Preparatory Schools Boarding: Bed Time Bells
Figure 1.--These boys have just finished a spirited game and are waiting for their bed time bell to ring.
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The children have had a busy day with plenty of both school work and exercise. This most children are tired by the end of the day. The children's bed-times are staggered by age so the younger children go to bed a little earlier. The amount of free time in the evening thus depends on the child's age. Although some schools do it by class. The younger children need more time for sleep, but this also is a convenient way of organizing bed time so matron and the staff can supervise the hole process. Generally the younger boys are put to bed earlier than at home. Some of the children complained about this, but as they are good and tired, quickly fall asleep. The children are summoned to bed by a bell. The actual times vary from school to school only slightly. The bell for youngest children at most schools rings at about 7.30 pm. Often schools vary the bell times seasonally as it is still light in England at 7:30 during the summer term. The bell for each succeeding age group then rings every 15 minutes. The children bath or shower. Matron inspects the children, especially the younger ones. She carefully sees to any scrapes and bruises or more serious ailments.
