STUDENT HANDBOOK For pupils at school in the UK
WELCOME TO
SABLE
GUARDIANS
This handbook contains important and useful information to help you make the very most of your time studying at School in the UK. We encourage you to read it carefully and keep it somewhere safe so that you can refer back to it when needed. If you have any questions after reading this guide, please let us know — we are here to support you. Sable Guardians has a team of dedicated student support co-ordinators based across the UK, and we are very much looking forward to meeting you soon! Our role as your Educational Guardian is to support you through your journey of study in the UK.
OUR MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE: •
If you are worried or concerned about anything at all - please ask.
•
No problem is too big or too small.
•
We cannot help you if we do not know there is a problem.
•
We are here to support you every step of the way.
INTRODUCTION Living and studying in another country, away from home, should be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also feel challenging at times — especially when everything is new. Both Sable Guardians and your school or college are here to help you succeed and feel supported. If you ever need help, advice, or reassurance, it is very important that you contact us.
SABLE GUARDIANS 24 HR EMERGENCY NUMBER: +44 (0)7513 106 451
When you first arrive at school, things may feel overwhelming. In your boarding house, the Housemaster or Housemistress, along with House Assistants or Matrons, will be there to guide you. They are experienced and approachable, so please do not hesitate to ask questions. In addition to your house team, your Sable Guardians area co-ordinator is always available to support you. If you will be staying with a host family during your time in the UK, you will also receive our separate Guide to Staying with a Host Family,, which contains additional helpful information.
ARRIVAL TO
THE UK
Your travel arrangements will depend on where you are studying and your arrival date. You may: • Arrive with your parents, who will take you to school • Be met by transport arranged by your school or college • Have transport arranged by Sable Guardians Before you travel, you should receive clear instructions about where to go and how to identify your driver.
If you have any problems on arrival: • Speak to uniformed airport staff. • Contact your school transport office or Sable Guardians immediately. • Do NOT go with anyone if you are unsure who they are.
SABLE GUARDIANS 24 HR EMERGENCY NUMBER: +44 (0)7513 106 451
Please keep your passport and travel documents safe at all times. If you have a UK mobile phone, ensure it is fully charged and switched on when you arrive.
SETTLING INTO
LIFE
IN THE UK
ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN THE UK MAY TAKE TIME It is completely normal to feel homesick in the beginning. You are not alone in feeling this way. Being away from family and friends can be difficult. If you ever feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, please speak to someone — a member of boarding staff, school staff, your host family, or Sable Guardians.
These feelings are natural and usually pass as you become more familiar with your surroundings and routines.
Make sure you stay in touch with your family and friends at home. They will want to hear about your experiences and will understand if you miss them. We hope you will embrace new opportunities, enjoy new experiences, and build lasting friendships during your time in the UK.
BRITISH
CULTURE
MEETING AND GREETING: British people often say “please”, “thank you” and “excuse me”. me”. Using these phrases is considered polite and important in daily life. Queueing (waiting in line) is also very important in the UK. You will see this everywhere, especially at airports, shops, and bus stops. Do not push in front of others as it is considered rude.
WEATHER: The weather in the UK changes throughout the year. Winter temperatures can fall to -10° C. Summer temperatures can rise to 35° C. If you arrive in Autumn (September), bring a warm coat, jumpers, and clothes you can layer.
TAP WATER Tap water in the UK is safe to drink unless clearly labelled otherwise. Most people use a reusable water bottle which can be refilled at school or in cafés and restaurants.
ELECTRICITY UK electricity operates at 240 volts with a three-pin square plug. Some electrical items purchased abroad may not be compatible and could pose a fire risk. Always check with boarding staff before using electrical items brought from home.
MOBILE PHONES Pay-as-you-go SIM cards are widely available from providers such as O2, Vodafone, and EE. Other providers such as giffgaff or Lycamobile may offer competitive international call rates. Ask your school which network has the best signal locally. Boarding schools often have strict rules about mobile phone use and social media. Make sure you understand these rules to avoid confiscation of your device.
ONLINE SAFETY
& SCAMS
Be cautious of emails, websites, or messages requesting money or personal information. Do NOT send money or share personal details without checking first.
It is extremely unlikely that unexpected requests for money are legitimate. Always check with an adult before responding.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, report it to your school or college and contact us immediately. Sable Guardians has a policy regarding online safety. If you have anyconcerns about online behaviour, cyberbullying, or suspiciousmessages, please speak to us immediately.
