1. The Educational Ethos and Aims of the School
Statement of Ethos
Our aim is to ensure that LEH is a school full of opportunity, challenge and friendship; a place to take risks and become bold; a place to discover passions, talents and yourself; a place that nurtures remarkable women.
Statement of Religious Foundation
The school is a Christian foundation but welcomes pupils of all faiths and none. It is committed to the contribution it makes to society as a whole, and to equal opportunities, and it embraces diversity.
Educational Aims
We encourage our pupils:
• To be exactly who they are, whatever their current interests or future aspirations.
• To benefit from the warmth, respect, and support of the entire school community as they stretch themselves to become their best, most confident selves, as students, and as citizens of the world.
• To have the freedom to experiment, express opinions, explore and take on new challenges.
• To be supported by strong role models and inspired by their peers.
• To find confidence and strength and acquire and build the skills they need to succeed throughout their lives.
These aims are supported and further developed through the policies of the school and are accessible on the school’s website. School Policies
2. Foundation and Governance
LEH is one of the oldest and most distinguished girls’ schools in the UK. Our pupils successfully balance outstanding scholarship with impressive achievements in sport and exciting creativity in the arts and beyond. With superb facilities set in 24 acres, we offer bright pupils a well-rounded and challenging education in a happy, purposeful environment, preparing them well for higher education and their future lives.
The school educates approximately 970 girls aged seven to eighteen, with around 190 in the Junior School and 780 in the Senior School. They come to us from a very wide catchment area, from as far north as Ealing, as far south as Cobham, as far east as Chelsea and as far west as Windlesham, from many different maintained and independent schools.
A full list of Governors is posted on the school’s website. The Governors
3. Staff
A full list of all teaching and key administrative staff may be found on the school’s website. Staff List
Senior Management Team
The Senior Management Team of the Junior School comprises the Head of Junior School, the Deputy Head of Junior School, Director of Studies and the Director of Enrichment and Co-Curricular each of whom have specific responsibilities for the curriculum and the day-to-day running of the school, as well as the development of its future. The Head of the Junior School reports directly to the Head.
If you wish to contact the Head please email headmistress@lehs.org.uk or telephone her PA, Mrs Fiona Cuddeford. If you wish to contact the Head of the Junior School, please contact her PA, Mrs Amber Rahman – junior-office@lehs.org.uk
4. Pastoral Care
Health and Wellbeing
The mental and emotional wellbeing of pupils is vital in ensuring both academic and personal progress in school. Pastoral care is our key priority, and staff are committed to promoting the welfare and happiness of each pupil. We have a strong pastoral team from our Form Teachers, Subject Teachers and the Junior School Senior Management Team, to our school nurses and counsellor. The Form Teacher has the primary pastoral responsibility for the pupils in the form, but all members of staff are involved in the pastoral care of all pupils
Within school, pupils know there is always someone for them to talk to about anything which is worrying them or if they are worried about a friend. Our school ‘Big Sister’ scheme enables pupils to develop good relationships with older pupils and our Upper 2 Peer Mentors are trained in how to support Junior School pupils with any worries they may have. Peer and Cyber Mentors are available in the playground at break and lunch times and can be identified by their lanyards.
Every Monday morning, pupil wellbeing is monitored with their Monday morning check-in, two quick questions for them to answer on their iPads during registration. Form Teachers follow up promptly on any indications from pupils that they are struggling in any way. Weekly wellbeing form times follow a wellbeing programme which teaches children to understand their own strengths, keep their minds healthy, deal with emotions, develop resilience and flourish. The language and strategies this provides are used when talking to pupils about any concerns they have or to resolve any issues.
Parents/guardians are asked to complete a Medical Questionnaire when their daughter joins the school, and to keep the school updated with any medical conditions or emotional concerns. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that the school is aware of any changes in the medical condition of their daughter, which should include any known food or other allergies.
Year Groups and forms
The Junior School is divided into four year groups, each with two parallel forms.
Pupils stay in the form groups for the first two years and the year group will then be reorganised for the final two years of the Junior School. They have a new Form Teacher each year.
Form Teachers take primary responsibility for the general wellbeing of pupils in their form and are the first point of contact for pupils and parents.
Support for parents
We are a Tooled Up School, which gives us (and you the Junior School parents) access to Tooled Up Education’s extensive resource base. This includes a huge range of evidence-based webinars, articles and podcasts focusing on child development. Details about how to sign up for this are available on the Parent Portal.
Wellbeing in the curriculum
The Raising Resilience team of psychologists run regular BOUNCE pupil workshops. Through Wellbeing Wednesday form times, pupils learn how to navigate their emotions and self-regulate.
Pupils learn to value the non-material things in life through our broad Philosophy and Religion curriculum. Lower 2 (Year 5) pupils are introduced to mindfulness, including the concepts of individuality, rational thought, optimism and emotional wellness.
Our comprehensive PSHE and Relationships curriculum encourages pupils to keep childhood as childhood and to resist marketing and peer group pressure to ‘grow up too soon’. Wellbeing around times of change like changing year is carefully catered for, including a specific programme for Upper 2 (Year 6) pupils and parents on the transition to Senior School.
