GUARDIANS: LISTEN, CARE, SUPPORT

virtual guardian

Whether boarders are staying in schools or with their families or host families, everyone needs support. Stress and anxiety are impacting staff, families, students and pupils that we all need to care for one another.  If you are able …. Ask how the person next to you is feeling and offer your support. A simple offer to make a cup of tea for someone who appears lonely or strike up a conversation with the young person who feels left out.  If it is possible why not set up a link with a local nursing home to listen and cheer up the residents and send them some art work and friendly messages.   

Whether we are 8 or under or 80 and beyond, we all have times when we feel life has become too tough and the hardest thing is to ask for help.  We don’t want to appear weak, we see others coping, we feel we have let someone down if we admit to anxiety – It is vital that you recognise these feelings and believe that those around you care and are there to support you.  Talking is the most important thing we can do to support one another. If you need help, please contact us – totally free.

How can my guardian help?

First of all, support is available 24-7 throughout the year. Your guardian can help with logistical issues such as having to travel to an airport or needing to relocate. However, guardians do much more than that and always happy to listen to your problems or concerns.You can arrange a call with your guardian or can also meet in person. At Berkeley Guardians we abide by the strict social distancing guidelines and hygiene requirements both when travelling with a pupil and also when hosting them in a host family situation.

Home from Home Guardianship

Berkeley Guardians was established by two mothers (each with 4 children) and a desire to ensure that all those children and young people visiting the UK would be well cared for whilst studying.   Our aim is simply to take the very best care of all those young people in our care.  Whilst it is difficult to explain how we are different than others – we can tell you that we will always do our best and we are a small company who are “hands on” and want to get to know you and your child (or children) personally in order to do our best for you.

What does home from home exactly mean_

  • We are in this business because we care about young people and want to give them all the opportunities and support whilst they are studying in the UK
  • We will be in regular contact with you and encourage you to do the same with us
  • Our phone lines are open 24/7 for emergencies but we will always be ready to support with any worries or questions you may have.
  • Nothing is too much trouble

Support when self-isolating

  • Liaise with the school as to the best and most suitable option for care
  • Generally, the school will have signed up to the schools’ Safe Covid Charter and will provide self-isolation and be cared for by residential staff
  • The safety and welfare of your child will be of paramount importance and the school will liaise with the guardianship as to the best options
  • Host families are not in a position to take over the care of a pupil with Covid-19 but if the child develops this whilst in the care of the host family, then they will stay in quarantine with the host family
  • In the event of a school closure, we would continue to follow the advice of Public Health England and the Department for Education and would work with AEGIS and BSA to give the best possible service
  • Either the school or the guardian will ensure that proper testing is carried out should any child be displaying symptoms.  Should the child be in the care of a residential course then it will remain the responsibility of the provider of that course to care for the child(ren).

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