Welcome and Introduction

 

Welcome to Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd (Skywise Guardianship)! We are honoured that you have entrusted us with the care and support of your child during their educational journey in the UK. Our mission is to ensure that your child has a safe, fulfilling, and successful experience while studying abroad.

 

At Skywise Guardianship, we understand that sending your child to a different country can be both exciting and challenging. That's why we are here—to provide the guidance, care, and attention your child needs while away from home. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to supporting both students and parents, offering a range of services designed to make this transition as smooth as possible.

 

Our Approach

 

We believe that every student is unique, and our approach is tailored to meet the individual needs of your child. We focus on:

• Personalised Support: Our team works closely with your child to ensure their academic, emotional, and cultural needs are met.
• Safety and Welfare: Your child’s well-being is our top priority. We provide safe, nurturing environments through trusted host families, regular check-ins, and 24/7 emergency support.
• Clear Communication: We know that keeping parents informed is crucial. We’ll update you regularly on your child’s progress, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.
• Cultural Integration: Studying abroad is not just about academics. We support your child’s cultural adaptation, helping them thrive in a new environment while maintaining connections to their home culture.
• Comprehensive Support Network: From academic guidance to social activities, our team ensures that your child has everything they need to succeed—both in school and outside the classroom.

 

How We Work Together

 

While your child is under our guardianship, we aim to establish a strong partnership with you. We believe that collaboration between parents, students, and our team ensures the best outcomes. We are here to assist with any concerns, big or small, and to support your child’s growth and development while they study abroad.

 

Thank you again for choosing Skywise Educational Guardianship. We look forward to working with you and supporting your child’s exciting journey ahead.

 

 

Our Team

 

Our team consists of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing personalized care and guidance to ensure a positive and enriching experience for all involved.

Allow us to introduce some key members of our team:

 

1. Tina Zheng - Guardianship Coordinator

 

-        Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 

 

Tina Zheng serves as the Guardianship Coordinator at Skywise Guardianship, overseeing the comprehensive support and assistance provided to international students and their host families. In her role, Tina is responsible for:

- Acting as the primary point of contact for homestay providers, addressing any questions, concerns, or inquiries related to hosting international students.

- Coordinating the placement of international students with suitable homestay families, ensuring compatibility and alignment of preferences and needs.

- Conducting regular check-ins with homestay providers and international students to assess their well-being and satisfaction with the placement.

- Facilitating communication between homestay providers, educational institutions, and parents or guardians of international students to address any issues or concerns that may arise.

- Providing guidance and support to homestay providers on cultural integration, student welfare, and emergency procedures.

- Collaborating with other members of the guardianship team to ensure a holistic and seamless support system for international students throughout their educational journey.

Tina Zheng brings a compassionate approach to her role, ensuring that homestay providers feel supported and international students receive the care and assistance they need to thrive in their new environment.

- Contact Information: tina.zheng@skywisegroup.com, 07792766329

 

2. Katherine Lee - Student Support Coordinator

 

-        British Council UK Agent and Counsellor Certificate

-        CSTF Safeguarding Children Level 1, 2 & 3

-        Alison Safer Recruitment Certificate

-        Prevent/Anti-radicalization Training Certificates

 

Katherine Lee serves as the Student Support Coordinator at Skywise Guardianship, responsible for providing comprehensive support and assistance to international students throughout their educational journey. In her role, Katherine's responsibilities include:

 

- Serving as a primary point of contact for international students, offering guidance, support, and assistance in various aspects of their student life.

- Providing orientation and ongoing support to help international students navigate their new environment, including cultural adaptation, academic support, and social integration.

- Facilitating communication between international students, their host families, educational institutions, and guardianship organization to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

- Offering assistance with practical matters such as healthcare, transportation, banking, and other daily living needs.

- Providing emotional support and guidance to international students, including assistance with homesickness, stress management, and adjustment to a new culture.

- Organizing and coordinating social and cultural activities to promote cross-cultural exchange and enhance the overall student experience.

- Collaborating with other members of the guardianship team to ensure a holistic and supportive environment for international students.

 

Katherine Lee brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to her role, ensuring that international students feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed in their educational endeavors.

