Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that choosing the right guardianship service for your child is a crucial decision. To help you make an informed choice, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our services and how Aspire Guardians operates from recruiting host families and selecting the most suitable host family for your child to stay with.

Below, you will find answers to common queries that parents like you may have. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to support you and provide the best possible guardianship experience for your child.

Is it a legal requirement to have an Educational Guardian in the UK if the parent does not live in the UK?

There is no UK law that states that international students at UK boarding schools require an educational guardian. However, UK Child Student Visa forms ask parents to provide details of their educational guardian and most UK Boarding Schools insist students have one in order to uphold their National Minimum Standards for Boarding (NMS) as well as in an emergency.
What is a Guardian?

An adult or company in the UK who is appointed by a parent to be their representative while their child studies here.
Where does Aspire offer Guardianships?

Aspire offers guardianship all over the UK.
How does Aspire differ from a Legal Guardian?

An ‘educational guardian’ or ‘education guardian’ is an adult or company in the UK who is appointed by a parent to be their representative while their child studies here. A legal guardian is appointed by a court of law when a child does not have a parent.
I only need Guardianship for a short period of time, can the package fees be adjusted?

Yes. We understand the your child might be on an exchange program and require guardianship for a short amount of time. Please speak to a consultant for more information.
How Far is the Host Family From my Child’s School?

We adhere to all school policies and ensure that our host family fall within the school regulations. Should this not be possible or interests not align, where possible, we will always consult and advise you first so you can make an informed decision.
Can Aspire Find my Child a Host Family?

Of course! Our job is to find a host family for your child during the holidays when they need to leave school. Our host families are all very carefully recruited and selected. We visit our host families homes annually at the very least and have an enhanced criminal record (DBS) check.
What if my Child doesn’t want to go to a Host Family?

If your child prefers, we can organise residential courses over the half term and end of term breaks. However, we do recommend the students are cared for by their parents during the Christmas holidays as this is a significant family holiday for our host families. However, if this isn’t possible for any reason Aspire will be able to find a host family and your child will be included in the family celebrations at this time of year.
How Will you Assign my Child a Host Family?

We will consider your child’s needs and interests and match your child with a host family that is most suited to them within the school’s required catchment area.
Why do I Need a Host Family?

Host families play a crucial role in providing a sense of home to students who are thousands of miles away from their own families. Host families offer a safe and secure environment for our students during their time away from school, ensuring their well-being and comfort and thus host families are an integral part of our operations at Aspire Guardians.
Can I Meet My Child’s Host Family Before They Stay With Them?

Absolutely! We understand how nerve wracking it must be for your child to be staying with another family and to ease parents and students we would be able to organise an online meeting prior to your child staying with them. However, as this takes a lot of planning, please give us enough time to organise this with the host and an Aspire representative.
What is a Host Family?

Host families generously open their doors to students, typically during exeat weekends and half terms. Some students may also choose to stay with host families for a few days during the End of Term breaks such as Christmas, Easter, or Summer holidays. The hospitality and care provided by host families are fundamental to our mission, as they create a nurturing and supportive environment for students to thrive in.
How Will my Child Travel to the Host Family?

Where possible, the host family will collect your child from school. However, if this isn’t possible, we will organise a certified taxi to collect your child from school and return them safely.
Will my Child go to the same Host Family for each break?

Where possible, yes. Your child will go to the same host family for all breaks so they can build a relationship and feel comfortable with the host family. However, on occasions the host family might be unavailable or a student might request to stay with a different family. We will always consult you about this and always welcome any feedback you may have to ensure your child feels comfortable and enjoy their time away from school.
What packages do Aspire Guardians offer?

Aspire offers two levels of packages depending on whether hosting is required or not. Both packages offer the best service for the chosen package and all students under our care are treated fairly with regards to safeguarding. We don’t want you paying for anything that you don’t need!
Do I need a Visa?

Yes, all international students require a Tier 4 Student Visa to enter the UK. Aspire Guardians have legal partners that can support you with this application.
What do I need to bring with me to the UK?

Aspire will meet with you before you leave and will go through everything with you. We will give you a list of things that you might like to take with you and also explain where you can buy things from when in the UK.
Who will meet my Child at the Airport?

Aspire have several options depending on your preferences and the airport you fly into. Some schools will organise a school coach to meet your child at the airport. Aspire can also organise for your child to be collected by one of our drivers on arrival in the UK. Aspire work with recommended taxi firms and we conduct a thorough check on our drivers; checking their licences and ensuring they have an Enhanced Criminal Record (DBS) Check. If your child is going straight to a host, the host may also be collecting your child. Students over 16 are permitted to take public transport should they wish.
How do I know how much has been spent?

Aspire will advise the cost of transport or any other miscellaneous items prior to proceeding with any transactions for your approval.
When does Guardianship Support start?

As soon as we have received payment we are on hand with any questions you may have.
What happens when my Expenses Account runs out?

We will send an invoice to you when your child’s balance reaches below £300 to top up to the expenses account. This is a requirement of the guardianship package and school.
When do I need to pay for Guardianship?

Guardianship needs to be paid for prior to the commencement of the academic year.
Why do I need to pay for an Expenses Account?

The expenses account is a fully refundable deposit to pay for any expenses that will occur whilst your child is under our care. This includes any emergencies, taxis, hosting, music lessons or anything else your child might require in the UK. The balance will be refunded at the end of guardianship.
How do I make a Payment?

You can make a direct bank transfer payment in either HKD or GBP. Invoices will be sent in GBP and the prevailing exchange rate provided. Alternatively you can pay with credit card from any country.
What do I do in an emergency?

You would call our emergency number and our team would take the necessary steps to ensure that your child is safe and well cared for, whether that be liaising with the school or finding a host family.
What happens if my child gets suspended?

Aspire Guardians would meet with the school to find out all the information as to why your child has been suspended. We would the find the closest host that is available at short notice to host your child for the duration of the suspension.
What happens if my child needs to go to Accident & Emergency (A&E)?

In the event your child needs to go to A&E, it is likely that the school would contact our emergency number. We would then notify you as soon as possible with all the information we have. We would contact your child and maintain regular contact with the school as well. We would also seek a host family to meet your child at the hospital to ensure that they are not alone and feel safe and are recovering well.