East Sussex College welcomes students from all over the world. This document describes how we care for students aged under 18.
Parental consent
Before arrival at East Sussex College we require the parents/guardian and student aged under 18 to sign a parental consent form to confirm that they understand the rules that we have in place for the welfare of under 18s and the level of supervision that we provide for them.
The College will inform the parents/guardian of any breaches in the rules and the consequences.
The form will include the student’s parent/guardian contact details in case of emergency.
Travelling from the airport to the accommodation
East Sussex College works with a trusted local taxi company to provide airport transfers. We strongly advise parents/guardians of students under 18s to book our airport transfer service in advance of arrival.
Accommodation
We usually require all students under 18 to book homestay accommodation through the college. Alternative arrangements where the student will have adult supervision, such as staying with a family friend, can be accepted provided we have written confirmation of the arrangements from the parents at the time of the enrolment.
East Sussex College carefully recruits homestay hosts who meet British Council requirements. All homestays are inspected at least every 2 years by our Accommodation and Welfare Team. East Sussex College will only place students under 18 in a homestay where the main carer has provided an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate, which confirms suitability to work with children.
Students will be placed in a single room. Twin room accommodation is possible for students travelling with a friend of the same sex and similar age. The student is treated as part of the household and eat with their hosts in the evening. There will always be a responsible adult at home overnight.
East Sussex College has strict curfew rules for students under 18. All homestay hosts are aware of the rules and will contact the emergency number if the student is not home on time. Our curfew time is 23.00 daily. The student must provide written permission from their parents if they wish to be absent from the homestay overnight.
Meals
Homestays provide breakfast and dinner every day. Lunch is not provided but we have a refectory at all campuses, where students can buy lunch for a small price (around £4 for a full hot lunch). Alternatively there are shops on all campuses where sandwiches, snacks and drinks can be purchased. At weekends, students will be provided with a light lunch by their host families.
Travel
Lewes
Students at our Lewes campus will not generally need to use public transport to get to college and their host families will be no more than a maximum of 25-30 minutes walk. They will travel between homestay and school unsupervised. Their host will show them how to reach East Sussex College on their first day.
Eastbourne
Students will generally require a bus pass to reach the college. These can be purchased from the bus driver for £17.10 a week and a number of buses stop near the college. Parents should ensure that their child has enough money for public transport.
Hastings
Most students will be within ten minutes walk from the campus but some students may require a bus pass to reach the college. These can be purchased from the bus driver for £17.10 a week and a number of buses stop near the college. . Parents should ensure that their child has enough money for public transport.
Supervision
East Sussex College does not provide 24-hour supervision.
After class students are very welcome to join the school’s social activities, relax in the common areas, or use the Learning Resource Centre. Students will not be supervised during their free time but the College will give advice on how to stay safe during these times.
At the College
Students under the age of 18 will study in classes with adults and are expected to attend every lesson and must be on time.
Students under 18 cannot take holidays or days off without parental consent. If students are absent from College we will try to contact them. If there is no response, the International Student Officer will check with the homestay and follow up until we are sure that the student is safe.
Social activities
The College provides a variety of optional social activities. These are a good way for students to socialise, experience our campuses and practise their English. Not all social activities are suitable for students under 18, but we do aim to offer a variety of activities that all students can join.
All social activities organized by East Sussex College are supervised.
Internet access
East Sussex College provides all our students with free access to the internet and WiFi so that they can stay in contact with friends and family. Our servers are set to block content that is not suitable for under 18s.
Care and support
East Sussex College is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all students, and particularly for under 18s. All students receive a full induction on their first day, where key members of staff are introduced. The induction includes a tour of the building, information about the course, the college and Lewes or Eastbourne and health and safety information.
All students are issued with a 24-hour contact number that they can call for any out-of-hours emergencies. Students under 18s will be reminded of the curfew times and general code of conduct agreed in the parental consent form. They will be given specific guidance on staying safe in the College and in Lewes,Eastbourne or Hastings and they will be made aware of who they can talk to if they need help.
All staff and students are required to wear college ID badges, which are issued on the first day of school. Students are expected to wear ID badges visibly .
The College has a safeguarding policy. All members of staff have received appropriate safeguarding and child protection training and know the procedures that should be followed if there is cause for concern. All homestay hosts receive relevant information and guidance on safeguarding young people and who to report concerns to.
All homestay providers who host students under 18 are required to provide a valid Enhanced DBS.