Family issues
We aim to provide appropriate support to all our pupils and would therefore be grateful if you would inform us of any matters at home, for example bereavement, illness or separation, which may affect your daughter’s welfare, behaviour, or performance at school. Such matters will, of course, be handled with appropriate sensitivity and discretion. Similarly, it would be appreciated if parents would notify the Head of Junior School about any planned parental absence, providing appropriate alternative contact details for use in an emergency.
PSHE and Relationships Education
Personal, Social and Health and Relationships Education provide children with a forum in which to express, challenge and synthesise current thinking in areas of individual and social responsibility, and we aim to encourage self-awareness and self-reliance. It allows pupils the opportunity to express their personal opinions and feelings, whilst encouraging them to value the opinions and feelings of others: becoming better informed citizens can equip them to take a more responsible role in society.
A wide range of topics is covered including health education, relationships and social skills, simple information about relationships and sex education, study skills, citizenship and health and safety. These topics are presented by Form Teachers, complemented by specialist staff who take certain topics (for example, sex education and harmful substances are linked to the Science syllabus and sessions are coordinated with the School Nurse, Science Coordinator and Form Teachers.)
Medical
School Nurse
The School Nurse is a Registered Children’s Nurse. It is the school’s aim to provide necessary and appropriate routine emergency medical care to all pupils, staff and visitors whilst they are at school, as well as to monitor the individual medical needs of pupils and staff.
Pupils’ own (prescribed) medicines
All medicines which pupils bring to school, should be handed to the School Nurse, to be kept in the Medical Room. These medicines should be in their original containers and clearly marked with your
daughter’s name and instructions for administration. Please complete the online medication administration form, which can be found on the Parent Portal, Forms and Surveys - “Let us know”. Alternatively, a printed letter explaining the dose, time and reason for administration must be sent with the medicine. If there is insufficient information, this may result in the medicine not being given. The responsibility for attending the Medical Room for medication at the appropriate time rests with the pupil, but the School Nurse will endeavour to remind pupils should it prove possible. For pupils with severe allergies and asthma, please see ‘Provision for pupils with special health needs’ below.
Any medicines which are no longer needed, or have reached their expiration date, are either sent home, or taken by the School Nurse to a dispensing pharmacist for safe disposal.
Occasional, non-prescription medicines
A supply of everyday medicines for common ailments is kept in the Medical Room. In accordance with parental consent provided on the Medical Questionnaire completed when their daughter joins the school, these medicines are issued to pupils by the School Nurse or someone deputised by her, when considered necessary.
Provision for pupils with special health needs
Pupils who suffer from asthma are allowed to carry their own inhalers with them both in school and on all trips and other off-site activities. It is advised that they should keep a spare one in the Medical Room.
Pupils with severe allergies may carry an Auto Injector with them, (especially important if they are travelling on school coaches) and named spare Auto Injectors are kept in the pupil’s own named bag in the Medical Room. Auto Injectors must be carried on school trips and other off-site activities. Designated members of staff accompanying pupils with these severe allergies will carry the pupils’ spare Auto Injectors and training is given annually.
We would ask for your co-operation in encouraging your daughter not to swap or share any food which she brings into school, and it is imperative that nuts, and nut related products are not brought into school at any time.
Pupils with allergies are allowed to bring in a box of treats to replace cakes on special birthday celebrations. Cakes or treats sent to school must have a list of ingredients and this applies to both shop bought and homemade cakes. Cakes and treats for birthday celebrations will be given out at the end of the school day.
The School Nurse should be advised of any allergy from which pupils may suffer. Where this allergy may affect diet choices, the school will discuss available options with the parents and aim to meet the request. There may, however, be times when it will not be possible to meet pupils’ needs, and a packed lunch will then be required.
Use of crutches / wheelchairs in school
If a pupil needs to use crutches or to have a wheelchair in school, parents are requested to inform the School Nurse in advance of her return to school, so that the necessary provision can be made for her. Parents will be required to confirm that she is proficient in the safe use of crutches. Your daughter will need to see the School Nurse on the first day of requiring crutches / wheelchair and the first day of not requiring them further.
Use of the Junior School lift
The School Nurse will decide if the medical condition of your daughter warrants the use of the lift, and in the case of temporary disability, for how long. The School Nurse may authorise one or two friends to use the lift and to assist your daughter with the carrying of books, bags and other items.
5. Academic
The School Day School starts at 8.45am with Registration: pupils are expected to be punctual for this important part of the day.
7.30am Breakfast Club (Junior Dining Room)
8.45am Registration
8.55am Key Skills/Form Time/Assembly
9.15am Lesson 1
9.55am Lesson 2
10.35am Break
11.00am Lesson 3
11.40am Lesson 4
12.20pm Lunch
12.55pm Lunch
1.30pm Registration
1:40pm Lesson 5
2.20pm Lesson 6
3.00pm Lesson 7
3.45pm End of school day for Form 1, Upper 1 and Lower 2 pupils
3.55pm End of school day Upper 2 pupils
4.00pm Tea & Prep begins
6.00pm End of Tea & Prep (Friday 5pm finish)
Junior School Curriculum
In the Junior School, the curriculum offers our pupils a wide range of learning experiences. Exciting and engaging lessons are complemented by educational visits, themed days, workshops, visiting speakers and fund-raising events. Pupils study a wide range of subjects which build a foundation in terms of both knowledge and skills for subsequent years:
• English
• Mathematics
• Science (including Biology, Chemistry and Physics-based topics)
• Computing
• Curious 6 (Upper 2)
• Art/Design Technology
• Drama
• French
• Geography
• History
• iPQ (Lower 2)
• Mindfulness (Lower 2 for 1/2 term)
• Music
• Spanish (Upper 2)
• Personal, Social, Health & Relationships Education (PSHE & Relationships)
• Physical Education (PE)
• Philosophy and Religion
Assessing Pupil Progress
The majority of assessment involves teachers providing regular feedback to pupils, highlighting achievements and areas for development and improvement in a process of continual feedback, reflection and review, providing information about how pupils are learning. Pupils may have assessments at the end of a topic or block of time. We recognise that, whilst useful, summative tests only provide a snapshot of performance at any given time. Whole-school assessments take place to ensure consistency of assessment across the school.
