Our Commitment to Safeguarding & Welfare
The safety and wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do. From the moment students arrive until they return home, our experienced team provides a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, allowing them to make the most of their Sapphire experience.
We communicate with you prior to your arrival to find out if you have any medical, educational or dietary needs to ensure that we can provide you with the best support and experience possible.
How We Keep Everyone Safe
Throughout your stay your welfare and safety are our top priority.
- 24/7 pastoral support and supervision (see our Safeguarding Policy for details)
- 1:8 staff to student ratio
- All staff are interviewed individually. Management staff, who are new to us, attend two interviews
- All staff have an Enhanced Disclosed and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure and/or police check to ensure their suitability for working with children
- All staff undergo training related to student safeguarding and welfare and our management teams complete external safeguarding training
- Dedicated Welfare manager
- All students are met at the airport for support with a safe transfer to their Sapphire programme
- First Aid trained staff and medical kits are available on-site
- Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Welfare team support our management teams and students throughout the programme
- All elements of our programmes are risk assessed
- Students wear a Sapphire lanyard with emergency contact details
- Key-card access residential blocks in safe university zones
Wellbeing
We encourage our students and staff to look after themselves during our fast paced, active courses. Strategies such as yoga, ensuring students and staff are eating and drinking enough and getting enough sleep, and checking in with them regularly to recognise the signs of stress early – all can help.
We also have mental health first aid trained staff who can offer support as well as signpost people to get further help if needed.
The Sapphire Experience
Every Sapphire programme is built to create a well-rounded educational experience. Each part of the programme has been carefully designed to help students develop academically, prepare for university and make the most of their time in the UK.