- Contact Information: katherine.lee@skysiwegroup.com, 07809721064

 

3. Grace Lee & Carol Chen - Emergency Support Managers (UK & China)

 

As the company’s founders, Grace Lee and Carol Chen serve as the Emergency Support Manager at Skywise Guardianship, responsible for overseeing emergency preparedness and providing immediate assistance to international students in crisis situations. In this role, their responsibilities include:

 

- Serving as the primary point of contact for international students in emergency situations, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other urgent matters.

- Coordinating with local authorities, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders to address emergency situations and ensure appropriate assistance and support for international students.

- Providing guidance and support to international students and their host families on emergency preparedness, including information on emergency contacts, evacuation procedures, and safety protocols.

- Maintaining a network of resources and contacts to facilitate timely and appropriate responses to emergency situations, including access to medical care, transportation, and temporary accommodations if needed.

- Collaborating with other members of the guardianship team to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness and response.

Paul Lee brings a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of international students in all circumstances.

- Contact Information: info@skywisegroup.com, 07939206682; carol.chen@skywisegroup.com, 0086-13911758098

 

4. Tina Zheng - Academic Support Advisor

 

Tina Zheng, an experienced tutor with over ten years of experience, serves as the Academic Support Advisor at Skywise Guardianship, responsible for providing comprehensive academic guidance and support to international students. In her role, the responsibilities include:

 

- Offering personalised academic advising to international students to help them navigate their educational journey and achieve their academic goals.

- Providing assistance with course selection, academic planning, and registration processes to ensure that international students are enrolled in appropriate and fulfilling academic programs.

- Offering support and guidance to international students on academic policies, procedures, and requirements at their respective educational institutions.

- Assisting international students with understanding and adapting to the academic culture and expectations in their host country, including study habits, academic writing, and examination preparation.

- Collaborating with educational institutions and faculty members to advocate for the academic needs and interests of international students and facilitate communication between students and academic advisors.

- Providing resources and referrals to academic support services, such as tutoring, writing centers, and study groups, to help international students succeed academically.

- Monitoring academic progress and performance of international students and offering intervention and support as needed to address academic challenges and promote success.

Tina Zheng brings a wealth of experience in academic advising and a dedication to supporting international students in achieving their academic aspirations.

- Contact Information: tina.zheng@skysiwegroup.com, 07792766329  

 

Our team is here to provide guidance, assistance, and support to both homestay providers and international students throughout their time with us. Whether you have questions about cultural integration, academic support, emergency assistance, or any other aspect of hosting international students, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

The Role of Skywise Guardianship

Skywise Guardianship plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and support of international students studying abroad. Here's an outline of the role of the guardianship organization:

 

1. Student Welfare and Support:

- Skywise Guardianship serves as a point of contact and support for international students throughout their educational journey. We act as a guardian or advocate for the students, ensuring their well-being, safety, and happiness while they are away from home.

- We provide support in various aspects of student life, including accommodation arrangements, visa and immigration matters, healthcare, academic support, and social integration.

 

2. Emergency Assistance:

- In case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, we are available to provide immediate assistance to students. This could include medical emergencies, legal issues, or any other urgent situations requiring intervention.

- We maintain a network of contacts and resources to address emergencies promptly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all times.

 

3. Communication and Liaison:

- Skywise Guardianship serves as a bridge of communication between international students, their host families, schools, and parents or guardians back home. We facilitate clear and effective communication channels to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

- We also liaise with educational institutions, homestay providers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the needs of international students are met and that they have a positive educational experience.

 

4. Cultural Orientation and Support:

- Recognizing the cultural adjustment that international students may experience, Skywise Guardianship provides cultural orientation and support to help students acclimate to their new environment.

- We offer guidance on cultural norms, customs, and expectations, as well as practical advice on navigating daily life in a new country.

 

5. Regular Check-Ins and Monitoring:

- Skywise Guardianship conducts regular check-ins with international students to assess their well-being, academic progress, and overall adjustment to their host country.

- We monitor students' living arrangements, academic performance, and social integration to ensure that they are thriving in their new environment and address any challenges or concerns promptly.