CATs (Cognitive Ability Tests) are carried out in the Autumn term. These assess reasoning through verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial ability tasks and can be used to identify strengths, areas for development and learning preferences. They help teachers to create a learning environment and way of teaching and learning that allows pupils to maximise their potential.
Standardised assessments in English, Mathematics and Science are undertaken in the Summer term. These ensure consistency of assessment within the Junior School and provide us with quantifiable information placing pupils within their peer group nationally. The use of standardised tests over time allows pupil progress to be tracked in an efficient way enabling teachers to monitor individual pupil progress.
The New Group Reading Test (NGRT) and New Group Spelling Test (NGST) from GL Assessment are used in each year group to monitor reading and spelling progress and to measure the impact of interventions. A pupil’s reading and spelling ability may also be benchmarked against the national average using the Standardised Age Score (SAS).
Teacher led pupil review meetings take place regularly throughout the year and help ensure children are progressing and are supported in their learning in a manner that reflects their individual needs.
Form 1
Term 1
Term 2
CAT4 assessments
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
Dyslexia Screening
CAT4 assessments English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
CAT4 assessments English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
CAT4 assessments
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
English and maths assessment
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
Term 3
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
End of year assessments
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
End of year assessments
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
End of year assessments
Communicating with Parents about Learning and Assessment
English and maths assessments
Standardised reading and spelling assessments
End of topic subject progress assessments
End of year assessments
Parents receive a pastoral card at October half term. These outline how pupils are settling into their year group as well as their effort and organisation.
Academic reports are sent home twice a year. The Autumn term report is a short, written report which provides effort and attainment statements for each subject. In the Summer term, parents receive a full report and results from the end of year assessments. In each report, children’s learning is described according to how securely they have learned the curriculum so far that year and includes areas for development or next steps. In the Summer term, more information is given which details the children’s achievements in all curriculum areas. Parents are also kept up to date with their children’s progress during Parents’ Evenings where children’s work, achievements and next steps are discussed. Parents also receive standardised results from their daughters’ reading and spelling assessments.
There may be other occasions during the year when parents request a meeting with a teacher to discuss their daughter’s progress, or when a teacher requests such a meeting. Parents may contact the Junior School Office if they wish to make an appointment to meet with a teacher or arrange a telephone call.
Welcome Evenings
Parents of all pupils are invited to a year group Welcome Evening in September. This is an opportunity to meet the teacher and learn more about class routines, curriculum and events.
Summary of Parents’ Evenings and Reports by Year Group
Year Group Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term
Form 1 Welcome Evening
Maths, English
Curriculum Evening
Short pastoral report
Parents’ Evening
Parents’ Evening (all subjects)
PSHE Curriculum evening (biennial)
Standardised assessment report
Full Written Report
End of year assessment report
Standardised assessment report
End of Term short report
Upper 1 Welcome Evening
Maths and English Curriculum Evening
Short pastoral report
Parents’ Evening (all subjects)
Standardised assessment report
End of Term short report
Lower 2 Welcome Evening
Maths and English Curriculum Evening
Short pastoral report
Parents’ Evening (all subjects)
Standardised assessment report
End of Term short report
Upper 2 Welcome Evening
Maths and English Curriculum Evening
Short pastoral report
Parents’ Evening (all subjects)
Standardised assessment report
End of Term short report
Homework
Parents’ Evening (all subjects)
PSHE Curriculum evening (biennial)
Standardised assessment report
Full Written Report
End of year assessment report
Parents’ Evening (all subjects)
PSHE Curriculum evening (biennial)
Standardised assessment report
Full Written Report
End of year assessment report
Parents’ Evening (all subjects)
PSHE Curriculum evening (biennial)
Standardised assessment report
Full Written Report
End of year assessment report
Homework tasks may take a range of forms including written work in exercise books and homework books, practical activities, investigations and observations, textbook questions, online research and discussion homework. As a school, we are committed to ensuring pupils do not have too much exposure to screen time and take care to IT appropriately both in the curriculum and for homework. Homework is only set where necessary to reinforce skills or prepare for the next lesson. When deemed necessary, there will be approximately 20 minutes of homework for pupils in Form 1 and Upper 1 plus reading per night and 30-40 minutes of homework plus reading per night for pupils in Lower 2 and Upper 2.
Pupils are encouraged to establish a regular reading routine. While homework is important, it should not prevent children from taking part in the wide range of out of school clubs and organisations that play an important part in the lives of many children.