SABLE GUARDIANS 24 HR EMERGENCY NUMBER: +44 (0)7513 106 451
PERSONAL
SAFETY
Depending on your age and school rules, you may occasionally have permission to visit the local town.
To stay safe: • Avoid walking alone after dark • Use reputable taxi companies if needed • Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas • Follow school guidance about areas that are “out of bounds” • Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash • Use ATMs in well-lit areas, preferably inside banks or shops. • Never leave your personal belongings (phone, bag, wallet) unattended. Your passport and BRP card should be stored safely with your Housemaster or Housemistress unless required for travel. If your bank cards are lost or stolen, notify your bank immediately and inform your school or Sable Guardians if you need help.
BULLYING &
DISCRIMINATION We want your experience in the UK to be positive and successful. Bullying of any kind - including cyberbullying (bullying which takes place online) - is unacceptable. IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE BEING BULLIED: • Tell a trusted adult. • Take a friend with you if you feel nervous • Support is available: Anti-bullying helpline: 0808 800 2222
Sable Guardians has an anti-bullying policy available on request. The UK values equality and respect. Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability is not acceptable. You are expected to treat others with respect, even if their beliefs or lifestyle are different from yours. If you experience discrimination,, report it to your school teachers or Sable Guardians. PREVENT (ANTI-RADICALISATION) The UK Government introduced a strategy called Prevent to help stop terrorism and protect people from being drawn into extremism.
The aim of Prevent is to: • Stop people from being influenced by extremist ideas • Provide support to anyone who may be at risk • Help schools and colleges keep students safe All Sable Guardians and school staff are trained to recognise possible signs of radicalisation as part of our safeguarding duties. If you are worried about yourself or a friend, please speak to us.
LAWS IN THE
UK
FOR UNDER 18s
If you are under 18, you are legally considered a minor. UK laws for under-18s are strict and must be followed. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, IT IS ILLEGAL TO: • Ask someone over 18 to purchase alcohol for you • Buy cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vapes • Purchase or use illegal drugs • Buy any type of knife • Buy alcohol • Get a tattoo • Gamble The age of consent in the UK is 16. However, sexual activity is notpermitted at school or college regardless of age. • It is illegal to send nude images or sexual videos (sometimes called “sexting”). • It is illegal to save or share these images, even if both people are under 18.
Think carefully before sharing any personal images online. If you are unsure about relationships or feel worried, seek advice from a trusted adult.
MEDICAL
&
HEALTH SUPPORT
DENTAL CARE Dental treatment is free under the NHS for students aged 19 and under. Ensure you register as an NHS patient, not a private one.
OPTICAL CARE Eye tests may require payment. If you need help arranging an appointment, please speak to the House staff at your school or college or contact us.
IF YOU ARE ILL If you feel unwell, inform school staff immediately. We will inform your parents if necessary and monitor your wellbeing. In an emergency, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile)
MENTAL HEALTH
SUPPORT
Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
IF YOU FEEL: • Stressed • Overwhelmed • Homesick/Culture Shock • Anxious • Unable to cope Please talk to someone. You are not alone - it is normal to experience these feelings, even if you felt excited about living in the UK at first. These feelings usually improve with time, but support is always available. YOU CAN SPEAK TO: • your school • your host family • Sable Gaurdians
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS: Childline - 0800 1111 NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 Young Minds - 0808 802 5544 Mind - https:/ /www.mind.org.uk
You are never alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
FINAL
THOUGHTS
We understand that this handbook contains a lot of information. Some of it may not apply to you now but it is important that you are aware of it. We will finish as we began: IF YOU ARE EVER WORRIED OR CONCERNED ABOUT ANYTHING — ASK! No matter how small it seems, we are here to support you every step of the way. We cannot help if we do not know there is a problem.
SABLE GUARDIANS 24 HR EMERGENCY NUMBER: +44 (0)7513 106 451
Sable Guardians takes safeguarding and child protection extremely seriously. If you ever feel unsafe, contact us immediately. Contact your Sable Guardian area co-ordinator using the email or mobile number that has been given to you.
Sable Guardians address: 18 St Swithin’s Lane, London, EC4N 8AD
LINDSEY LATIMER T: +44 20 7759 5406 M: +44 77 2167 6859 E: Lindsey.Latimer@sableinternational.com