Will my child be safe? Questions to ask before booking
A beautiful campus and an impressive timetable do not tell you who will look after your child at night. Before choosing a residential programme, ask how care works in everyday situations, not just whether the programme says it takes safety seriously.
Who is responsible throughout the day and night?
Ask who supervises lessons, free time, excursions and accommodation, and whether arrangements change for different ages. Request the staff-to-student ratios for each setting, how staff are vetted and trained, and who is on duty overnight. A classroom ratio alone does not explain residential care.
Find out whether students can leave the campus independently, how attendance is checked and what happens if someone misses a check-in. Older teenagers may have more freedom than younger children; the important thing is that you and your child understand the actual rules before agreeing to them.
Where will my child actually stay?
Confirm the accommodation address, room-sharing arrangements, bathroom facilities and how rooms are allocated by age. Ask how buildings are secured, how visitors are managed and how a student can reach a responsible adult at night.
Do not assume that a photograph of a university college shows the accommodation included in your booking. Request the confirmed residential arrangements for the particular programme and session you are considering.
What happens if they are unwell or need extra support?
Discuss allergies, medication, dietary requirements, disabilities and any emotional or learning support needs before paying. Ask who handles medication, what medical help is available, when parents are contacted and how emergency treatment is arranged.
Explain the support your child needs in practical terms. Ask the programme organiser to confirm what it can provide, what it cannot provide and whether any adjustments or additional charges apply. Never assume that a general statement about inclusivity confirms an individual support arrangement.
How will we stay in touch and raise a concern?
Request a named contact for routine questions and a separate emergency contact, including out-of-hours arrangements. Agree how your child can contact you and ask how staff respond to homesickness, bullying or a safeguarding concern.
Ask for the safeguarding policy and complaints process before booking. If an answer is vague, request clarification in writing rather than treating a reassuring phone conversation as confirmation. Our advisers can help you organise these questions; the programme organiser must confirm the care arrangements.
Still deciding?
Tell us about the student — their age, interests and where they would like to go — and we will suggest programmes worth a closer look. Our guidance is free and independent.