Educating the future generation

High-quality education for the children of those in the licensed retail sector is high on the LTC's list of priorities this year

Many people in the licensed retail sector are aware of the existence and work of the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC).

One key area for the organisation in 2008 is to ensure that people working in the trade know that they are entitled to a significant discount on fees to the charity's two schools: the Licensed Victuallers School (LVS), in Ascot, and the Elvian School in Reading, both in Berkshire. Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to those working in

the sector.

Both schools are co-educational and non-selective. Elvian is a day school for nursery, junior and senior pupils, while the LVS caters for children aged four-and-a-half through to 18 years for both day and boarding pupils.

The link between education and the LTC stretches back 200 years and the charity has continued to invest in children's education over the decades.

The Elvian School in Reading was acquired by the LTC in 2004 after the previous school failed to meet its academic targets. Now the school is working hard to ensure the Elvian matches the LVS's outstanding results and is already seeing the fruits of its hard work.

Built in the late 1980s, the purpose-built LVS complex offers excellent facilities for academic and extra-curricular activities. An indoor swimming pool, purpose-built performing arts centre, incorporating a theatre with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a newly-opened library resource and sixth-form centre are just some of the amenities available to students. The school is honoured to have HM the Queen as its patron.

To support parents working in the licensed trade at its busiest time of year, the LTC held a Christmas camp for children in December at the LVS.

The camp provided a jam-packed fun programme of activities, including five-a-side football, swimming, designing and making home-made Christmas decorations and presents at art sessions, and saw the children creating their own plays or drama sketches in the performing arts centre. The camp culminated in a Christmas party where the children celebrated with their new-found friends.

Perfect solution

Karen Duxbury-Watkinson, licensee of the Mare & Foal pub in Crediton, Devon, whose children Charlotte and Jack attended the camp, says: "When I read about the camp in the Morning Advertiser, it seemed the perfect solution for the family.

"The timing of the camp was perfect. As everyone working in the trade knows, Christmas is such a busy time, and unfortunately you don't always have the chance to do all the nice stuff associated with the festive season with your children, simply because you are too busy making sure everyone else has a great time.

"My two children, Charlotte, aged eight, and Jack, aged 11, had a fantastic time - they came back feeling shattered and both said they'd had an absolute ball. The facilities and activities provided really appealed to their individual interests and the staff were young, enthusiastic and dedicated.

"I really can't say enough good things about the camp and the school."

Following the children's attendance at the camp, Karen applied for a bursary for the children to attend the school on a boarding basis.

"Through the camp, my husband and I found out that bursaries to the school were available for those working in the sector. Visiting the school, seeing its facilities and finding the school staff friendly and welcoming made the decision to send both our children there much easier.

"The communication that we received about the camp and how it was run, gave me the confidence to approach the LTC and ask them for assistance."

Developing skills and confidence

LTC director of marketing & charity services Liz Gaffer says: "The schools are such a feather in the cap of the LTC. We want to ensure that everyone in the trade who has children and is considering sending them to independent school is aware of the benefits we offer.

"With results above the national average, the confidence, skills and personal development the children gain during their time with us make the schools something that we are really proud of. We are delighted to play a part in developing the generations of the future."

l To receive a discount, one parent should be a member of the charity, which costs just £30 per year. To qualify for membership, you need to be working in the trade, including brewery staff, bar staff and office staff of alcohol companies among many other roles.

For full membership details and to receive a free prospectus about either school, please call LTC membership on 01344 884440.

Take A school Tour

The LVS and Elvian schools run a series of open days throughout the year when parents and children can view their facilities. Visitors attend on a normal school day and are welcome to see classes in action.

The next open days for the LVS and the Elvian School are:

l Thursday, 28 February 2008, 10am-4pm

l Thursday, 15 May 2008, 10am-4pm

The LVS also runs Saturday tours. These are by appointment only and take in all

aspects of the school, including

boarding and teaching facilities, and the grounds. The next tour day is on Saturday, 26 April 2008, starting at 10am.

If you are interested in attending either an open day or a Saturday tour at the LVS, in Ascot, please telephone 01344 882770 to reserve a place.

If you would like to make an appointment to visit the Elvian School in Reading, please contact Sue Smith at the admissions

department on 01189 572861.