家长监护手册 · 中英对照导读

Contents

Welcome and introduction from the guardianship organisation

The role of the guardianship organisation, your guardian, and the role of the homestay

Safeguarding

Statement of services

Contact Details

Transport Arrangements

Change of plan?

Emergencies

Homestay accommodation

Updates on student’s welfare and academic progress

Expenses

Cancelling the Agreement

Life in the UK

What we  expect from students whilst staying with a homestay

Student Finances

Liability

Responsibilities during a pandemic

List of useful contact

Parent Handbook

Welcome and introduction from the guardianship organisation

Welcome to OSME Education, your trusted partner dedicated to ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching educational experience for your child in the UK. As a company sponsored by the prestigious University College London (UCL), we bring innovation, dedication, and a deep understanding of the educational landscape to every aspect of our service. We understand the importance of having a reliable guardianship service while your child is studying abroad, and we are committed to providing not only logistical support but also emotional and developmental guidance during their formative years away from home.

About OSME Education

Headquartered near UCL in London, OSME Education was founded under the sponsorship of UCL’s entrepreneurship program, which supports innovative startups with promising futures. Our connection with UCL not only inspires our methodologies but also provides us with access to cutting-edge resources and educational insights. This unique relationship enables us to enhance our guardianship services with the latest educational strategies and a deep commitment to student welfare.

At OSME Education, we are passionate about supporting the international student experience, from logistical arrangements to personal growth and adjustment. We believe that effective guardianship goes beyond addressing basic needs; it involves nurturing a supportive environment where students can emotionally and academically flourish. Our team is dedicated to being a positive and guiding presence in your child’s life, helping them navigate their new surroundings with confidence and ease.

We are honored to be part of your child's journey and are committed to delivering the highest quality of care and support. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our team.

Welcome to the OSME family. We look forward to being a part of your child's successful and transformative educational journey in the UK.

Meet Our Team

Lois - Managing Director and Founder

Lois is the visionary behind OSME Education, leveraging her extensive experience in educational guardianship to foster an environment where every student can succeed. She remains your primary point of contact for any emergencies, ensuring round-the-clock support.

l Phone: +44 7507 584696

l Email: Lois.chen@osmeuk.com

Ken - Partner

Ken helps steer the company towards its mission, using his expertise to ensure that our services are both effective and nurturing.

l Email: ken.chen@osmeuk.com

Archie - Business Development Manager

Archie focuses on the growth and continuous improvement of our services, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our students and their families.

l Email: Archie.wei@osmeuk.com

Our Commitment

OSME Education is committed to providing a nurturing environment that supports the personal and academic growth of our students. Our team is here to guide your child through their educational journey in the UK, making it a fulfilling and transformative experience.

We are excited to welcome you and your child to the OSME family. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The role of the guardianship organisation, your guardian, and the role of the homestay

OSME Education builds a vital communicational bridge among schools, students, and parents. We ensure that all our guardians and personal tutors are fluent in both Mandarin and English, enhancing communication efficiency. Our guardianship program includes a guardian and a supervisor for each student, focusing on aiding their adaptation to the UK environment on academic, social, and psychological levels.

The guardianship organisation

a) Advocacy and Local Parenting: Our guardians act in the student's best interests throughout their stay, serving as the student's local parent in the UK. They exercise discretion on behalf of the parents for school activities and other consent-related matters.

b) Professional Standards: Each guardian undergoes a rigorous DBS check to ensure safety and reliability. They operate under the instructions of the parents, requiring clear and consistent directions in case of any serious disagreements.

c) Communication and Welfare Management: Guardians communicate regularly with both the school and parents, managing the full spectrum of student welfare and advocating for the student’s rights and interests.

d) Emergency Support: A 24-hour emergency telephone service is available to handle any crises efficiently.

e) Academic and Psychological Support: When students face academic challenges, OSME Education provides counseling and additional after-school tutoring as needed. Fees for extra services are clearly outlined in specific documentation.

f) Future Planning Support: Guardians also assist in university application counseling, advising students based on their abilities and interests.

