Guardians need to be there come hell or high water

Even though we’re dealing with human beings and all the foibles that children and teenagers bring, they’re a delight - not just a means of earning a livingJudith Morris, guardianship coordinator

Jane Hume, principal of White House Guardianships, based in Bournemouth, is busy booking another flight to Hong Kong. On arrival she’ll be whisked away to address a seminar of up to 600 parents intending to send their child to boarding school in the UK. White House has contacts worldwide with educational agencies.

Often an educational agency will co-ordinate a seminar where Jane takes the stand, sharing her 15 years’ experience of guardianship with parents: “They often don’t understand how different the British school system is. I’ve even been asked if children need to take their own toothpaste!” But Jane appreciates that no question is too small. Parents are fretful and it’s the remit of guardianship organisations to allay fears and safely facilitate the process of sending a child overseas to be educated.

Child safety is paramount

There are more than 20,000 international pupils attending schools in Britain and there’s a legal requirement for a parent to appoint a temporary guardian – a trusted adult who will act in loco parentis. Sometimes a family member will step in but many children don’t have a relative on hand. White House is one of 17 British guardianship organisations accredited by AEGIS (the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students). Three years ago there were only five.

It’s the agency’s job to ensure that everything is legal and above board – and that the child is happy, secure and settled. The guardian must provide a ‘home from home’ where the child can go to on exeat weekends or during the holidays, if they need to.

Understandably, the process involves rigorous internal testing and inspection. Governments, schools and guardianship organisations work closely on pupil protection and everyone aged over 18 who has contact with the child is fully vetted and must have a current criminal records bureau check.

White House has over 50 regional offices with local self-employed co-ordinators. Jane interviews and trains all employees and can vouch for their integrity. Good communication is essential all round, to ensure that the guardianship is right for everyone and there is no mis-use of the situation. “Guardianship can be used as a dumping ground – I’ve known it happen when the parents have split,” Jane explains. “But the agencies act as a buffer between us and them, interviewing all of the parents.”

Not all students are little angels, Jane continues: “Teenage girls can be very spiky and we have to be careful to get the dynamics right. I certainly wouldn’t agree to a teenage girl going to a host family with teenage boys!”

A team effort

Judith Morris is a White House co-ordinator based in York. She and her husband – it’s a team effort – are currently looking after more than 30 boarders across North Yorkshire. Most attend Queen Ethelberga’s School, in York. Others are at Durham or Barnard Castle; just within the stipulated 30-minute travel time should there be an emergency. Judith loves the job, and is proud of what she does: “Parents need to know that we’re there, come hell or high water.”

Boarders come from Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Spain, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia, the Ukraine, Australia and the USA. As well as sorting out myriad practicalities and meeting and greeting at the airport, Judith will spend time getting to know students and matching them with a host family. There’s no hurry, though. “We don’t say ‘that’s your family’. We tell them about the families, introduce them and hopefully make the right match. It’s very important that we have a good rapport. 

“The first few weeks can be very daunting for the child, especially having to speak in another language all the time. They have to be proficient English speakers in order to gain a place at the school, but some lack confidence at first,” says Judith. “They’re all fully au fait with text-speak, though!”

In loco parentis

Different organisations offer different packages. In some cases the host family will take on more pastoral care of the student, liaising with the school over matters of welfare and general progress and maintaining regular contact with parents. Host guardians attend school events – parents’ evenings, concerts and speech days – and accompany the student to medical appointments, supervise shopping trips and escort to and from the airport.

They’re also a key contact for the school if there’s an emergency or if a student is unwell and can’t return home. The guardian will be expected to assist with medical and perhaps insurance arrangements, and keep the school and parents informed. Should there be any problem with the child over behaviour the local co-ordinator will go to in person to the school and speak with the headteacher. 

The guardian is also someone the student can talk to and share their troubles and triumphs with. It can be a very rewarding experience for the host family, depending on the level of commitment you want to make.

In 23 years of working with students and being on 24-hour call, White House has had very few, if any calamities “even though we’re dealing with human beings and all the foibles that children and teenagers bring, but they’re a delight - not just a means of earning a living,” says Judith. 

Rates vary depending on length of stay, guardianship responsibilities and location. London and Edinburgh for example are ‘hot spots’. On average guardianship organisations pay host families between £18 and £30 per night. Rates are re-negotiated for longer stays.

Guardianship fees for parents sending their child to the UK vary from a few hundred pounds a year to two thousand pounds plus, depending on the variety of services required.

Schools should be able to provide parents with a complete list of accredited guardianship organisations they can rely on. Clearly using an accredited organisation is key to peace of mind for parents and everyone involved in the delicate business of guardianship and care of young people many miles from home.

Is there an ideal person or family to assume the role of guardian? Judith says,  “Yes, one that’s open to throwing their arms around the child.”

Share your experience

Have you been a guardian, or an overseas pupil who has had a UK guardian? Post a comment below and tell us about your experiences, good or bad