 

6. 24/7 Availability:

- Skywise Guardianship provides round-the-clock support and assistance to international students and their families, ensuring that help is available whenever needed, regardless of the time zone.

 

Overall, Skywise Guardianship plays a vital role in supporting international students throughout their educational journey abroad, ensuring their well-being, safety, and academic success. They serve as a trusted advocate and support system, helping students navigate the challenges of studying in the UK and facilitating a positive and enriching experience.

 

The Role of a Homestay

 

The role of homestay is essential in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for international students studying abroad. Here’s an outline of the role of the homestay:

 

1. Accommodation and Housing:

The primary responsibility is to provide safe, comfortable, and culturally appropriate accommodation for international students. This includes a private bedroom, access to shared living spaces, and amenities necessary for daily living.

 

2. Cultural Integration:

They play a key role in facilitating cultural integration for international students by introducing them to local customs, traditions, and daily routines. This helps students adjust to their new environment and feel more connected to the local community.

 

3. Support and Guidance:

They offer support and guidance to international students, serving as a friendly and approachable point of contact for any questions, concerns, or challenges they may encounter during their stay. This includes providing information about local amenities, transportation, and activities.

 

4. Nutritional Support:

They provide nutritious meals for international students, taking into account any dietary restrictions or preferences they may have. This helps ensure that students maintain a healthy diet while away from home and provides them with a taste of local cuisine.

 

5. Safety and Security:

Ensuring the safety and security of international students is paramount. They maintain a secure and welcoming environment, with clear guidelines on safety protocols and emergency procedures in place.

 

6. Caring Environment:

They strive to create a warm and caring environment for international students, where the students feel valued, respected, and part of the family. This includes fostering open communication, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging.

 

7. Academic Support:

While they are not responsible for academic instruction, they can provide a supportive environment for studying and learning. This may include designated study areas, access to Wi-Fi, and assistance with navigating academic resources.

 

8. Cultural Exchange:

Hosting international students provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning for both the students and the host family. They encourage open dialogue and interaction, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

 

9. Regular Communication:

They maintain regular communication with the guardianship organization, educational institution, and parents or guardians of international students to provide updates on their well-being and progress.

 

10. Respect for Privacy:

They respect the privacy and personal space of international students while also encouraging open communication and engagement with the host family.

 

Overall, a homestay provider’s role is to create a supportive and nurturing environment for international students, helping them feel at home and thrive during their study abroad experience.

 

The Role of a School

 

The Role of a School in Supporting International Boarding Students and Their Guardianship

Schools play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and academic success of international boarding students. As a visa sponsor, the school holds overall responsibility for each student and works closely with guardianship organisations to provide comprehensive support. Below are the key responsibilities of a school in relation to international boarding students and their guardianship arrangements:

 

1. Communication and Collaboration with Guardianship Organisations

• Maintain regular communication with the guardianship organisation, in line with parental requirements, to ensure students receive appropriate support.
• Be informed in advance whenever a guardian or representative visits the school to meet with a student.
• Receive and acknowledge written confirmation of the specific services requested by each student’s parents at the start of each academic year or upon a new student’s enrolment.

 

2. Student Welfare and Wellbeing

• Work in collaboration with the guardianship organisation to monitor and support each student's welfare, including physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Provide necessary medical care and liaise with guardians regarding any required medication or health concerns.

 

3. Travel, Transport, and Homestay Arrangements

• Ensure the guardianship organisation is involved in all travel and transport arrangements for students, particularly during school breaks or emergency situations.
• Liaise with the guardianship organisation regarding homestay arrangements, ensuring safe and appropriate accommodation is provided when needed.
• Keep an open channel of communication with guardians about any changes to travel, homestay, or general guardianship arrangements.

 

4. Record Keeping and Compliance

• Maintain a comprehensive record of all visits and communication with the guardianship organisation.
• Ensure that if a student changes guardians, the school is promptly informed by the guardianship organisation.
• In case the designated guardian is unavailable, be informed of the alternative contact person responsible for the student's guardianship duties.