The class homework timetable is included in the Curriculum Booklet which is available on My School Portal. All year groups are issued with a homework diary in which to enter details of work set.
Parents are asked to ensure that homework is completed promptly and that a suitable environment, away from distractions, is made available. The homework diary should be signed on a weekly basis, and Form Teachers will also monitor homework diaries.
We would like the pupils to develop good homework habits, completing and handing in work on time. If there is an occasion when homework cannot be completed for some reason, please write a note in the diary to explain. Homework should not cause distress. If a child experiences difficulty completing homework, the Form Teacher or Subject teacher should be informed using the homework diary or via email to the Junior School Office.
As a school, it is our policy not to set homework during school holidays.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
The school aims to help every child achieve her full potential, so we are keen to identify any learning difficulties as soon as appropriate in a pupil’s school career. We run a screening programme for all pupils in Upper 1 in the Autumn Term and offer follow-up help in terms of learning support and further assessment, if necessary, by the school’s SEND coordinator. Most needs at LEH relate to mild cases of dyslexia and dyspraxia. Every effort is made to ensure that all pupils are adequately supported in all areas of school life. This may be by in class support, group support or individual lessons as necessary. We also offer several clubs and apps which can be used from home, to support children with their spelling, reading and Maths. In addition, our teachers and SEND Coordinator are always on hand to offer guidance and advice.
We celebrate the fact that many of our pupils speak other languages at home and acknowledge that there are some pupils in the school for whom English is not their first language and is not normally spoken at home. However, there may be occasions for some pupils when a little more help with English language is required and we will make various recommendations and work with parents to ensure the necessary support is in place. These might include in class support, reading more regularly in English at home, using our English apps regularly and if considered necessary, a recommendation of outside help to improve language levels.
6. Enrichment
Trips
Trips are an integral part of school and are included not only to be fun but to bring to life and enhance learning in relevant parts of the school curriculum. The school considers trips to be a vital part of the educational experience for all pupils.
Day Trips
There are curriculum-related trips for pupils in each year of the school. Parents are asked to sign a General Consent Form when their daughter joins the school which gives overall consent for their daughter to take part in any day trips. A letter outlining the relevant details of the trip, will be sent to parents via School Post.
Residential Trips
Residential trips are planned for Lower 2 and Upper 2. Parents will receive a letter outlining the details of the trip. There will be a briefing for parents of pupils taking part in any residential trip.
Developing leadership skills
The Junior School has a School Council, Eco Squad, a range of leadership roles for pupils in Upper 2 and form captains and vice-captains in each class. School Council and the Eco Squad meet each half term to discuss and share ideas relating to enrichment opportunities, themed days, catering, competitions and fundraising to name a few. The School House system promotes teamwork and a sense of community. Upper 2 also attend one of Richmond Education Department’s Junior Citizenship training days as part of their transition to Senior School preparation.
Extra-Curricular Programme
The school is proud of the diverse range of extra-curricular activities offered. Most of these take place during lunchtime, although a number of sporting practices and clubs take place after school. Each term, we review and update the club timetable and parents can book their daughter a place in a club using the online booking system (SOCS). Details of the club programme and how to book using SOCS are available on the Parent Portal.
Music and Drama lessons
If at any time your daughter wishes to take individual music or drama lessons please contact the following departments. Music enquires please contact musicadmin@lehs.org.uk and for drama enquires please contact drama-admin@lehs.org.uk
Charity Events
All pupils are encouraged to take an active role in support of various charity events and collections at school. Upper 2 Charity Prefects work with members of the School Council to organise fundraising events. Each year, through School Council, pupils choose our school charity to support for that year.
7. LEH Values
Our Whole School Values
We choose to succeed.
We rise to challenges.
We lift those around us.
We inspire trust.
We encourage personal agency.
We embrace joy and laughter.
In the Junior School, we strive to uphold the following values:
• Kindness
• Honesty
• Respect and Responsibility
• Being Inclusive
Promoting good behaviour
Pupils are expected to behave in a manner that upholds our school values. We recognise good examples of this through our rewards systems in school. Behaviour which falls below these expectations is discussed with pupils who are encouraged to consider the consequences of their actions or behaviour and take responsibility for this. Such instances are generally dealt with in school by form teachers and where necessary, further discussions may follow with parents.
Confiscated items
Banned or inappropriate items may be confiscated. Once confiscated, items should be collected from the Head of Junior School on the Friday of the week following the confiscation.
Mobile phones, if confiscated (e.g. for being used in school) may be collected from the Head of Junior School at the end of the day of confiscation.
8. Communication
Who to contact at school with any questions
Form Teachers
Form Teachers are your first point of contact for any pastoral or academic matters. They can be contacted via an email junior-office@lehs.org.uk or a phone call to the Junior School office on 0208 979 2173. Your email/message will then be passed on to the teacher concerned who will get back to you as soon as possible. As usual, Form Teachers are always available to meet with you to discuss any concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to keep in touch with Form Teachers in this way if you have any concerns about your daughter as we always find it is better to deal with any small issues of any kind before they grow into something bigger. We would always rather you got in touch if you are not sure, as a good partnership between parents and school is what serves your daughters' wellbeing and their education best.
Clubs
Ms Warren, Director of Enrichment and Co-curricular can be contacted about anything to do with clubs via jsclubs@lehs.org.uk The SOCS website is a fantastic tool for checking which clubs your daughter is in, when they are on and where to pick up from. It is in real time so will reflect exactly which clubs are on that day, even if there have been last-minute changes.