The homestay

Our homestay providers are carefully selected to ensure they meet high standards of accommodation and provide a nurturing environment:

a) Homestay Standards: Each homestay offers quality accommodation and meals, maintaining an environment that does not include non-family paying guests or operate like a bed and breakfast.

b) Family Integration and Care: Homestays take on daily responsibilities, integrating the student into their household and treating them as part of the family.

c) Cultural and Religious Respect: All host families are committed to respecting the student’s rights, religion, and cultural background.

d) Health and Safety: Stringent attention to health and safety is maintained in the homestay, with hosts providing a safe living environment and not allowing overnight stays away without prior approval from OSME Education.

e) Continuous Communication: Host families maintain adequate contact with OSME Education, ensuring all arrangements and any necessary adjustments are well communicated and documented.

The school

a) Supportive Staff: Includes bilingual teaching assistants and parent support advisors, who aid in the academic and social integration of students.

b) Facilities Management: Ensures a safe and healthy environment for students, managed by caretakers and facilities staff.

c) Pupil Support and Welfare: School roles are crucial in supporting pupils inside and outside the classroom, addressing both educational and personal needs.

d) Specialist and Technical Support: Technical staff ensure that lessons, particularly in specialized subjects like science or ICT, are conducted safely and effectively.

e) Teaching and Learning Support: Staff work alongside main teachers to provide tailored educational experiences that help students achieve their academic goals.

Safeguarding

OSME Education 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 that provide further information and outline our procedures. These can be found on the company website.

We have a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead. 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

OSME Education provides comprehensive guardianship services to ensure a supportive and enriching experience for international students in the UK. Our services are structured into several key areas: Admission, Academic, Life, and Medical support.

Admission Services

l Guardianship Documentation: Assistance with visa issuance and preparation of all legal documents required for the guardianship.

l Airport Shuttle Service: Coordination of airport transfers at the beginning and end of each school year, with costs to be covered by the parents.

l UK Registration Assistance: Assistance with school registrations and other necessary formalities upon the student's arrival in the UK.

l Banking and Communication: Help in setting up local bank accounts and providing a free local SIM card (initial card provided without credit).

Academic Services

l Translation and Communication: Translation of all school communication for parents and assistance with responding to school inquiries. This includes oral translations of notifications (e.g., holidays, activities) and written translations of academic reports.

l Monitoring and Reporting: Regular checks on the student’s academic performance and living conditions with a semester report issued to parents detailing progress and any concerns.

l Parental Representation at School: Attendance at the school’s annual parent meetings on behalf of the parents, asking questions and making requests as directed, with follow-up reports provided. Additional attendances beyond three times per year may incur extra fees.

Life Services

l 24/7 Emergency Contact: The guardian is available around the clock to handle any emergency situations that may arise.

l Communication During Absences: Maintain communication with both students and parents during any school leaves, ensuring parents are informed but not intervening in decisions.

Medical Services

l Medical Coordination: Assistance in liaising with medical professionals and schools regarding health or safety issues. This includes communicating with doctors, coordinating treatment plans, and signing medical confirmations on behalf of parents.

Additional Notes

l Fees and Additional Services: Details on additional services and applicable fees are outlined in the parent contract and can be provided upon request. These may include extra academic tutoring, specialized medical support, or extended travel arrangements.

l Contractual Agreement: All services are provided in accordance with the terms outlined in the parent contract, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding of guardianship responsibilities and parental expectations.

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:

Transport Arrangements

OSME Education is committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for our students at the beginning and end of school terms, during half-terms, exeats, and other necessary occasions.

Planning and Coordination

· Organizational Responsibility: Transportation is primarily organized by the student’s guardian in collaboration with OSME Education. Guardians ensure that all transport arrangements align with the school’s calendar and the student's needs.

· Pre-scheduling: Transport times are scheduled in advance to accommodate the school's calendar. Parents and students are notified of these arrangements well ahead of time to ensure smooth transitions.

