At PLUS, we work hard to ensure you feel safe and supported throughout your stay with us. We have established strong policies and our team is dedicated to helping you have a positive experience during our summer programmes. If you need assistance or have any concerns, our team is ready to help you so that you can make the most of your time with us.
Welfare and Support
Our staff are dedicated to the well-being and safety of every student. They are responsible for safeguarding on site, addressing any issues that may arise and providing guidance to staff and students. They also conduct risk assessments and are prepared to provide Group Leaders their support in case of incidents or emergencies as well as managing any disciplinary issues with care and sensitivity.
Arrival Briefing
On arrival, all students participate in a detailed welcome presentation where they are told about essential safety procedures, safeguarding rules, and anti-bullying policies. This session includes introductions to our safeguarding staff, information on evacuation procedures, assembly points, and emergency contact numbers.
Safety During Excursions
Each student at our summer programmes is provided with a lanyard, which includes their ID card containing all essential contact information as well as the student’s details. This practice ensures that in the unlikely event a student becoming lost or needing assistance or medical attention while off-campus, they can easily be helped. The lanyards are an essential part of our safety measures, helping to keep our students safe and secure throughout their stay.
Safer Recruitment Practices
Our recruitment practices are designed to ensure the safety and security of our students. All prospective staff members undergo detailed background checks and must complete our customised safeguarding training before the start of the programme. This thorough approach to staff selection and training ensures that our team is well-equipped to provide an adequate level of care and supervision.
Training and Qualifications
All our staff receive detailed training, including safeguarding appropriate to their level of responsibility, to ensure they are equipped to provide adequate care for our students. Our commitment to staff training and development is reflected in our operational success and the high level of student satisfaction.
Curfews and Night Checks
To ensure the safety of our students, we enforce strict curfew times at all our campuses. Our staff carry out night checks every day to verify that all students are safely in their rooms by the designated time. These measures allow us to ensure that all participants have plenty of rest for the next day's activities.
Supervision on Campus
At PLUS, Group Leaders are primarily responsible for supervising their students, but our staff provide additional support. A dedicated member of staff patrols each centre during free time and breaks, while at larger centres an Accommodation Manager is on duty through the night to ensure all students are in their rooms and to assist with any issues. Clear walking routes between accommodation and classrooms are established during the welcome tour, so the Group Leaders can then accompany and lead their students each day. PLUS staff remain available and actively involved throughout the programme, monitoring the groups and providing support whenever further assistance is needed.
Supervision Ratios
We follow a minimum adult-to-student ratio of 1:15, taking into account Group Leaders as well as PLUS staff. Ratios may be adjusted depending on the activity, risk level, and student age. Group Leaders receive clear guidance in our Group Leader handbook about their supervision responsibilities. For further information, see our Safeguarding Policies Handbook.
Excursion Supervision
During excursions, Group Leaders and Activity Leaders work together to supervise students effectively. Activity Leaders position themselves at the front, and the main Group Leader remains at the back. Continuous headcounts are carried out at all key moments such as before boarding and after leaving transport, at meeting points, and at entrances and exits of attractions, ensuring that students remain safe and accounted for at all times.
Unsupervised Time
Students under the age of 14 are not permitted to have unsupervised time and must always be within sight of their Group Leader. Students aged 14 and over may be granted limited unsupervised free time under strict conditions, including remaining in groups of at least three, carrying a mobile phone, and staying within one kilometre of the meeting point. Any unsupervised time must be authorised by both Group Leaders and PLUS staff. On closed campuses, students may move freely within secure areas, while younger students on open campuses must be escorted between locations.
Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
Safety, enjoyment, and learning are at the heart of our summer programmes. We strive to create an environment where students can improve their English skills, make new friends from around the world, and return home with memories that will last a lifetime. Our staff are available to support and assist, so that every student can have a safe, enjoyable experience during their time with us.
United Kingdom
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USA MINI STAYS 