Curriculum
If you have any questions about the curriculum as a whole or any queries about assessments, then your enquiry should be directed via the office email address junior-office@lehs.org.uk for the attention of Mrs Walker, the Director of Studies.
Medical
If you have anything to communicate to the school about a medical issue concerning your daughter, please get in touch with Nurse Lara. Again, you should email or call the School Office in order to do this.
Lunches/dietary
Any questions about lunches or particular dietary requirements should be directed to the School Office for the attention of the Catering Manager.
Pastoral/safeguarding
If you have any ongoing or serious concerns about a pastoral matter to do with your daughter’s wellbeing or happiness at school or you wish to discuss anything of a safeguarding nature, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Mortimer or Mrs Yates. You should do this in the first instance by emailing the office on junior-office@lehs.org.uk.
The Junior School Office should be able to answer queries of a more general nature or will pass your message on to the relevant member of staff. Parents with urgent messages (such as one-off changes in travel arrangements) should, if possible, phone before 1.30pm.
The Head of the Junior School is always pleased to see parents (or discuss issues by telephone) at a mutually convenient time. Parents wishing to make an appointment with her should contact her PA, Mrs Amber Rahman – junior-office@lehs.org.uk
The staff are available to discuss pupils’ work and progress at Parents’ Evenings. If you have a query or concern and wish to discuss matters at other times, either pastoral or academic, please contact the Junior School Office. You may not be able to speak to the relevant person immediately as staff may be teaching or otherwise engaged. The Junior School Office will ask what the matter is regarding so that the person you need to speak to is able to help when they return your call.
How school shares information with you
We share news and information with parents in a variety of way, including:
• The Head of Junior School’s Friday newsletter, accessed via the Parent Portal is the main way in which we let you know what has been happening in school and details of forthcoming events
• Letters to parents sent via School Post
• The School Calendar on the website
• Welcome evenings at the beginning of the year
• Subject specific information evenings for parents such as English and Maths
• Social Media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
• Curriculum Information Booklet on the Parent Portal
• Talks for parents
9. Absence and illness
Absence
Parents should contact the Junior School Office before 8:45am to inform them of any absence or illness. This should be repeated on every day of the absence. Guidance issued to schools has tightened up on how we are required to report our attendance figures. This guidance requires that on the rare occasion that an absence is requested during term time perhaps for a family emergency, this absence must be pre-approved by the Head. Requests for authorised absences should be made in writing to Mrs Mortimer well in advance of the date. Any holiday absence which is not pre-approved must now be recorded and reported as an unauthorised absence.
Illness
If your daughter has been unwell at home with sickness and/or diarrhoea please keep your child off school for minimum of 48 hours following the last episode of illness. If your child is sick and/or has diarrhoea at school, we will contact you to collect your child as soon as possible. Your child should then remain off school for a minimum 48 hour period following the last episode of illness. When
your child returns to school, we ask that they are well enough to be eating their normal diet. We ask that you keep us informed about how your child is and whether you have had to seek medical advice.
10. Wrap Around Care
Breakfast
Club
Breakfast Club takes place in the Junior School Dining Room daily from 7.30am – 8.20am and can be used on an ad hoc basis with no booking necessary.
Fee information is available on the Fees, Finance and Insurance section of the Parent Portal.
Tea & Prep
Tea and Prep runs from 4 - 6pm (4 - 5pm on Fridays.) Tea and Prep provides your daughter with the opportunity to have tea after school and complete homework, supervised by a member of staff. The tea, served from 4:30pm, consists of sandwiches or sausage rolls, fresh fruit and either jelly, yoghurt, a biscuit and a soft drink. Any pupil collected after 6pm (5pm on Friday) will be subject to a late collection charge. If your daughter attends another after school club, until for example 5pm, she can then be booked into Tea and Prep when the club finishes, until 6pm if necessary.
Tea and Prep can be booked via SOCS. Repeat bookings may be made in advance or on the day. If you need to cancel a booking for Tea and Prep, please do let us know with by emailing teaandprep@lehs.org.uk or phoning the Junior Office or 0208 979 2173. Parents may use the Tea and Prep number 0208 783 2867 to speak to a member of staff on duty after 4pm.
Fee information is available on the Fees, Finance and Insurance section of the Parent Portal.
11. School Catering
All catering at LEH is provided by Sodexo. Their objective is to provide well balanced, nutritious, highquality meals that are planned in accordance with the Health Education Council guidelines and overseen by their dietician. Great emphasis is placed on the use of fresh produce.
Milk
For those who wish it, one third of a pint of milk daily may be ordered for the mid-morning break. (A separate charge for milk ordered will go onto the termly fees invoice.)
Lunch
We aim to offer a wide variety of choices where the pupils can choose the dish and portion size, which match their appetite and suit a wide range of tastes. In addition, special theme and vegetarian days are offered on a regular basis. Breaktime tasting sessions are held to entice pupils to try new things.
Healthy Snacks
Pupils may bring a piece of fruit or healthy snack for breaktimes in a reusable storage container, where appropriate. Pupils should not bring high sugar/salty snacks e.g. crisps, sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks into school. In accordance with our Eco Schools Action Plan, snacks and fruit in wrappers and single use packaging are not permitted. Pupils are reminded never to share snacks with other children because of the risk of an allergic reaction.
