Frequently Asked Questions

In phonetical terms, we wanted to create something a little different for naming the school, rather than just relying on the traditional spelling of blue. However, the final decision on naming the school was left to the children, who unanimously decided that it was the best name to represent the creative, playful and unique learning environment that Bloo House is.

What does Animus Gratanter mean?

This Latin motto was created to represent the struggles and joys of growing up. As with many Latin words, Animus holds several meanings, including courage, vivacity and spirit. Gratanter means “with joy”. With this in mind, the literal meaning translates to “courage with joy.”

What is Montessori and Waldorf Steiner and how do you those methodologies at Bloo House?

Maria Montessori developed a child centred approach to education that advocates self-expression and spontaneity. Each child learns at their own pace guided by different techniques that promote individual initiative and creativity rather than group activity.

Rudolf Steiner developed the Waldorf Steiner curriculum placing emphasis on the whole development of the child, including a child's spiritual, physical and moral well-being as well as their academic progress. There is a strong emphasis on social abilities and the development of pre-numeracy and literacy skills. Learning is done in a very creative and artistic environment and the curriculum responds to the developmental needs of each pupil. This is because the curriculum is designed to develop faculties rather than merely deliver prescribed information: it is interdisciplinary and comprehensive.

At Bloo House the staff receive training in these approaches to add to their own teaching practice. We use didactic Montessori resources to aid the specific skills of reading and writing. Our environment is creative and artistic reflecting the Steiner influence.

What age do children come to Bloo House?

Children who are aged between 5 and 11 years of age attend Bloo House full time.

We offer a limited amount of two day places to 4 year olds who have been assessed and are ready for the Bloo House curriculum. These children have demonstrated their desire to learn and are enthusiastic about attending “school”. Their parents are keen that this introduction to learning is gentle and secure so that future learning is allowed to flourish.

What facilities do you have?

We offer a very extensive educational setting with the freedom for children to explore their childhood outside of Bloo House. For extra curricular activities such as sports, Bloo House parents come together in the afternoons or Fridays to organise group activities such as football, ballet, swimming, ice skating, archery, fencing and rock climbing.

How many pupils are at Bloo House?

We accept up to 12 children per academic year. Where we are oversubscribed, we operate a waiting list system based on first come first served (and subject to our admissions policy here (link to admissions policy FAQ) .

How come you’re so small?

Our premises accommodate 12 children and that scale enables your child to have enough space to grow and develop and seize their potential. We wouldn’t be able to offer the service that we do if we were to overstretch our staff and we would not be able to offer the home from home, family dynamic that provides trust, security and happiness to our children in a larger building.

What are your school hours?

9.00 - 9.20 children arrive
9.30 classes begin

12.30 – 1.00 lunch
1.15 – 2.30 afternoon activities
2.30 end of school day

Why do you follow a four-day school week model?

Children become fatigued following an adult working pattern. They need time to rest, think through their learning and spend time in their home environment or following specific interests. It is now widely recognised that children have far more energy with which to learn, when not subjected to an adult’s working week. For more information on our four-day week click here.

Do you have formal lessons?

Yes, all children receive formal teaching in the academic subjects and all children have access to the activities that most inspire them. We have lessons in English, Maths, Science, Philosophy, Spanish, Art, Craft and Cooking. The number of children attending a specific class varies according to ability/individual potential, age appropriateness and activity.

Children are taught individually and with children of the same ability, according to the appropriateness of the teaching. Age is taken into account at times and many teaching activities are shared by all of the children.

Are pupils tested?

Yes. We continuously assess the children’s progress followed by school reports each term. The children are tested so that their progress can be assessed. These tests are conducted in such a way that the children do not feel that they are in competition with their peers. These results are used to write the reports and for us to identify individual strengths or potential areas needing support. Although children do not take SATs, they are prepared for sitting entrance exams which means that formal testing is implemented from the ages of 10 onwards.

Will my child go on any organised trips?

Yes. Twice a term, children are taken on field trips that relate to the work and projects they are currently undertaking in school. As well as visiting museums, nature centres and other sites rich in learning resources, we also take the children out to the school allotment and local parks.

Do you discipline your pupils?

