After what is usually a long flight and an emotional departure, we think it is important for the student to be met by a friendly face. This will either be Ben, Pippa or Fiona if it’s for the student’s first visit or a qualified, friendly and safe driver for subsequent visits. All the drivers are known to Pippa’s Guardians and have been thoroughly checked. Some schools themselves will arrange a bus service for the arrival of their international students.

Parents often choose to have their children travel as ‘unaccompanied minors’ which means they are thoroughly looked after by the airline and released only to an authorised representative who must be carrying all the correct identification.

All students will be registered with the local National Health Service Doctor who will attend to your child should they fall ill. This is provided free of charge even if they are admitted to hospital. Should there be a serious illness/injuries Pippa’s Guardians will be in contact with the parents of this child and to keep them informed of their child’s progress at all times. All schools will have an in-house nurse and medical centre to care for the students.

The schools provide regular written reports on their student’s academic progress. Typically there are three written academic reports a year, one at the end of each term, but the students are regularly assessed with grade marks for effort and achievement several times throughout each term. Furthermore there will be an annual parent-teacher meeting which a representative of Pippa’s Guardians will attend on behalf of the parents and will provide a full written report which will be sent to the parent.

Pippa’s Guardians makes every effort to ensure that the students maintain a good discipline record. Regular discussions with the schools ensure that discipline is tracked at all times and measures are taken before schools feel the need to administer stronger penalties. No school tolerates smoking, drinking alcohol or the use of drugs. However, should the student be excluded or suspended from the school for a period of time local, host families will be in attendance to care for the child during this period. Every effort will be made by Pippa’s Guardians to ensure that students maintain the correct discipline in keeping with the schools regulations. After fifteen years of experience, Pippa’s Guardians understands the importance of discipline on a student’s successful education in the UK.

As Pippa’s Guardians are very familiar with each host family, the most practical solution is for Pippa’s Guardians to match the child with the most suitable family through the selection criteria. Parents of the child will be informed of the decision and no placement is complete without prior consent from the parent. Full details of the host family will be provided with all contact details.

Normally students have their own room and desk. However, at times students ask to share rooms with their friends or the children of children or the children of the family. This can often provide friendship and support and can be arranged.

Most schools have two weekend breaks (exeats) and a half term during each of the three terms. Typically this is when the student will stay with the host family although some students do fly home for the long half term break. Sometimes at the start or end of each term there may be a period where the child needs to stay with the host family as well.

Yes, this is possible. We want your child to feel safe and happy so if we need to change the family for whatever reason we do. However, we are confident that our selection criteria ensures that the most suitable family will be found for your child.

Pippa’s Guardians will visit your child at least twice a term. We believe that this face to face contact is essential to the welfare and happiness of the student and is of utmost priority for us. We also encourage your child to contact Pippa’s Guardians at any time should they require any assistance.

Absolutely. You dictate how much you’d like your child to receive and Pippa will transfer this to them either through the school safe or through their own bank account.

Yes and Pippa’s Guardians can assist with this.

This will require a full term’s notice in writing. Any money left over in your child’s account will then be refunded to you.

Pippa’s Guardians can be contacted 24/7 for emergencies. All relevant contact numbers will be provided to the parents, schools and student for everyone’s peace of mind.

Absolutely. Pippa’s Guardians is a fully accredited member of AEGIS (The Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Pupils). AEGIS demands the highest of standards and any every member company has been fully inspected and passed many strict criteria so they can be relied on to provide top quality care. Pippa’s Guardian takes the responsibility of caring for the students very seriously so full accreditation has been met and the highest standards will be maintained.

Details on AEGIS can be found at http://www.aegisuk.net/.