Pupils who travel on the coach may bring in an additional healthy snack for the end of the day.
12. Travel
Along with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the school encourages pupils, parents and staff to make a positive contribution towards the reduction of congestion and pollution in the borough. The following transport options are available:
Walk, Cycle or Scoot
We have a bike shelter and scooter rack in the Junior School for any children wishing to cycle or scoot.
School Coaches
The school runs a coach company, Pupilcoach Ltd, in conjunction with Hampton School and together the company supplies some 25 coaches to transport the pupils of both schools to and from the school sites. The service, including overheads, is paid for by those parents using the service. The business plan aims to break even over the course of the financial year and to receive no subsidy from the two schools. Charges are collected termly via the school billing system.
A list of coach routes can be found on the school’s website. Coach Services
Further information for parents who wish their daughters to use the coach service, can be found here .https://lehs.myschoolportal.co.uk/page/296
If you would like your daughter to use one of the coaches supplied by Pupilcoach Ltd, but you have yet to apply for a place on the coach, please contact the Coach Co-ordinator as soon as possiblecoaches@hamptonschool.org.uk. Please note that, whilst the Coach Co-ordinator will do everything possible to provide a seat on your required coach, demand is high and places cannot be guaranteed.
As well as the coach coordinator, Elizabeth Hutchinson (coaches@hamptonschool.org.uk) who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the coach service, Mrs Yates is the point of contact in the Junior School for any other queries to do with the coach service and can be contacted by emailing the office on junior-office@lehs.org.uk.
Please also refer to the letter about coach use for Junior School pupils in Appendix 3.
The Late Coach for pupils in Lower 2 and Upper 2
The School operates a late coach service leaving LEH on Monday to Thursday at 6pm. There are 5 routes, going to Richmond, Sheen, Putney and Barnes; Kew and Chiswick; Kingston, Coombe Lane and Wimbledon; Thames Ditton, Esher and Cobham; and Virginia Water, Englefield Green and Windsor.
Mobile Phones and smart devices
Our policy on phones is that pupils in the Junior School are not allowed to bring smartphones into school. We have taken this decision with full regard to all the latest research as we want to ensure that, as a school, we promote the idea of a smartphone free childhood for junior aged pupils and the benefits that brings for pupils’ future mental health.
We have an efficient and reliable school coach tracking app and the vast majority of our pupils on the coach bring no phone at all. However, if you would still prefer your child to have a phone of some sort, you may provide a simple ‘brick’ phone for this purpose, with no internet connectability. This must be handed in to the teacher on duty in the playground and is kept in the office all day. Pupils collect them at the end of the day when the coach register is being taken. They are not allowed to get it out of their bag and use it on school premises. This rule also applies to smartwatches and fitness trackers, such as Fitbits, to maintain consistency and further reduce
potential distractions during the school day and when travelling to and from school. Mobile phones are not permitted in school unless pupils are travelling on a coach or public transport Please also refer to the letter about coach use for Junior School pupils in Appendix 3.
Car Travel
For those who wish to use their cars to drop off and collect their children from school, please note that, for health and safety reasons, parents are not allowed to drive into the Junior School car park to drop off or collect their daughters. There is some limited parking in the side roads off Uxbridge Road, but we encourage you to park a little further away than necessary and walk a few minutes along to the school in order to avoid congestion. You may also drop your children in the mornings at the Senior School on Hanworth Road for them to walk over the field to the Junior School. Parents may access the Senior School car park between 8.15am-8.30am to drop off their daughter. Please note that this is a ‘drive and drop’ system and parents are not permitted to park in the Senior School car park.
Parents using the Tea and Prep facility can use the Junior School staff car park after 5.30pm.
Junior School parents are asked not to stop on Uxbridge Road or to park in Grenville Mews, the road adjacent to the Junior School buildings. Parents must park considerately and safely, not across driveways or at junctions.
13. Associations for Parents and Former Pupils and the Development Office
LEH Alumnae
The association of former pupils and staff was founded in 1886 and has met on a regular basis since then. There are now over 5,200 members and the number rises regularly, as every student becomes a member automatically on leaving school. The Alumnae Office in school is run by the Alumnae Coordinator, who organises a number of events throughout the year designed to appeal to a wide cross section of members. These include an annual lunch, a carol service, reunions at universities, sports and networking events and social events with Hampton School alumni. Alumnae communications include a twice-yearly Alumnae Newsletter, a popular Facebook page – LEH Alumnae, and a Twitter feed - @LEHalumnae. The Alumnae Co-ordinator also facilitates the growth of LEH School Alumnae LinkedIn group, which currently has over 1300 members and connections.
For the latest alumnae news and information, we encourage former pupils and staff to register on Holles Connect, our dedicated alumnae website: www.hollesconnect.org.uk
The Friends of LEH (‘The Friends’)
The Friends is the School’s parents’ association and provides a great opportunity for parents to get to know each other socially and raise funds for the school. All new parents are automatically enrolled, with the annual fee levied on the school bill; parents may opt-out of membership, should they so wish, by crossing the subscription off their fee bill.