Airport Pickups and Drop-offs

· Airport Transfers: At the beginning and end of each school term, and for other travel-related needs, OSME Education coordinates airport transfers.

· Meeting the Student: Drivers or assigned guardians will meet students at the airport holding a sign with the student’s name for easy recognition.

· Driver Details: Parents and students will receive information including the driver’s contact details, photo, vehicle type, and license plate number at least 24-48 hours before the scheduled pickup.

Vehicle and Driver Standards

· Vehicle Safety: All vehicles used for transportation are maintained in excellent working condition and comply with all local vehicular regulations.

· Driver Conduct: Drivers are professional, licensed, and abide by strict safety standards. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and intoxicated passengers are strictly prohibited in the vehicles.

· Luggage Handling: Drivers may assist with luggage but the ultimate responsibility for personal belongings remains with the students.

Communication and Emergencies

· Routine Updates: Guardians will send emails at least 45 days before each holiday to confirm plans regarding holiday accommodations and transport arrangements.

· Emergency Contacts: On the day of travel, drivers arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time and check flight statuses to adjust for any delays.

· In-Transit Communication: Drivers immediately inform OSME Education staff upon the student’s pickup and arrival at the destination. In case of any road incidents, the safety of the student takes priority, and emergency responses are promptly executed.

Parental Involvement

· Information from Parents: Parents are required to provide complete and accurate travel details for their children, including flight numbers and expected arrival times, at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the term.

· Feedback and Confirmation: After each journey, parents are contacted to confirm the safe arrival of their students and to discuss any concerns that may have arisen during transit.

Staff and Support

· Support Staff Availability: Staff responsible for arranging transportation are available online throughout the day to handle any unforeseen events and to ensure seamless communication.

Change of plan?

Understanding that flexibility is key in managing international students' needs, OSME Education has established protocols for handling changes to boarding and homestay arrangements. These are categorized under Full Boarding and Flexible Boarding & Day scenarios.

Full Boarding

· Advance Planning: We confirm holiday accommodation at least 45 days before the start of each holiday, based on the academic calendar provided by the school. This allows adequate time for arrangements and any necessary adjustments.

· School Boarding Options: If the school offers boarding during holidays, we will inform students and parents, allowing them to choose between staying at the school or with a host family.

· Homestay Arrangements: If the school does not offer boarding, we proceed to arrange a homestay that matches the student’s specific needs, including dietary requirements.

· Notification Requirements: Any changes to these arrangements must be communicated to OSME Education at least two weeks prior to the scheduled stay.

Flexible Boarding & Day

· Homestay for Day Students: We provide homestays for students under 16 who come to the UK alone and require private fostering. Such arrangements need to be communicated to the Local Authority by OSME Education at least six weeks in advance.

· Pre-term Communication: Students and parents should contact OSME Education no later than 60 days before the start of term to arrange a suitable host family.

· Emergency Changes: In emergencies, where changes are necessary within two weeks of the scheduled arrangements, efforts will be made to accommodate the student; however, flexibility in meeting specific requirements may be limited.

Cancellation and Feedback

· Change of Host Family: If a student requests a change of host family after a homestay has been arranged and before moving in more than three days, no penalty will be charged. Within three days of arrival, changes due to personal reasons may incur a 10% fee of the pre-paid amount (90% will be refunded or credited towards the next stay).

· Immediate Changes: If the need to change host family arises during the stay due to issues with the accommodation or host, OSME Education will facilitate an immediate change and either waive the fee or provide a full refund if the issue is verified to be due to the host or guardian's error.

· Quality Control: Regular contact will be maintained with the student to ensure satisfaction with the new arrangements and to collect feedback post-stay.

Emergencies

OSME Education is committed to providing swift and effective emergency support and accommodation for students. Situations that might necessitate such support include medical issues, suspensions, or other urgent circumstances.

