WHY I DO IT

Karen Hastings’ son Constantine has been a flexi-boarder at St Margaret’s, Herts for over a year. Here, she explains how it works for him and their family

Constantine is a year-eight pupil at St Margaret’s School in Bushey, and a keen flexiboarder. He began his flexiboarding experience back in year seven, and believes that it has given him the best of both worlds. Constantine loves flexi-boarding at St Margaret’s as there’s always something fun happening in the boarding house and he enjoys getting to spend more time with his friends socially and having that extra independence of being away from home.

As a parent, I’ve also found that flexi-boarding can be a lifesaver when I need that bit of extra support juggling my work commitments, if

I’m working longer hours, or I’m travelling for work, it’s reassuring to know that I can pop him into flexiboarding for one or two nights as and when I need to, and I’m reassured that he’ll also have a great time. Plus, I care for my elderly mother who unfortunately had a fall recently. Thankfully, I was able to arrange for

Constantine to flexi-board at very short notice so that I could go and care for her. Flexi-boarding can be invaluable when unexpected emergencies crop up, knowing that Constantine was being well looked after and spending time with his friends made it that much easier to manage.

Since Constantine began his flexi-boarding journey, he has grown in confidence and independence and is much better at organising himself. I would definitely recommend the experience to other parents who have children that are interested in boarding, but don’t want to be away from home for prolonged periods. The great thing about flexi-boarding is being able to stay away from home a day at a time, so that it doesn’t feel like you’re away for long periods; it’s the perfect balance. I also liked the fact that Constantine could try flexi-boarding out for the first time and then build up gradually in a way that suits him.