Questions

Whether they are in school or are staying with a host family, Study Links International Ltd will be the guardian of your child. During term time, the school has responsibility for day-to-day care, as well as for the academic and social development of your child. Host families take over responsibility for day-to-day care whilst your child is staying with them at times when the school is closed. However, if there is a problem at school or whilst your child is living with a host family the guardian will provide 24 hour emergency care.
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Why not use a friend or relative as a guardian?

A guardian has an important responsibility and must be available to help and provide safe and appropriate accommodation for your child immediately in the event of an emergency. Friends and relatives may not always be available and it may not be convenient for them to provide accommodation for your child in their own home when needed. In addition, friends and relatives may not be familiar with the UK education system and British culture and therefore may not be the best person to advise your child. By using Study Links International there are many advantages, including a 24 hour emergency contact and over 10 years of experience in providing high quality guardianship care for overseas students.
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My child is responsible and very mature and can look after himself – do I really need a guardian?

Most UK schools insist that an overseas student has a guardian even if they are over 18 years old. Mature and sensible children can and do encounter problems from time to time and can benefit from the help of a professional, caring guardian.
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Does Study Links International provide guardianship to students in all parts of the UK?

Study Links International is based in the north of England but has links with schools all over the country. We can provide guardianship in most areas of the UK.
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Where does our child live during the short half term and weekend school holidays?

Your child will live with carefully selected host families. If you want your child to stay with relatives or a family friend we will need your written permission for this and their contact details in case of an emergency.
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How do you choose your host families?

Host Families usually come to us by recommendation. Prospective families are required to give details of their family members, their occupation, their interests, their pets and other information to determine their suitability for hosting students. We then arrange a home visit to meet the family and inspect the facilities available to the student. The visit also helps us to establish if the family is caring and warm, which is extremely important for the welfare of your child. We make detailed notes which enable us to match your child to a suitable family. All of our families have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check (Police Check) and provide references.
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Will another student live in the same host family as my child?

In many cases, two students will go to the same host family together and this can provide friendship and support. However, if you prefer your child to be the only student in the host family, please let us know before we allocate the accommodation and we will select the family according to your wishes.
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How often will you meet my child?

The number of visits varies according to which level of service you select for your child. The higher the level of service the more visits. We also keep in contact with your child by phone and email. The Study Links team liaises with school staff and host families to ensure your child is making good progress.
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What happens if my child is suspended or permanently excluded from school?

A student can be suspended from school for some days or even weeks if he/she is very naughty and guilty of one of a number of serious offences, including bullying, smoking, drinking alcohol, taking or selling illegal drugs or constant breaking of school rules. We will arrange Host Family accommodation for the period of the suspension and discuss the matter in depth with the school, keeping you informed of developments. If permanently excluded, we will assist in the process of finding an alternative school or arrange for your child to return home to you.
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What happens in an emergency?

Parents, children, school staff and host families are provided with our emergency contact details. We will take appropriate action according to the type of emergency and keep you informed at all times.
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How can I choose the right school for my child?

Study Links International will assist in choosing the right school for your child.
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Will my child easily adapt to boarding school life?

Boarding schools in the UK are renowned for the excellent support and care of their students. We will do our utmost to support your child and give them the attention that they need.
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Is it important that my child travels to and from the school on the published start and end of term dates?

Yes. All students should arrive and leave on the correct date. Some parents are tempted to allow their child to travel on the wrong date as plane tickets are sometimes cheaper at other times. However, it is very disruptive for your own child and also creates problems for the school staff and other children at the school.
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Who attends the school Parents’ evenings? Will I be informed of my child’s progress at school?

If you wish a member of our team to attend your child’s Parents’ evening you need to select the level of guardianship that includes this service. On request, we can arrange for a report or important documents to be translated into the language you need.
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How much pocket money should I give my child?

Each school usually advises on the amount of pocket money to provide. Your child should not keep large amounts of cash in their bedroom. It is safer to give the pocket money to the school Staff to keep and monitor. Alternatively, Study Links can help you supervise the pocket money.
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