Emergency Accommodation

· Usual Homestay Placement: Whenever possible, the student will be placed with their usual homestay to ensure continuity and comfort.

· Alternative Homestay Options: If the usual homestay is unavailable, the student will be accommodated by another approved homestay family within our network. OSME Education ensures that these families are ready to provide immediate support.

24/7 Transport Service

· Partner Transport Providers: OSME Education collaborates with a 24/7 partner transport service in each area to facilitate the prompt pickup and drop-off of students in emergencies. This ensures that students are transported quickly and safely to their emergency accommodation.

Emergency Contact and Response

· 24/7 Emergency Line: Our emergency contact line is available around the clock, ensuring that students and parents can reach us at any time.

· Immediate Action: Upon receiving an emergency request, OSME Education will coordinate with homestay families and transport providers to ensure the student's immediate safety and well-being.

· Continuous Support: Throughout the emergency, our staff will maintain regular communication with the student, their parents, and the homestay family to provide updates and support.

Homestay accommodation

Procedure for Requesting and Arranging a Homestay:

To request a homestay, parents and students should contact OSME Education at least 60 days before the start of the term. The request should include any specific requirements or preferences, such as dietary needs, language preferences, or location. OSME Education will review the request and provide a suitable homestay match based on the student's needs. Confirmation of the homestay assignment will be communicated to the parents and students at least 30 days before the start of the term.

At OSME Education, we strive to ensure that our students feel at home while staying with our carefully selected host families. Here’s what you can expect from our homestay accommodations:

Private Bedrooms:

l Options: Single and double rooms are available. If your child wishes to share a two-bed bedroom with a friend, please inform us in advance.

l Furnishings: Each bedroom is equipped with basic furniture including beds, desks, wardrobes, chairs, quilts, and other daily necessities.

Common Areas:

l Access: Students have access to all common areas of the house, including bathrooms, kitchen, and living room.

l Shared Facilities: If the bathroom is shared with the family, please communicate with the host family in advance to arrange suitable times for use.

Household Equipment:

l Usage: Students can use household equipment such as washing machines, TVs, and fridges. It’s advisable to discuss and agree on the hours of use for appliances like the washing machine with the host family.

Heating:

l Control: Bedrooms are equipped with separate heaters that students can switch on and off as needed for comfort.

Meals:

l Provision: Host families provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meal preferences can be discussed to cater to the student's dietary needs and tastes.

Updates on student’s welfare and academic progress

OSME Education is committed to ensuring the well-being and academic success of our students. We provide regular updates on both their pastoral care and academic progress to keep parents informed and involved.

Mental Health

OSME Education recognizes the importance of mental health and has specialist staff trained to identify and address mental health issues. We maintain regular communication with UK child mental health agencies and charities, ensuring that our guardians are well-informed and supported.

· Guardian Training: All guardians receive training to recognize behavioral changes and maintain regular communication with students about their school experience, feelings, and any difficulties they may face.

· Introduction to School Staff: Before the start of each term, guardians introduce themselves to the student's teachers and housemasters to understand the school's pastoral care system.

· Monitoring and Reporting: Guardians pay close attention to any unusual behavior and report concerns to the OSME Education Senior Management Team immediately. They will also liaise with the student’s teachers and housemasters to understand any incidents and inform the parents promptly.

· Emotional Support: For students showing signs of emotional instability, guardians coordinate with school staff for appropriate support. If school interventions are insufficient, OSME Education arranges for specialist psychological evaluation and intervention.

· Emergency Arrangements: In emergencies, OSME Education arranges for the student to stay with a host family, ensuring continuous support and care.

· Host Family Training: Host families are trained to recognize and address behavioral issues. They are instructed to communicate with students about their well-being and report any concerns to the senior management team and psychological staff.

Academic Report

OSME Education ensures that parents are regularly updated on their child’s academic progress:

· Pre-Term Coordination: Before the start of each term, guardians contact the school to confirm the study plan, exam dates, and the schedule for academic report delivery.

