Who are they?
Our Guardian families come in all varieties. Some have children at school; others may have grown-up children. Often they have lived abroad themselves and understand what it is like to be a visitor in a strange new country where customs and day-to-day life may be unfamiliar. In all cases, however, we look for loving, responsible families who are committed to the welfare of our students and who appreciate the opportunity to welcome an overseas student into their homes.
What do they do?
Gabbitas guardians treat your child as one of their own. In summary, a guardian is responsible for:
- Providing a home at weekends away from school (exeats) and half term holidays. The guardian must be able to provide a separate bedroom for your child
- Involving your child in family activities. Many guardian families have children of their own and we ask that wherever possible, your child is included in these activities
- Liaison with your child’s school over matters of welfare and general progress
- Routine contact with parents as well as communication with the school and with Gabbitas over arrangements at weekends and half-terms
- Attending school functions whenever possible, e.g. concerts, parents’ evenings and speech days
- Liaison with the school over special arrangements for shopping, medical treatment etc
- Adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated by AEGIS (The Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students), an organisation which Gabbitas are founder members of and look out for the welfare of students from overseas at UK boarding schools.
- Escorting your child to and from the airport at the beginning and end of each term (click here for our tiered services).
Where do they live?
We look for guardian families living no more than an hour’s drive to the school your child attends. This is not only to minimise travel time at weekends and half terms, but also so that they can attend parents' evenings and other events at school such as concerts or plays in which your child is taking part. Some have houses in towns or cities; others live in more rural locations. We ensure that they can provide a comfortable environment in which to relax or study during half term and exeat weekends. Houses vary a great deal in size and design from the very new to historic buildings.
How do we choose a family for your child?
We choose our families very carefully. First we ask you to tell us as much as possible about your child, his or her interests, personality and preferences, so that we can look for a family with whom your child will settle in well. Families are sometimes recommended by other guardians, by parents or schools. In other cases we invite applications from families who live near your child's school.
All prospective guardians are visited in their homes by a senior member of our department. This helps us to decide if the family is suitable to be a Gabbitas guardian family. We take up references and carry out full checks on the family's background before deciding whether or not to accept them for guardianship. We want to always reassure you that your child is in the best possible care.
When we have found a family, we contact you with the details. If you are happy with our recommendation, we arrange for your child to spend a "taster" weekend with the family. If this works well and your child is happy in their company, we confirm the arrangement, which can last for the whole of the child’s school life in the UK.
To become a guardian, please click here.
Contact our Guardianship consultants for more information.