 

5. Supporting Schools in Meeting Their Visa Sponsorship Duties

• As the visa sponsor, the school carries the ultimate responsibility for the student’s welfare and must receive up-to-date and accurate information regarding guardianship, homestay, and travel arrangements.
• Expect guardianship organisations to assist in meeting these responsibilities by providing timely and accurate updates, particularly when changes occur.

 

By fostering a strong partnership between the school, guardianship organisations, and parents, schools can help ensure a safe, structured, and supportive environment for international boarding students throughout their academic journey.

 

Safeguarding

 

Skywise Guardianship is committed to safeguarding and child protection. We have comprehensive policies on safeguarding, prevent / anti-radicalisation, low level concerns, complaints, anti-bullying, missing student, online safety, data protection, whistle blowing that provide further information and outline our procedures. These can be found from www.skywisegroup.com (Ctrl + Click to follow link).

 

Safeguarding http://www.skywisegroup.com/safeguarding_child_protection_p

Prevent / anti-radicalisation http://www.skywisegroup.com/anti_radicalisation_prevent_duty

Low level concerns http://www.skywisegroup.com/low_level_concerns_policy

Complaints http://www.skywisegroup.com/complaints_policy

Anti-bullying http://www.skywisegroup.com/anti_bullying_policy

Missing student http://www.skywisegroup.com/missing_student_policy

Online safety http://www.skywisegroup.com/online_safety_policy

Data protection http://www.skywisegroup.com/data_protection_p_privacy_notice

Whistleblowing policy: http://www.skywisegroup.com/whistleblowing_policy

 

We have a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputy. You or your child can raise a safeguarding concern with your contact at the guardianship organisation or directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (contact numbers are included in the table below). Alternatively, you may wish to raise a concern directly with the school your child attends. All schools have their own Designated Safeguarding Lead. Please note that any concern that you or your child raise with us will be taken seriously and will be handled in line with our published procedures.

 

Statement of Services

 

At Skywise Guardianship, we are committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality, and personalized guardianship services to ensure the safety, well-being, and academic success of every student under our care. Our services are designed to offer peace of mind to parents while fostering a supportive and enriching environment for students studying abroad.

 

1. Student Welfare & Well-Being

• 24/7 emergency support for students in case of urgent needs.
• Regular check-ins to monitor students' well-being, academic progress, and personal development.
• Assistance with medical appointments, including registration with a local doctor and emergency healthcare support.
• Emotional and pastoral care through mentorship and counseling referrals if needed.

 

2. Academic Support

• Regular communication with schools to monitor student performance and address concerns.
• Guidance on academic expectations and support in liaising with teachers and school staff.
• Assistance with school reports, parents' evenings, and academic progress discussions.

 

3. Accommodation & Host Family Arrangements

• Placement with carefully selected host families or appropriate accommodation arrangements.
• Regular visits and assessments to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.
• Assistance in resolving accommodation-related issues or concerns.

 

4. Travel & Holiday Arrangements

• Assistance with airport transfers and travel arrangements during term breaks.
• Support in planning safe and suitable holiday arrangements when students are not returning home.
• Supervision and accommodation arrangements for unaccompanied minors when required.

 

5. Communication & Reporting

• Regular updates to parents regarding students' well-being, academic progress, and any concerns.
• Dedicated guardianship coordinator available for direct communication with parents and students.
• Assistance with important documents, visa renewals, and school-related paperwork.

 

6. Legal & Compliance Support

• Adherence to UK safeguarding policies and child protection regulations.
• Support with visa and immigration compliance as required.
• Guidance on school policies, student rights, and legal obligations.

 

At Skywise Guardianship, our priority is to provide a secure and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally while ensuring parents remain well-informed and reassured about their child’s well-being.

