Last weekend, parents joined us in the Erskine May Hall for this year’s Parent Partnership Conference at the close of Children’s Mental Health Week. The event brought together expert speakers, staff and families for a morning focused on supporting teenage boys through the challenges of adolescence.
The conference opened with an introduction from our boys, before parents took part in three specialist-led sessions:
Keeping Teenagers Safe
Mr Richard Denton of Bedfordshire Police shared key insights into keeping young people safe, including understanding Serious Youth Violence (SYV) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), and the signs parents can look out for.
Parenting Teenage Boys: Understanding and Managing Anxiety
Ms Kate Medlin, Psychodynamic Counsellor explained what typical teenage anxiety looks like, outlined when to be concerned and gave practical techniques to support boys’ wellbeing. She also highlighted helpful indicators, strategies and further resources for families.
Supporting Your Son Through Secondary School
Ms Katharine Radice, Author of The Parent’s Guide to Exam Stress, outlined how parents can adapt as the educational environment changes, offering advice on encouraging constructive conversations about school, developing independent study habits and supporting boys through exam periods.
The morning concluded with an ‘Ask the Panel Q&A’ led by Mr Sam Baldock, Vice Master, followed by a hot lunch in the Café Bar which gave an opportunity for parents to continue discussions informally.
Alongside the programme, the Parents’ Guild and Prep Guild hosted a successful cake sale in aid of Bedfordshire Open Door, supported by Richard Denton and Guild Chair Nancy Sarro.
One parent commented after the event,
“I wanted to write and thank all of the organisers and speakers for putting on the Parent Partnership Conference yesterday. It was really informative and much appreciated.”
We are grateful to all speakers, staff and Guild volunteers for making the conference such a meaningful and informative event.
