Care of Under 18s
At IPC, the safety, wellbeing and supervision of students under the age of 18 are our highest priorities. We are committed to providing a secure and supportive environment at all times, both inside and outside the classroom.
Safeguarding Contact:
Julie Allen: Designated Safeguarding Lead
Email: jallen@ipcexeter.co.uk
Emergency Phone Number: + 44 7789 640753
Safeguarding Commitment
We operate in line with recognised safeguarding principles and British Council requirements. All students under 18 are cared for within a structured framework designed to ensure their safety, welfare and appropriate supervision throughout their stay.
Our safeguarding approach includes:
- Clear policies and procedures for the care of under 18s
- Designated safeguarding staff available at all times
- Staff training in safeguarding awareness and responsibilities
- Risk assessments for all activities and services involving under 18s
Supervision and Welfare
Students under 18 are supervised according to their age, accommodation type and programme. We ensure that:
- Appropriate levels of supervision are in place during lessons, activities and excursions
- Clear rules and expectations are communicated to students on arrival
- Curfews and sign-in procedures are enforced where applicable
- Emergency contact support is available 24 hours a day
- Students are given guidance on staying safe, including travel, personal safety and appropriate behaviour.
Accommodation
Under 18s are only accommodated in options that meet our safeguarding standards, such as:
- Approved host families
- Designated residential accommodation (where applicable)
- All accommodation providers hosting under 18s are carefully selected and monitored. Where required, appropriate background checks and safeguarding measures are in place.
Group Leaders
For school groups, students are accompanied by their own teachers or group leaders, who retain primary responsibility for their students outside of scheduled school activities.
We require formal confirmation from the sending school that group leaders are:
- employed as teachers or authorised staff
- suitable to supervise young people
- approved to lead students abroad
This ensures a clear line of responsibility and continuity of care for students throughout their stay.
Attendance and Absence
Attendance is monitored for all under 18s. Any unexplained absence is followed up immediately in line with our safeguarding procedures, and relevant parties (group leaders, parents or guardians) are informed as appropriate.
- Medical and Emergency Support
- We collect relevant medical and emergency contact information prior to arrival. In the event of illness or emergency:
- Students are supported by our staff
- Parents/guardians and group leaders are contacted as appropriate
- Access to medical services is arranged when necessary
Code of Conduct
All under 18s must follow our student code of conduct, which includes:
- Respect for others
- Compliance with supervision rules and curfews
- Safe and responsible behaviour