· Report Translation and Delivery: Guardians translate academic reports and send them to the parents within one week of receipt. This includes a summary of the student's progress and any areas of concern.

· Parent Queries: Any questions or concerns raised by parents are addressed promptly. If necessary, guardians contact the school to arrange additional support or tutoring for the student.

· Regular Updates: In addition to termly reports, guardians provide regular updates on the student’s day-to-day academic activities and progress, ensuring that parents are well-informed about their child’s education.

By maintaining a strong support system and open lines of communication, OSME Education ensures that students receive the necessary pastoral and academic support to thrive in their educational journey.

Expenses

OSME Education is dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability regarding all expenses incurred on behalf of our students. We have established a systematic approach to recording and reporting expenses to parents.

Expense Recording and Reporting

· Detailed Records: All expenditures related to the student are meticulously recorded. This includes expenses for school uniforms, books, transportation, medical costs, and any other incidental expenses.

· Regular Reporting: Parents receive detailed reports of these expenses on a regular basis, ensuring they are fully aware of the costs incurred.

· Invoice Issuance: For example, when a guardian accompanies the student to school for registration and purchases necessary items like uniforms and books, an invoice will be issued to the parents on the same day. This invoice will detail the amount of the fee and a breakdown of the items purchased.

Payment Process

· Prompt Payment: Parents are required to settle the invoices promptly to ensure there are no disruptions in the services provided to the student.

· Payment Methods: Payments can be made via bank transfer or other specified methods as agreed upon during the initial agreement with OSME Education.

Additional Expenses

· Unexpected Costs: Any unexpected or additional expenses that arise will be communicated to the parents immediately. This ensures that all parties are informed and can make timely decisions regarding these costs.

· Emergency Funds: It is recommended that parents maintain a small reserve fund with OSME Education to cover any urgent or unforeseen expenses that may arise during the student’s stay.

By maintaining a transparent and efficient system for managing and reporting expenses, OSME Education ensures that parents are always kept informed and can manage their financial commitments effectively.

Cancelling the Agreement

Pre-Service Cancellation:

· If you wish to cancel your agreement for the Services before they begin, you may do so within 1 month of signing the agreement.

· If you have already made any payments to OSME Education, 100% of the payment(s) will be refunded within 14 calendar days of our acceptance of your cancellation request.

· To request cancellation, you must submit your request in writing to our office. This can be done via email or postal mail, and it should include your reasons for cancellation and your agreement details.

Cancellation After Services Have Begun:

· Once OSME Education has begun providing the Services, you may cancel the Services and the Contract at any time by giving us 7 calendar days written notice.

· If you have made any payment for Services that have not yet been provided, those amounts will be refunded within 14 calendar days of our acceptance of your cancellation request.

· If Services have already been provided but not yet paid for, the costs will be deducted from any refund due, or, if no refund is due, an invoice will be sent for the outstanding amounts, which will need to be paid promptly.

Refund Process Post-Service Commencement:

· If you request to cancel the Services after they have commenced, you must confirm your request in writing. Refunds will be processed within 5 business days upon receipt of your written confirmation.

a) Autumn Term: Cancellations made after the end of the Autumn term and before the start of the Spring term will be refunded 60% of the service fee.

b) Spring Term: Cancellations made after the end of the Spring term and before the start of the Summer term will be refunded 30% of the service fee.

c) c) Summer Term: Cancellations made after the beginning of the Summer term will not be eligible for a refund.

· Third-Party Fees: If any third-party fees have been incurred that are non-refundable or only partially refundable, OSME Education cannot refund these third-party costs. This includes, but is not limited to, fees for accommodation, transportation, and any other external services arranged on behalf of the student.

Material Breach or Unforeseen Events:

· If OSME Education breaches the agreement in any material way, is unable to provide the Service due to an unforeseen event, or changes the terms and conditions to your material disadvantage, you may cancel the Service and the agreement immediately by providing written notice.

· In such cases, any payments made for Services not yet provided will be refunded in full within 14 calendar days.

