Your Trusted Boarding School Guardianship with Nest Guardians
Guardian – Why Essential
Most UK boarding schools require overseas students to have a UK-based guardian. During the enrollment process, the school will provide a form asking you to nominate your chosen guardian.
A guardian should be a responsible adult residing in the UK, able to act on behalf of the parents in case of an emergency .If you don’t have a family friend available to be a guardian, you can select an AEGIS-accredited UK Guardianship Organisation, such as Nest Guardians, to take on this important role.
This not only meets the boarding school’s requirements but also ensures compliance with UKVI guidelines, keeping international students safe when they are not at school. Nest Guardians holds Gold standard accreditation, the highest recognition in the UK.
Key Components of Guardianship
At Our Head Office
When you register with Nest Guardians, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Guardianship Care Manager based at our Head Office. Fully trained and qualified, they serve as your main point of contact, coordinating with host families and schools to ensure your child’s well-being.
Nearby the School
Students on the Nest Guardians program also benefit from the support of a Local Coordinator, known to them as their “Nest Buddy.” This coordinator lives near the school and visits regularly to ensure the student is settling in well. They can also attend school meetings on your behalf if needed.
Safe and Trusted Transportation
We carefully select and partner with trusted taxi companies across the UK, all of which undergo a thorough screening process. Each time your child travels, you’ll receive an online photo ID and profile of the driver, ensuring peace of mind during their journeys.
In Case of Emergency
As guardians, we’re here to support your child in any emergency. Whether it’s a cancelled or delayed flight, unexpected accommodation needs, or medical assistance, we step in to ensure everything is handled smoothly. With our 24/7 emergency phone and email service, parents can rest easy knowing they can reach us at any time.
Carefully Selected and Safe Host Family Accommodation
Occasionally, students may need to leave school unexpectedly, whether due to a cancelled flight, an early departure after school closes, or during exeat weekends and half-term holidays. In these situations, Nest Guardians provides safe and secure host family accommodation to ensure your child is well cared for during these planned or unplanned events. Our carefully selected host families are ready to offer a comfortable and welcoming environment, giving both students and parents peace of mind during these times.
Meet Our Professional Drivers
The driver who greets your child at the airport is often the first point of contact with Nest Guardians, making it crucial for them to be easily recognizable, punctual, and friendly. We ensure that every driver is not only professional but also warm and welcoming, offering the best first impression for your child.
All of our drivers undergo thorough criminal record checks and are carefully vetted by our team to ensure they meet our high standards. They are reliable, compassionate individuals driving fully insured vehicles that meet our safety requirements.
Before your child’s journey, we’ll send you a detailed profile of the driver who will be meeting them. This includes their contact details and a photograph, so you can feel confident and assured when your child arrives.
Where Nest Guardians Provides Support
Nest Guardians provides a top-quality guardianship service at over 400 UK boarding schools, colleges, and universities across the country (excluding Ireland). Our extensive network ensures that wherever your child studies, they will receive the same high level of care and support.
In each region, we have a dedicated Local Coordinator who oversees the well-being of our students, along with an established network of trusted host families and professional drivers. Whether your child is in the south, north, or anywhere in between, we are committed to offering reliable, personalized guardianship to meet their needs.
What Makes Nest Guardians Different
Reliable Care from a Team You Can Trust
At Nest Guardians, we are committed to ensuring that every aspect of your child’s well-being is looked after. Our guardianship program offers parents confidence that their child is supported every step of the way. From the moment your child arrives in the UK, we provide a comprehensive care package that covers all their needs throughout their time at school.
Award Winning Excellence Since 2020
Founded in 2000, Nest Guardians has earned a reputation for excellence in UK guardianship. With a team that is trained in Child Protection and Customer Service, we deliver a service that both parents and students can rely on. We’re proud to have received recognition as a top Guardianship Organisation at the Study Travel Secondary Awards in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
A Seamless Experience with Our Online Portal
Our user-friendly online portal is designed to simplify the guardianship process for both parents and students. It includes a powerful Host Family Selection tool, giving families the ability to choose accommodation that best suits their child’s needs, ensuring peace of mind throughout their stay.
Safe and Secure Host Family Accommodation
Whether planned or unexpected, Nest Guardians offers safe, comfortable, and reliable host family accommodation. Our extensive network of trusted host families ensures your child always has a caring place to stay, whether during school breaks or unforeseen events.
Blink for Parents – Your Guardianship at Your Fingertips
When you enroll in the Nest Guardianship program, you’ll receive instant access to Blink, our bespoke cloud-based parent portal. Designed with the needs of overseas parents in mind, Blink allows you to stay informed about your child’s progress and well-being, wherever you are, at any time.
Your Personal Profile and Launchpad
Through Blink, both parents and agents can enjoy easy access to a live timeline of reports, visit summaries, and feedback from parents’ evenings. This comprehensive view ensures that you’re always up to date on your child’s experience.
Access Host Family and Driver Information
Blink allows you to manage essential details such as flight information, host family profiles, taxi confirmations, and driver profiles. You can also view, download, and pay invoices while tracking your live guardianship expenses fund with ease.
Your Guardianship Toolkit
Our innovative portal offers a range of tools to support parents. You can view school term dates, check the opening and closing times for over 400 UK boarding schools, generate visa support letters, and create instant quotations.
Host Family Selection Made Easy
Finally, Blink’s filtering system allows you to explore and browse our extensive network of host families across the UK, ensuring you can find the right fit for your child’s needs.
Easter, Summer and Christmas Holiday Options for Students
During the Christmas holidays, schools typically close, and Nest Guardians does not offer host family options at this time. Students are required to return home or make their own arrangements within the UK.
However, for the Easter and Summer holidays, we are pleased to offer a range of options. We have an extensive network of host families available to welcome students during the Easter break for those who prefer this accommodation.
Additionally, we’re excited to offer holiday and revision programs as an alternative to homestay during Easter. These programs provide a structured, supportive environment for students looking to stay productive over the break.
For the Summer holidays, we also partner with a variety of residential courses, providing students with opportunities to engage in educational or leisure activities while being cared for in a safe and welcoming environment.
Mental Health Support and Emergency Assistance Services
At Nest Guardians, we understand that some students may need additional support, whether it’s managing mental health challenges or requiring assistance during a medical emergency. In these situations, we are fully equipped to provide the care and attention they need.
We work with specially trained host families and staff who are prepared to support students in times of distress or health concerns. Whether it’s accompanying a student to a hospital or providing emotional support, our team is ready to step in and ensure your child feels safe and supported.
We are committed to offering a compassionate and responsive approach, ensuring that every student has the help they need, when they need it.
Flexible Guardianship Plans to Suit Your Needs
At Nest Guardians, we recognise that each family’s needs are unique, which is why we offer two distinct guardianship options: Essential and Full. These options are designed to provide the flexibility and support that best matches your child’s specific requirements during their time in the UK.
Essential Guardianship
Is ideal for families who have a trusted relative or friend in the UK to provide holiday accommodation. It’s perfect for parents who prefer their child to return home during exeat weekends or half terms and don’t need transportation services.
Full Guardianship
offers a comprehensive care package, ensuring your child’s well-being with regular host family stays during school breaks, along with safe and secure transportation services, including airport transfers. This option guarantees the highest level of care and safeguarding throughout your child’s time in the UK.
Find Guardianship at Your Chosen School
