Pippa's provides the right care at the right time
With Pippa’s Guardians, your child is cared for by a dedicated Area Manager from the moment they join us until they leave school. The care provided is a constant throughout, but how this care and support is delivered adapts to suit each child’s needs at every stage of their time with Pippa’s.
Years 4-6 (Ages 9-11)
At this age, children need extra care and support as they adjust to a new country and school environment.
- If your child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, a Pippa’s Guardians representative will meet them at arrivals and safely escort them to school. The same care is provided for their return journey, taking them to the check in desk, and remaining at the airport to ensure their flight leaves on time.
- Travel to and from host families is managed with the same diligence.
- All activities outside school or host family must be approved by their Area Manager and parents, and children are always accompanied by an approved adult..
- Pippa’s Area Managers maintain regular contact with your child and their school, visiting twice each term to check on their progress and well-being.
Years 7-8 (Ages 11-12)
The level of support remains high at this age and very similar to the care provided for Years 4-6, evolving slightly to meet their changing needs.
- Our Area Managers continue to provide assistance with challenges like homesickness, friendship issues, or academic concerns when visiting them at school
- They visit twice per term and can attend parents evenings and events if required
- All travel is organised, whether that is to and from the airport as an unaccompanied minor or to and from the host family. Safety is paramount.
- Children are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult when away from school or their host family’s home.
Years 9-11 (Ages 13-15)
During these years, children often gain confidence and start to explore their independence.
- While Pippa’s still require details of where your child is going, how they will get there, and with whom, they are allowed to enjoy time on their own or with friends at a local location for an agreed period of time.
- Area Managers shift focus to help with decisions about GCSE subjects, managing stress, and maintaining friendships.
- Your child is still visited twice a term and their Area Manager is there to support them at any time.
Years 12-13 (Ages 16-18)
In their final years of school, students prepare for adulthood, and our approach reflects their growing maturity. The Area Manager’s relationship evolves from that of a parental figure to more of a supportive friend, offering emotional guidance and encouragement.
- Students are still expected to carry a phone for emergencies and adhere to agreed times to return home when away from school or their host family.
- They can enjoy day trips with friends further afield, with parental agreement, so a trip to one of our cities can be a welcome change.
- An Area Manager can make an enormous difference to a child’s ability to cope with the added pressures that sixth form brings – the security of having someone who has been by their side throughout their school days can give your child the stability they need to excel at this stressful time.
- At this stage, our support focuses on offering practical advice, emotional support, and preparing them for the next steps, whether that’s university, a gap year, or entering the workforce.
Through every stage of your child’s journey, Pippa’s adapts to their changing needs, providing the care, guidance, and freedom they require to thrive.