Health & Safety
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and well-supervised environment for all participants throughout their stay in the UK.
Global School Exchanges Ltd. (GSE) believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people, by a commitment to practice which protects them.
Our approach to safety:
We operate in accordance with UK health and safety standards, including the principles set out in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. All aspects of our programme are carefully planned and risk assessed.
Supervision and staffing:
Students are supervised at all times by trained staff
We maintain appropriate staff-to-student ratios for all activities and excursions
All staff undergo strict safer recruitment checks, including Enhanced DBS checks
A designated safeguarding lead is responsible for student welfare, and all staff regularly complete safeguarding training
School visits and excursions:
All offsite visits comply with an ‘Operating Safe Excursions’ policy and procedure
All partner schools and venues are risk assessed
Travel between locations is organised and supervised by staff
Clear procedures are in place for registration, headcounts, and group management
Students receive safety briefings before all off-site activities
Host family accommodation
All host families are carefully selected and vetted per a strict safer recruitment procedure, and hold an Enhanced DBS check
Accommodation is assessed to ensure it is safe, suitable, and appropriate for young people
Students are placed in a supportive home environment, with consideration given to age and needs
Students are provided with clear guidance on staying safe within the home and local area
Medical care and first aid
Relevant medical information is collected prior to arrival
Qualified first aiders are available during all programme activities
Clear procedures are in place for managing illness, accidents, and emergencies
We ensure students can access appropriate medical care if needed
Emergency procedures
Robust procedures are in place for emergencies, including medical incidents, travel disruption, and safeguarding concerns
Students are given emergency contact details on arrival
A 24-hour emergency contact number is available for students and parents
Transport safety
Reputable, trusted and licensed transport providers are used
Staff supervise students during all journeys
Travel plans are carefully coordinated and monitored
Ongoing review
GSE regularly review our health and safety procedures and risk assessments to ensure they remain effective and reflect current best practice.
If you would like more detailed information about our health and safety procedures, please contact us directly at hello@school.exchange
