year.
School Newsletter
A weekly newsletter In House is published on the website every Friday. Please ensure that you always have access to it and read it. If you experience any difficulties in receiving 'In House' then please either email office@arnoldhouse.co.uk or telephone 020 7266 4840.
Parents' Association
All families pay a small annual subscription to the Parents' Association which is run by a committee of form representatives. Each year, the Parents' Association organises a series of social and fundraising events for the school and its parents. The Christmas Bazaar, the Senior School Disco and regular form coffee mornings are just some of the events organised each year.
Contact Numbers and Changes of Address
Parents are urged to complete and return the school's form dealing with contact numbers and addresses. If a boy is taken ill during the day or has an accident it may be important to contact a relative or friend of the family at short notice.
Bursarial Matters
The Bursar, Mr Geoffrey Simm, is assisted by Mrs Anja Feuk. Questions regarding accounts should be addressed to him or his assistant.
Terms and Conditions
When you accepted a place for your son, you were sent a copy of the school's terms and conditions. This is a contract between parents and the school and it defines in great detail rules regarding fees in lieu of notice and many other matters. It should be kept for future reference and is updated from time to time. You will be informed of any significant changes.