 

 

Contact Details

There may be times that you need to contact us. We are always here to assist you with any requests or concerns that you may have. You can contact in the following ways:

Tel (office hours 8am – 5pm)   

Ms Zhiying Zheng 07792766329

Mrs Katherine Lee 07809721064

Email：info@skywiseegroup.com

WeChat：klee821

 

Emergencies 24/7

UK – Miss Grace Lee 07767599455

info@skywisegroup.com

China – Ms Yanping Chen 0086-13911758098

carol.chen@skywisegroup.com

 

Safeguarding concerns

Designated safeguarding Lead  

Ms Zhiying Zheng 07792766329

tina.zheng@skywisegroup.com

Contact Details for the Local Safeguarding Partners (LSP)  

the Redbridge MASH 020 8708 3885

CPAT.Referrals@redbridge.gov.uk

 

Contact Details for the Local Area Designated Officer (LADO)   

Helen Curtis 020 8708 5350

helen.curtis@redbridge.gov.uk

 

Transport Arrangements

 

Skywise Guardianship provides comprehensive transport arrangements for international students, ensuring their safe and smooth transition. Here is an outline of our transport arrangements:

 

1. Airport Pickup and Drop-off:

- Upon arrival in the UK, a designated representative from Skywise Guardianship will meet the student at the airport. This representative will be easily identifiable and will assist the student with luggage and immigration procedures.

- Similarly, at the end of the student's stay or during scheduled breaks, Skywise Guardianship will arrange for transportation to the airport for departure, ensuring that the student reaches the airport in a timely manner.

 

2. Modes of Transport:

- Depending on the distance from the airport to the student's accommodation, we utilize a variety of transportation modes such as private drivers, taxis, or pre-arranged shuttle services.

- For longer distances or when necessary, we may also arrange train or bus transportation, ensuring that the mode of transport is safe, reliable, and comfortable for the student.

 

3. Transport Organization for Various Times:

- Skywise Guardianship takes responsibility for organizing transport at different times, including the start and end of terms, half-terms, exeats, and any other scheduled breaks.

- We coordinate with the host family or accommodation provider to ensure that transportation arrangements align with the student's academic calendar and travel plans.

 

4. Information Required from Parents:

- Parents are required to provide detailed travel information, including flight itineraries, arrival and departure dates, and any special requirements or preferences regarding transportation.

- This information should be communicated to the guardianship organization well in advance, ideally before the start of the academic term or at least two weeks prior to the student's arrival or departure.

 

5. Communication and Deadlines:

- Parents can submit travel information and any relevant details to Skywise Guardianship through our designated communication channels, which may include email, wechat, or dedicated phone lines.

- We set deadlines for submitting travel information to ensure that we have ample time to make appropriate transportation arrangements and to avoid any last-minute complications or delays.

 

Skywise Guardianship prioritizes the safety, comfort, and convenience of international students by providing reliable and well-coordinated transport arrangements throughout their stay in the UK. Parents can rest assured that their child's transportation needs are in good hands with our dedicated team.

 

Change of Plan?

There may be occasions when you need to change the arrangements that have been made for an exeat, half-term, holiday, or other periods of homestay. Please ensure that you contact us as soon as possible, and no later than two weeks before the arranged stay, Include details of what will happen if changes are made last minute.

 

Emergencies

Skywise Guardianship will respond to any requests to provide emergency support and accommodation for students. For example, this could be due to a medical issue or suspension. Where possible the student will be placed with their usual homestay, but if this is not possible, they will be cared for by another homestay family who works for our organisation.

 

Requesting and Arranging a Homestay

 

At Skywise Guardianship, we understand how important it is for your child to feel safe, comfortable, and supported in their homestay environment. We take great care in matching students with welcoming host families who provide a stable and nurturing home away from home.

 

How to Request a Homestay

If your child requires a homestay placement, please follow the procedure below:

1. Submit a Homestay Request Form
   Parents or guardians should complete a Homestay Request Form, which can be provided by your Skywise coordinator. This form includes details about your child’s preferences, dietary needs, allergies, hobbies, personality, and any other relevant information to help us make the best match possible.
2. Specify Dates and Purpose
   Please indicate the dates your child requires homestay accommodation. This could be for term-time stays, short breaks, exeat weekends, school holidays, or airport transfers. The more notice we have, the better we can plan a suitable arrangement.
3. Confirmation and Placement Matching
   Once we receive the form, our team will identify a suitable host family based on your child’s profile and preferences. All our homestay families are carefully vetted, DBS-checked, and trained in safeguarding. You will receive confirmation of the placement, including details of the family, location, and contact information.
4. Pre-Stay Introduction
   We aim to provide an introduction to the host family in advance of the stay—either by email or a short video call—so your child can feel more comfortable before arriving.
5. Arrival and Support
   On the day of arrival, your child will be welcomed by the host family and supported in settling in. A member of the Skywise team will follow up to ensure the placement is going well.
6. Ongoing Monitoring
   We maintain regular communication with both the student and the host family. If any issues arise, we will respond quickly and, if necessary, arrange an alternative placement.