We have a behaviour policy and code of discipline that all members of staff and children follow. Yes, we believe in mutual respect as the main code of conduct. However, children are reprimanded for poor language, lack of respect, poor behaviour towards peers and bad attitude. The form of reprimand is delivered through clear communication in the moment that it takes place. Parents are always informed and involved when a reprimand has been delivered.

Are there any acts of worship or any other religious observance at Bloo House?

No. Our approach to religion is based on a need to understand the similarities and differences between all faiths. We welcome families from many different backgrounds and religions, without being associated to just one.

How do you look after the health and welfare of my child?

Bloo House has full time staff trained in first aid and CPR. On site, we have a first aid kit and an emergency procedure is in place should we need to call an ambulance.

Are your teachers qualified?

Bloo House teachers are highly qualified professionals from a variety of educational backgrounds. This enables teaching to be delivered from a choice of best teaching practices.

Children are taught using these different styles of teaching in an environment that offers formal education, but also supports childhood (emotional development, play) and family dynamics.

All our staff are CRB checked.

Are you recognised by local government?

We are recognised and supported by the Surrey LEA who have merited our pupils’ work with an “outstanding academic achievement” accolade.

How will you deal with my child’s Emotional Intelligence?

As a parent, you will have peace of mind that your child is in an environment where, as well as teaching, all staff are trained in emotional and academic development.

Your child will have a well-rounded primary schooling experience. As a parent you will have clear understanding of your child’s developmental needs and potential as areas of interest are explored and developed. Your child will develop a sense of self that is robust, certain and strong.

Where do pupils go after finishing at Bloo House?

We encourage families to make the decisions that are right for their own children. As part of that commitment we regularly prepare children to take entrance exams for their choice of Independent or state senior schools. To date, all of our pupils have been offered places at their first choice secondary school and these include such prestigious schools as Sir William Perkins, Claremont Fan Court and Surbiton High School.

If my children come to Bloo House for an alternative primary education, does that mean that they won’t ‘fit in’ when they go to secondary school?

Bloo House offers high quality primary teaching and the substantial teaching curriculum provides the necessary foundation stone for further learning. Children will leave Bloo House with confidence and self-awareness and will be ready to embrace the next stage of their education.
It is the Early Years and Primary Education that takes the risk out of senior school education.
Bloo House offers risk prevention by providing the trusting environment that parents want for their children at such a vulnerable age, whilst offering high quality education that is delivered by experts to ensure a well-rounded and solid academic foundation.

From this position, the transition between primary and secondary education becomes fluid, empowered, confident and easy.

Aren’t you just a school for ‘problem’ children?

Not at all. Our pupils are regular kids from normal backgrounds. What they have in common is that their parents want them to enjoy school, grow emotionally in line with their family values and to have a healthy school/life balance.

I’m looking for A Special Needs school for my child. Can you help me?

We welcome children from all backgrounds, but we are not a specialist school for children with severe medical, physical or long term disabilities.

This is just what I’ve been looking for! But what if I don’t live nearby?

We appreciate that we’re not on everybody’s doorstep, but chose our location carefully to give maximum accessibility to as many people as possible. Hersham, near Walton on Thames, is a village in the heart of the Surrey commuter belt, with easy access to the A3 and M3 and are within a 30 minute travel radius of Esher, Oxshott, Cobham, Weybridge, Byfleet, Chertsey, Guilford, Dorking, Sunbury on Thames, Richmond, Sheen, Kew, Twickenham, Petersham, Ham, Kingston, Roehamptom and Putney.

Do you have plans to open other Bloo House schools around the country?

Bloo House is meeting a growing need for balanced, high quality primary education. Therefore, future plans will involve more than one Bloo House site.

How do I register my interest in Bloo House?

Please call us on 01932 228940. The school office is open during term time from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Out of term time please send us an e-mail to enquiries@bloohouse.co.uk with your contact details and we will reply as soon as we can.

What is your admission procedure?

We offer only a limited number of places each term. If the Bloo House team feel that we are able to meet the needs of your family and your child, then we will invite you to visit us at the school. Usually you would leave your child with us for the day to see how they get on.

Following this school visit, the Bloo House team and you would discuss your child’s experience and decide if you would like to register for a place.

We only offer a place to a child where we are certain that we are able to provide the highest standard of education and care for their particular needs.

A holding deposit is taken at the time of acceptance as places are limited.