Summerhill cannot afford to let hygiene slip so we have to keep the school up to standard by employing cleaning staff. This also cuts out any conflict over an issue that would be on-going and unproductive. Children have a great deal of interest in what time they go to bed at night, but little in keeping the corridors tidy!

The older children with individual bedrooms are responsible for their own washing and cleaning, and the whole community has to take care of keeping the school grounds tidy. This usually involves a “litter pick-up” used as a fine for misdemeanours. There is a ‘Health & safety’ committee to ensure that standards of reasonable hygiene and safety are maintained, they visit all rooms (including staff who live in areas adjoining the children) a few times each term.

Most children enjoy doing some cooking – but having to feed over 100 people every day for the whole year is a different kettle of fish! We also have to comply with Health & Hygiene rules, which make it impossible for the children to cook for the whole school.

We employ a team of professional chefs to look after the catering. However, there are many opportunities for the children to get involved in cooking: cookery classes, kitchen helping, bar committee, school café etc.and areas to cook for themselves.