 

Important Notes for Parents

• Please submit homestay requests at least 2–3 weeks in advance whenever possible. Last-minute requests can be accommodated in urgent cases, but advance notice helps ensure a better match.
• All placements are arranged in accordance with our safeguarding policies and the best interests of your child.
• We are happy to work with you to ensure your child is placed in a supportive environment that meets their academic, emotional, and cultural needs.

 

For questions or to request a form, please contact your Guardianship Coordinator or email: info@skywisegroup.com

 

Emergency Homestay Arrangements

 

At Skywise Guardianship, we understand that unexpected situations can arise where immediate alternative accommodation is needed for your child. Whether due to illness, a medical emergency, school suspension, or other unforeseen circumstances, we are fully prepared to respond quickly and ensure your child is cared for in a safe, supportive environment.

 

When Emergency Homestay is Needed

Emergency homestay arrangements may be required in situations such as:

• Your child becomes unwell and cannot remain at school or in boarding.
• The school requests that your child leave temporarily due to disciplinary action (e.g., suspension).
• There is a disruption at the current accommodation (e.g., host family emergency or sudden unavailability).
• Travel disruptions prevent your child from returning home or to school as planned.

 

Our Response Process

1. Immediate Assessment
   As soon as we are informed of the situation, we assess the urgency and specific needs of your child—such as medical care, emotional support, or supervision.
2. Safe Homestay Placement
   We will arrange for your child to stay with one of our trusted and approved emergency host families. All emergency hosts are fully DBS-checked, trained in safeguarding, and experienced in caring for international students.
3. Transport and Supervision
   If needed, Skywise will arrange safe transport from the school or current location to the emergency homestay. A member of our team may accompany your child depending on the circumstances.
4. Parental Notification
   We will notify parents or guardians as soon as possible, keeping you informed of your child’s location, condition, and the steps we are taking. You will receive the contact details of the host family and any updates regarding your child’s health or situation.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
   Our team will stay in contact with the host family and your child to ensure their needs are met and they feel safe and supported. We also assist with access to healthcare if required and liaise with the school regarding return arrangements.
6. Costs
   Emergency homestay and transport costs will be communicated clearly and invoiced according to our guardianship agreement. We aim to keep arrangements as cost-effective as possible during urgent situations.

 

If you have any questions about our emergency homestay procedures or would like to ensure your emergency contact details are up to date, please contact us at info@skywisegroup.com.

 

Pastoral and Academic Updates
on Student Welfare and Progress

 

At Skywise Educational Guardianship, we are committed to keeping parents informed about their child’s well-being, academic performance, and overall progress during their time in the UK. We understand how important regular updates are for your peace of mind and your child’s success, and we work closely with schools and homestay families to ensure you stay connected and reassured.

 

What You Can Expect

Depending on the level of guardianship service selected, we provide timely and appropriate updates in the following areas:

1. School Progress and Academic Updates

• We liaise directly with your child’s school to monitor academic performance, attendance, and behaviour.
• Where possible, we attend parent-teacher meetings (in person or virtually) on your behalf or alongside your child.
• We provide academic reports or summaries, particularly after school assessments or at the end of term.
• If concerns arise—such as underperformance, special educational needs, or exam preparation support—we will inform you and offer guidance or referrals for extra academic assistance.

 

2. Pastoral and Emotional Well-being

• We maintain regular contact with your child to check on their emotional health, adjustment, and overall experience.
• If we notice signs of homesickness, anxiety, or other concerns, we will provide support and, if needed, work with school counsellors or external professionals.
• Any significant pastoral concerns will be communicated to you promptly, and we will work together on a plan of support.