Further Details:

· For more detailed information on cancellation policies and procedures, please refer to the parent agreement.

By providing clear and specific guidelines for cancellation, OSME Education ensures that parents are fully informed of their options and the procedures involved, maintaining transparency and trust in our services.

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

OSME Education expects 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

At OSME Education, we believe in the importance of teaching students about money management from a young age. Our approach to student finances aims to instill financial responsibility and ensure that students can manage their money effectively while studying in the UK.

Pocket Money Management

· Teaching Financial Responsibility: The main aim of giving pocket money is to teach students the concept of money, helping them understand its value and how to manage it wisely.

· Determining Readiness: There is no fixed age to start giving pocket money; it depends on the student’s readiness and understanding of money. Look for signs such as:

a) Understanding what money is and how it works.

b) Knowing that money can be used to buy things.

c) Having a basic idea about saving money.

· Starting Pocket Money: Once a student shows a basic understanding, parents can start giving pocket money, keeping the following in mind:

a) Start with a fixed amount every week or month.

b) Encourage saving a portion of the pocket money to develop good money habits.

· Amount of Pocket Money: The amount should be appropriate for the student’s age and maturity. For reference, children in the UK typically receive approximately £5 per week, but this can vary based on individual circumstances and needs.

Financial Arrangements at School

· Minimal Personal Spending: Generally, international students do not need a significant amount of personal spending money while at school. Most expenses, such as academic tutoring, music lessons, and outdoor activities, are billed directly to the parents or guardians by the school.

· Invoice Management: Schools send invoices for various expenses directly to the guardians or parents. Parents are required to transfer money to the school based on these invoices.

Setting Up Bank Accounts

· Bank Accounts for Older Students: For students over the age of 16 who are financially conscious and capable of managing their finances, setting up a UK bank account can be beneficial.

· Assistance with Bank Accounts: OSME Education can assist in setting up a bank account and arranging for credit cards if required. This involves:

a) Helping with the necessary documentation and application process.

b) Providing guidance on managing the bank account and using credit cards responsibly.

How to Get Started

· Contact Us: Parents interested in setting up a bank account or arranging credit cards for their child should contact OSME Education. We will provide the necessary support and make the arrangements to ensure a smooth process.

By supporting students in managing their finances, OSME Education helps them develop essential life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. We are here to assist both parents and students in navigating the financial aspects of studying abroad, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to manage their money effectively.

Liability

Please note that the homestay provider and OSME Education 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 OSME Education 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 OSME Education may not be able to offer homestay accommodation for your child as this could place students, homestay families and the wider community at risk. OSME Education will work with you to find flights to home countries where required. OSME Education 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. OSME Education will work with you and your child’s school to find suitable quarantine accommodation for students where required. OSME Education has a policy that outlines the procedures we are following during a pandemic.

1. Adherence to Government and Health Guidance:

· OSME Education follows the latest advice from the government, the UK Health Security Agency, and the World Health Organization to ensure the safety of students and staff.

· We also adhere to guidelines from AEGIS and regularly update our policies as the situation evolves.

2. Restricting Movement:

· To prevent the spread of disease, we typically restrict movement, meaning boarding school students would remain at school.

· If the situation requires it, we will collaborate with schools to find the safest arrangements for students.

3. Alternative Accommodation:

· If homestay accommodation is not possible due to health risks, OSME Education will work with schools and parents to arrange suitable alternatives.

· We can help arrange flights for students to return to their home countries if necessary.

4. Remote Learning Support:

· OSME Education will work with schools to support students in continuing their education remotely.

· We ensure students have access to the necessary technology and resources to participate in online classes and complete assignments.

5. Quarantine Arrangements:

· In cases where quarantine is required, OSME Education will assist in finding appropriate accommodation that meets all health and safety guidelines.

· We will coordinate with parents and schools to ensure students are well-supported during quarantine.

6. Emergency Communication and Support:

· We maintain a 24/7 emergency contact line to provide immediate assistance and support to students and parents.

