Accommodation | Oakbridge Guardians Ltd

Accommodation Support

When students are away from school, it is important that they have access to safe, suitable and supportive accommodation arrangements.

Oakbridge works with students, parents, schools and accommodation providers to help ensure that students remain safe, comfortable and appropriately supported during periods away from boarding school.

Accommodation arrangements are always made with the student's welfare, wellbeing and best interests in mind.

Staying with a Host Family

Many students will spend time with a Host Family during their studies in the United Kingdom.

Host Families provide students with a safe, welcoming and supportive home environment during periods away from school.

Host Families provide:

A safe and welcoming home environment.
Appropriate supervision and support.
Meals and day-to-day care.
Assistance with settling into life in the UK.
Support during periods away from school.

Host Family stays may take place during:

Exeats.
Half-term breaks.
School closures.
Travel disruptions.
Emergency situations.
Other approved periods away from school.

Our aim is to ensure that students feel comfortable, supported and included throughout their stay.

What To Expect

Every Host Family is different, but students can generally expect:

A clean and comfortable place to stay.
Appropriate supervision.
Meals and refreshments.
Clear household expectations.
Respectful and supportive communication.

Host Families may also:

Introduce students to local activities.
Help students become familiar with British culture.
Support students with practical day-to-day questions.

Students are encouraged to ask questions, communicate openly and participate in family life where appropriate.

Student Responsibilities

Students play an important role in making accommodation arrangements successful.

When staying with a Host Family, students are expected to:

Treat others with respect.
Follow reasonable household rules.
Communicate politely and honestly.
Respect personal space and property.
Arrive and return at agreed times.
Remain contactable.
Raise concerns if they feel uncomfortable or worried.

Students should inform Oakbridge, their parents or another trusted adult if they have concerns about their accommodation or wellbeing.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents help ensure that accommodation arrangements are successful by:

Providing accurate information about their child.
Communicating relevant medical, welfare and safeguarding information.
Ensuring accommodation requests are submitted in good time.
Remaining contactable where possible.
Informing Oakbridge of any changes to plans or circumstances.

Parents should encourage students to communicate openly and seek support whenever it is needed.

Accommodation Requests

Accommodation requests should be submitted using the Oakbridge Accommodation Request Form.

The form can be used to request:

Host Family accommodation.
Holiday accommodation.
Exeat accommodation.
Weekend accommodation.
Emergency accommodation.
Other approved accommodation arrangements.

Submitting requests as early as possible helps Oakbridge identify the most suitable arrangements and ensure accommodation is available when required.

Complete F005 – Accommodation Request Form

Emergency Accommodation

Unexpected situations can occur and may create an urgent need for accommodation.

Examples may include:

Travel disruption.
School closure.
Accommodation breakdown.
Safeguarding concerns.
Welfare concerns.
Medical circumstances.
Other unforeseen events.

Where emergency accommodation is required, Oakbridge will work quickly to identify appropriate arrangements and coordinate support.

The welfare and safety of the student will always be the primary consideration when emergency accommodation decisions are made.

Private Fostering

In certain circumstances, accommodation arrangements may meet the legal definition of private fostering.

Private fostering may apply where a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a close relative for an extended period.

Where private fostering arrangements arise, Oakbridge will:

Support compliance with relevant legal requirements.
Liaise with schools where appropriate.
Work with parents and accommodation providers.
Promote the welfare and safeguarding of the student.

We are committed to ensuring that all accommodation arrangements are managed responsibly and in accordance with applicable safeguarding and legal requirements.

Need Accommodation Support?

If you require assistance with accommodation arrangements, requests or welfare support, please contact Oakbridge.

Contact Oakbridge