The First Day of Term: Why making a good impression matters

The First Day of Term: Why making a good impression matters

Some years ago, I was involved in a survey* of parents who had prematurely withdrawn their children from an independent school. It found that 62% said their misgivings or ‘buyer’s remorse’ began either in the lead up to, or on the first day of arrival. At Broomwood, we recognise that choosing an independent education is a massive investment for families and it is important new pupils and parents feel welcome and cherished from the very beginning.?

The journey starts from the moment someone enquires about our school. Once they have visited and expressed an interest in joining the Broomwood family, we want to make the process as smooth as possible. ?We also want them to feel part of school life, at whatever stage they join. Our biggest intake is into our Pre-School and Reception. ?It is our job to reassure these families that they are making the right choice and to help them prepare the little ones for moving to Broomwood. In the year leading up to enrolment, we keep in touch. Each prospective pupil will receive a Christmas edition of “Little Bear goes to Broomwood’ (a story about going to school which parents can read to children, featuring our own classrooms and pupils), birthday cards and a ‘Broomwood Bear’ keyring. We also send invitations to information evenings, new parent drinks and Teddy Bear’s picnic. This gives families the opportunity to ask questions about our curriculum, uniform and all the logistics involved in starting school.?

The first day of term is the culmination of the preparation period. We arrive at the crack of dawn to ensure the bunting is out, the balloons are blown up and our giant ‘Broomwood Bear’ mascot is ready to start waving the children in. This year we were ambitious. Our school is set over four different sites and we ran between them to create a ‘First Day’ video – which was sent to all parents that evening. It was a glorious (if long!) day and, we hope, a joyous start to their education. ?Broomwood First Day Video

?Now, of course, the hard work really begins!?

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*Anglo Schools International, 2016


David Boddy

Non-Exec Chair, Anglo Schools International Services Ltd (trading as ASIS Education), Senior Partner ASIS Business Coach. Academic Mentor, Careers Adviser and Bereavement Counsellor. Author of Parenting books.

1 个月

A great learning - and in these difficult times, schools need to take heed of it

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