 

3. Homestay Experience

• We conduct regular check-ins with both your child and their host family to ensure that the homestay environment is positive, respectful, and supportive.
• We gather feedback from the student and host family, address any minor issues early, and promptly resolve any major concerns.
• We provide periodic summaries to inform you of how your child is settling into life outside school.

 

4. Communication with Parents

• Routine updates are shared by email or via our secure communication platform, depending on your preference.
• In urgent or serious matters, we will contact you by phone directly.
• We are always available for scheduled calls or meetings to discuss your child’s development.
•  

We believe regular and open communication is key to supporting your child’s success abroad, and we are here to partner with you every step of the way.

If you ever have concerns or would like additional updates, please contact your Skywise coordinator or email info@skywisegroup.com.

 

Homestay Accommodation

Our homestay accommodation for international students offers a warm and welcoming environment that mirrors the comforts of home. Here's what we provide:

 

1. Type of Accommodation:

Students are placed with carefully selected host families who are experienced in hosting international students. They reside in a private bedroom within the host family's home, ensuring a comfortable and safe living space.

 

2. Facilities Available:

The homestay accommodation includes access to essential facilities such as:

- Private bedroom with basic furnishings (bed, desk, wardrobe)

- Access to shared spaces like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom

- Internet access (Wi-Fi) for academic and personal use

- Laundry facilities for washing clothes

- Nutritious meals provided by the host family (typically breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and all meals on weekends)

 

3. Supportive Environment:

Host families offer emotional support, guidance, and a sense of belonging to students, helping them adjust to their new environment and feel comfortable during their stay abroad.

 

Updates on Student’s Welfare and Academic Progress

We understand the importance of keeping parents informed about their child's welfare and academic progress. Here's how we provide updates:

 

1. Pastoral and Academic Updates:
Skywise Guardianship maintains regular communication with both the student and their parents/guardians. We provide:

- Periodic reports on the student's academic progress, attendance, and behavior at school.

- Updates on the student's well-being and integration into the homestay environment, including any concerns or achievements.

 

2. Communication Channels:
Updates are typically communicated via email, phone calls, or through wechat. We encourage open communication and welcome any questions or concerns from parents/guardians regarding their child's welfare and academic journey.

 

Expenses

We have clear arrangements in place for managing expenses related to the student's stay abroad. Here's an overview:

 

1. Homestay Accommodation:

The cost of homestay accommodation, including meals provided by the host family, is typically covered by the student's parents/guardians as part of the overall guardianship package.

 

2. Transportation and Other Incidentals:
Parents are also responsible for covering transportation costs (e.g., airport transfers, local transportation) and any other incidentals such as extracurricular activities, personal expenses, and travel during breaks.

 

3. Billing and Payment:
We provide transparent billing statements outlining all expenses incurred on behalf of the student. Payments can be made through various convenient methods, such as bank transfers or online payment platforms.

By outlining these arrangements clearly, we aim to ensure transparency and ease of understanding for parents/guardians regarding the expenses associated with their child's study abroad experience.

 

Life in the UK

Living in the UK may be quite different to the life your child is used to. Every country has its own customs and it may take them a while to get used to these. Please do not worry, this is most normal. Here are a few examples of British customs to help you understand what is expected:

 

Meeting people: Sometimes British people come across as being reserved but usually they are kind, helpful and welcoming of visitors. British people usually greet each other with a handshake and use their title and surname, until being invited to use their first names. For example, when meeting a new contact, they may greet saying “Good morning Mr Harris”. Due to the coronavirus, greetings have changed, and handshakes are not currently being used. A verbal greeting is perfectly acceptable, whilst maintaining social distancing.

 

Queues: The British people love queues! When waiting their turn, for example in a shop, bank or for public transport, people form a line one behind the other so that they are served in turn. It is considered rude to push in. Due to the coronavirus, spaces between people waiting in the queue are currently larger, so please ensure that your child is aware of the need to maintain a suitable distance. In the UK this is currently 1 metre or more. Shops in the UK are currently limiting the number of people allowed inside at any one time, so your child may need to queue more often than in usual times. Some shops and services have clear instructions and markers to show where shoppers should stand. Please explain to your child that they should respect the instructions given.