· Our staff will regularly communicate with students and parents to provide updates on the situation and any changes to school or accommodation arrangements.

7. Health and Safety Measures:

· OSME Education will ensure that all recommended health and safety measures are in place, such as social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and regular sanitization of living spaces.

· We will provide guidance on health protocols and ensure students understand and follow these measures.

8. Collaboration with Health Services:

· We will facilitate access to medical services if a student falls ill, including arranging appointments and providing transport to medical facilities if needed.

· OSME Education will liaise with health professionals to ensure students receive appropriate care and support.

9. Regular Updates and Information:

· We will keep parents informed about the latest developments and any changes in government or school policies.

· Parents and students will receive timely updates through emails, phone calls, and our online portal.

10. Pandemic Policy:

· OSME Education has a comprehensive pandemic policy that outlines all procedures and measures to be followed during such events.

· This policy is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest guidance and best practices.

By implementing these measures, OSME Education aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for students during a pandemic, ensuring their health, well-being, and educational progress are maintained.

List of useful contact 

999 - Emergency number in the UK

You should only call 999 in a genuine medical emergency. When you call, you’ll be asked whether you require fire, police, or ambulance services. When you give your answer, you’ll be transferred to a call handler, who asks you specific questions about the nature of the emergency and the patient’s condition. These questions include asking you to detail the location and nature of the emergency, as well as providing key information such as the age, gender, and medical history of the patient, as well as whether they’re conscious, breathing, or bleeding.

The information will be shared with a dispatcher, who will decide the best course of action and the priority of the emergency. For example, if an ambulance is required, the dispatcher will determine whether a normal ambulance, rapid response car, paramedic, or air ambulance is required. If the situation is determined to be non-life-threatening, thedispatcher may advise you to attend the hospital, your local doctor surgery, or pharmacist instead. It’s possible to contact the emergency services by text if you can’t make a voice call, but you must register with the emergency SMS service first. Text ‘register’ to 999 to register.

Fire services

If you see a fire, you should always call 999 to speak to the fire brigade, even if the fire is small or you’re not 100% sure it’s an emergency. Don’t contact your local fire station, and don’t assume someone else already called.

Police

You should only contact the police on 999 if there’s a genuine emergency. The police service advises you ask yourself the following questions before deciding if a situation is an emergency:

l l Is someone in immediate danger?

l l Do you need support right away?

l l Could the situation could become heated or violent?

For minor issues, you should either call the non-emergency phone number 101 or report the crime online (https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident/?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=m1daRqDW0UHsN43LH9cNATd8aQInRe5VIr1EPhqxCiA- 1636826775-0-gaNycGzNCKU). If your local force doesn’t provide online reporting, you will instead need to call or visit your local police station.

There are also some specialist phone numbers for specific crimes:

l l Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321 or online

l l Crimestoppers (to report crimes anonymously): 0800 555 111 or online

l l Action Fraud (for fraud or cybercrime) – 0300 123 2040 or online

l l British Transport Police (for incidents on trains or tubes): 0800 40 50 40 or online

111 - Health emergency number in the UK

If the medical emergency isn’t life-threatening but is still urgent, you can call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111 for advice on what to do next. Further steps may include speaking to a nurse, pharmacist, or general practitioner (GP), or setting up a face-to-face appointment. Alternatively, you can visit your local hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at an NHS urgent care center.

If you call 111, you can get information on finding the right local service to help you with your medical issue. Operators ask a series of questions and offer a range of support, which can include:

l l Connecting you to a nurse, emergency dentist, GP, or pharmacist

l l Arranging a face-to-face appointment

l l Advising you on how to get the correct medicine

l l Offering self-care advice

Calling 111 is a good way to get expert advice on your care options if you’re not sure what to do.

112 - Europe-wide emergency numbers

If you have an emergency anywhere in Europe, you can call 112 from any phone to speak to the emergency services. If you call 112 in the UK, it’ll take you through to the same emergency services center as if you call 999.