We believe that The Friends undertake important work for the school and actively encourage all new parents to take part in events and activities. Further details are available from The Friends’ section of the school website. The Friends have their own website: www.friendsofleh.co.uk
The Friends is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Its members are parents of pupils who are or have been pupils at Lady Eleanor Holles in the Junior or Senior Schools.
Development
LEH was founded in 1710 through an act of generosity from one woman. The vision, that high quality education and opportunity should be available to bright girls, regardless of their economic
circumstances, remains as pertinent today as it was three centuries ago. The school is not richly endowed and, as such, has been reliant upon the generosity of parents and alumnae to help it grow and flourish.
Bursary funding is vital to preserve the social diversity that is so central to LEH’s historic mission and character. Our ambition is to grow our Bursary provision over the coming years, believing that through the kindness and understanding of our school community, an LEH education can be open to all. The School has benefitted from several major gifts from generous donors, and with their help we have been able to fund additional 100% bursaries. However, there is still much need for further financial support if we are to reach our goal of ‘needs blind’ admission.
The School also raises funds to ensure that building facilities, classroom resources and teaching standards are maintained at the highest level in response to changing educational needs and expectations.
A dedicated Development Office fundraises for voluntary income in support of the School’s strategic development aims. Regular fundraising updates are published each year, showing how donations have made a difference to the life of the school community. If you would like to read more about our current fundraising campaigns, please click here
We are always interested to discuss your ideas for projects of personal interest to you. We welcome your support so please do come and talk to us! Should you require further information on any aspect of the Development Office’s work please contact Lisa Day, our Development Director development@lehs.org.uk
Appendix 1
The uniform list (including school bags and sports bags) is listed below. Schoolblazer provides high quality uniforms to some of the UK's most prestigious schools. We believe they offer both value for money and excellent customer service. Products are ordered online, and two particularly appealing aspects of their service are that they offer:
1. Intelligent sizing: When parents first register on their website, they simply measure their child and enter key dimensions. The website gives accurate guidance on how every product will fit, and even tells parents what the fit will be like in a year’s time. They also operate a simple and straightforward returns policy.
2. Free name taping: Schoolblazer has taken the naming chore away by offering free name-tape application to all garments.
LEH Uniform List – Junior School
Uniform supplier: https://www.schoolblazer.com/
Summer Uniform
(Start of summer term until the end of the first half of autumn term)
Red and white striped Beatrice summer dress
Red and white Beatrice striped short sleeve blouse
Red and white Beatrice striped culottes
LEH red crested cardigan
LEH red crested summer cap
White ankle socks/white tights
Red and white striped hair scrunchie
Compulsory to wear a summer dress OR a summer blouse and culottes
Compulsory to wear a summer dress OR a summer blouse and culottes
Compulsory to wear a summer dress OR a summer blouse and culottes
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Optional
Winter Uniform
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
May be purchased anywhere
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
(Start of autumn term until the end of spring term)
Bespoke Holly tartan kneelength skirt
Bespoke Holly tartan trousers
White revere collar blouse (long or short sleeved)
LEH crested red jumper with grey trim
Compulsory (unless opting to wear bespoke Holly tartan trousers)
Optional
Compulsory
Compulsory
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
May be purchased from anywhere – must have revere collar
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
Grey tights or grey kneehigh socks
LEH red crested storm proof jacket
Plain red cagoule
LEH crested red fleece winter beanie
Grey fleece scarf
Grey fleece gloves
LEH black crested rucksack
LEH red crested games bag
Red drawstring swim bag
Plain red long sleeve art apron
Plain, sturdy black leather or patent school shoes that securely fasten (not slip on)
LEH crested white polo shirt
LEH white polo shirt
LEH white mid-layer
LEH red tracksuit bottoms
LEH red skort
LEH black cycling shorts
Games socks with red trim
LEH crested white waterproof tracksuit top
Long sleeve plain white base layer
Plain black base layer leggings
Compulsory May be purchased from anywhere Outdoor Wear
Compulsory
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
Optional May be purchased from anywhere
Optional To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
Optional May be purchased from anywhere
Optional May be purchased from anywhere
Bags and other accessories
Compulsory
Compulsory
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
Compulsory May be purchased anywhere
Compulsory May be purchased anywhere
Compulsory May be purchased anywhere
Sports Uniform
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Optional
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only
Optional May be purchased from anywhere
Optional May be purchased from anywhere
LEH House top
Compulsory
To be purchased from Schoolblazer only Black swimsuit with sports back
Black jammer suit
Compulsory to have a swimsuit OR a jammer suit May be purchased from anywhere
Compulsory to have a swimsuit OR a jammer suit May be purchased from anywhere Towel Compulsory May be purchased from anywhere
Trainers which are predominantly white
EARRINGS
Compulsory May be purchased from anywhere
Only plain studs may be worn, and these must be removed by the pupil before sports lessons. If your daughter is having her ears pierced, we recommend this is done at the beginning of the summer holidays so that she can remove the earrings for sport herself by September.
Additional necessary items:
• Trainers which are predominantly white
• Towel - Any named towel may be used. However, black LEH towels with red embroidery, which can be personalised with your daughter’s name or initials, can be purchased through The Friends of LEH.
Naming possessions
Please note that it is extremely helpful for everyone in school if, not just uniform, but everything your daughter brings into school is named. This includes trainers, pencil cases, water bottles, snack boxes and even socks. You do not have to purchase expensive labels for these items, just a waterproof marker to write initials on is better than nothing!