 

Please and thank you: British people greatly appreciate politeness. This means when you would like something you would start a sentence with the word “Please”, for example, “Please may I have a sandwich?” When you have received something, you should always reply with “Thank you”.

 

Sorry! The British people are often heard to say “Sorry!” This word is used if people accidently bump into each other or make a mistake. Often people say it even if they were not to blame (for example, a person bumped into them whilst walking in the street).

 

Mealtimes: It is considered polite to wait for all people at the table to have their meals in front of them before you start to eat. Knives and forks are used to eat the vast majority of main courses, although some British families may use other cutlery to suit the cuisine. Knives and forks are placed together to indicate that the diner has finished. It is not considered polite to eat with your mouth open or speak whilst eating. Similar to the beginning of the meal, diners usually wait until everyone is finished before leaving the table, and often time is spent having a chat around the table.

 

What we Expect from Students whilst Staying with a Homestay

We expect all their students to be polite and courteous when staying with a homestay. A homestay is not a hotel and the expectation is that your child will be included as part of the family. As such, they will be expected to engage with family members, joining them at mealtimes, and possibly helping with chores such as laying the table. Your child’s homestay will explain their own house rules to them when they arrive. Please do ask them if you have any questions.

 

Student Finances

 

We understand the importance of ensuring that international students have access to appropriate pocket money during their time abroad. Here's how we assist parents in organizing their child's pocket money:

            

           1. Guidance and Support:
Skywise Guardianship provides guidance and support to parents regarding the organization of their child's pocket money. We understand that each family may have different preferences and financial arrangements, and we strive to accommodate individual needs.

 

           2. Options for Pocket Money Management:

 

- School Responsibility: In some cases, the school may offer pocket money management services as part of their student welfare support. This could involve parents depositing funds with the school, and the school overseeing the distribution of pocket money to students according to agreed-upon guidelines.

- Direct Parent-Student Arrangement: Alternatively, parents may choose to directly provide pocket money to their child. This could involve regular transfers of funds to the student's bank account or providing them with a pre-loaded debit card for their expenses.

            

           3. Communication and Coordination:

- We facilitate communication between parents and the school (if applicable) to determine the preferred method of managing pocket money.

- If parents opt to directly provide pocket money to their child, we provide guidance on setting up bank accounts, managing currency exchange, and budgeting tips to ensure responsible financial management.

            

           4. Safety and Security:

Regardless of the method chosen, we prioritize the safety and security of the student's finances. For example, if parents choose to deposit funds with the school, we ensure that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard the funds and ensure transparent handling.

            

           5. Regular Updates:

We maintain open communication with parents to provide regular updates on their child's financial management and expenditure. This includes providing reports on pocket money usage and any concerns or feedback from the student regarding their financial needs.

            

           6. Bank Account
We will help you set up a bank account and arrange credit cards for your child if required.

           Please contact us and we will be able to make the necessary arrangements.

 

Our goal is to assist parents in organizing their child's pocket money in a manner that aligns with their preferences and ensures the student's financial well-being during their time abroad. We provide guidance, support, and communication channels to facilitate a smooth process for all involved parties.

 

Liability

Please note that the homestay provider and Skywise Guardianship will not be liable for any damage arising from conduct and/or behaviour of any student placed with the homestay by the guardianship organisation.

 

Responsibilities During a Pandemic

 

Pandemics can cause major disruption to travel and schooling. It is important in such events that Skywise Guardianship takes advice from the government, the UK Health Security Agency, and the World Health Organisation. AEGIS also provides guidance for members to follow. This is regularly updated as a situation develops. Usually, in a pandemic it is important to restrict movement so as not to spread the disease further. That means boarding school students would usually remain at school. In the event of a pandemic Skywise Guardianship may not be able to offer homestay accommodation for your child as this could place students, homestay families and the wider community at risk. Skywise Guardianship will work with you to find flights to home countries where required. Skywise Guardianship will work with schools to meet students’ needs during a pandemic. This could be by helping to support students to learn remotely as directed by the school. Skywise Guardianship will work with you and your child’s school to find suitable quarantine accommodation for students where required. Skywise Guardianship has a policy that outlines the procedures we are following during a pandemic.