Appendix 2
Staff
Parents may find it helpful to have this list of members of staff with whom they are most likely to be in contact.
Head Mistress
Deputy Head
Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Head of Junior School
Deputy Head of Junior School
Director of Finance and Operations
Junior School PA to Head Teacher
School Nurse
Coach Co-ordinator
Mrs Rowena Cole, MBA University of London
Dr David James, PhD King’s College London
Mrs Amanda Poyner, BSc Exeter, MBA
Mrs Paula Mortimer BEd
Mrs Rebecca Yates MA (Cantab)
Mr Michael Berkowitch BSc
Mrs Amber Rahman
Mrs Lara Parker DipHE Nursing
Mrs Elizabeth Hutchinson
Advice for parents of Junior School Pupils using the coach service 2025-2026
Coach users meeting
On the very first day of term, Junior school pupils who are booked in on the coach will go to a meeting in which the procedures and rules for using the coach will be explained to them. They will also be given a coach buddy, an older pupil from the Junior school who gets their coach and, where possible, gets off at their stop or just after them. In the exceptional circumstances in which there is no other Junior girl on the particular coach route, a Senior girl will be asked to be their buddy and look out for them.
Using the coach in the mornings
In the mornings, pupils must be accompanied at the bus stop until the coach arrives. Pupils must be at the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the coach. They then get on the coach and must sit near the front of the downstairs of the coach. (Older pupils from Hampton and LEH sit at the back and upstairs.) In the mornings, all the coaches stop along the Hanworth Road, as near as they can to the entrance to the Senior School.
For the first week or so, Junior school staff will be on hand to meet the coaches and point pupils in the right direction as they walk straight through the atrium of the Senior school and over the field to the Junior School. Once the girls are used to doing this, there will be prefects on hand to guide them rather than staff.
Normally parents like to drop their child at school on their first day, but if you can’t, please inform the Junior School Office in advance if your daughter will be using the coach service in the morning on the first day of term so that we can look out for her that first morning.
Seatbelts
Pupils must wear their seatbelt at all times, until the coach has come to a standstill where they are getting off. It is extremely helpful if parents reinforce this message at home as it is difficult for drivers to do so while they are driving.
Using the coach in the afternoons
In the afternoons, a member of staff from the Junior school will accompany all the pupils getting a coach to the relevant coach park. Some coaches leave from Hampton School car park and some from LEH Senior School car park. In both cases, a member of staff will escort the pupils to the coaches in plenty of time and ensure they do up their seatbelts.
Keeping us informed of going home arrangements
A register is kept of those pupils getting the coach each day so please inform the Junior School Office if your daughter is not catching the coach on a particular day so that we are not waiting for them. It is important this list is accurate so please keep us up to date.
It is the parents’ responsibility, when using the coach service, to make sure that they as parents (or someone acting on their behalf) are at the bus stop to meet the pupil off the coach at the end of the day. They also need to make sure that they, or the person collecting their daughter on their behalf, is easily contactable at that time of day in case there are any unforeseen circumstances. It is not possible for coaches to wait for parents arriving late at a coach stop because of the inconvenience it causes to all the other coach users.
Unforeseen incidents
If there is an unforeseen incident involving collection or drop-off, for example if a coach were to break down, the driver would inform Mrs Hutchinson, who coordinates the coach services and she will liaise with parents directly.
The school uses the Vectare coach tracking app so please sign up to this when you are sent the information so you can see where the coaches are at any time.
Mobile phones, smartwatches and fitness trackers
Our policy on phones is that pupils in the Junior School are not allowed to bring smartphones into school. We have taken this decision with full regard to all the latest research as we want to ensure that, as a school, we promote the idea of a smartphone free childhood for junior aged pupils and the benefits that brings for pupils’ future mental health.
We have an efficient and reliable school coach tracking app and the vast majority of our pupils on the coach bring no phone at all. However, if you would still prefer your child to have a phone of some sort, you may provide a simple ‘brick’ phone for this purpose, with no internet connectability. This must be handed in to the teacher on duty in the playground and is kept in the office all day. Pupils collect them at the end of the day when the coach register is being taken. They are not allowed to get it out of their bag and use it on school premises.
This rule also applies to smartwatches and fitness trackers, such as Fitbits, to maintain consistency and further reduce potential distractions during the school day and when travelling to and from school.
Snacks on the coach
Pupils are allowed to bring a healthy snack with no packaging for the journey home. Some drivers allow pupils to eat on the coach and others don’t. If not, they can eat it whilst being registered for the coach at the end of the day. We have a very strict policy on not swapping snacks with other pupils because of the risks of allergic reactions so please reinforce this message with your daughters at home.
Getting to know other parents using the same coach stop
It is also a good idea for parents to swap contact details with any other parents using the same stop as their daughter (who presumably they could speak to when waiting for the coach in the morning). This is in case they were completely unexpectedly held up for the afternoon pick up, they would be able to contact another parent to ask them to wait with their daughter until they arrived.
Most pupils love using the coach service and, once they leave, talk about it as one of the highlights of their time at school. However, if you have any concerns about the coach service please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Hutchinson in the first instance (for operational matters) or me if it concerns the wellbeing or behaviour of any Junior school pupils.