Oxford Summer Courses Safeguarding Guide
A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
When students join Oxford Summer Courses, their safety, wellbeing, and happiness are our highest priorities. We understand that studying away from home — often in a new country — can feel daunting for both students and parents. That’s why safeguarding is built into every part of the experience, from the moment students apply to the day they return home. Our approach combines clear policies, trained staff, structured supervision, and a culture of care. Students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, allowing them to focus on learning, making friends, and growing in confidence — while parents can trust that their child is in safe, capable hands. Limited space available - apply now.
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Our Safeguarding Commitment
Safeguarding at Oxford Summer Courses goes beyond policies — it shapes how we work every day. We operate a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, discrimination, or unsafe behaviour, and every student agrees to a clear code of conduct before their course begins. This creates a respectful, inclusive environment where all students feel valued.
Students are encouraged to speak openly, ask for help, and raise concerns at any time. When issues arise, they are handled promptly, sensitively, and fairly. Our aim is to ensure every student feels safe, respected, and supported, so they can fully engage with their studies and experience.
Dedicated Safeguarding Team
Every course location is supported by a dedicated safeguarding and welfare team made up of trained professionals. All staff — including tutors, House Parents, Welfare Officers, Course Directors, and seasonal team members — complete enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training to the highest standards.
Our teams are approachable, experienced, and present throughout the programme. Clear roles and responsibilities ensure students always know who to turn to for advice, reassurance, or support, and parents can be confident that welfare is monitored consistently and professionally.
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Student Safety in Practice
Safeguarding is part of daily life at Oxford Summer Courses. Students receive a full safeguarding briefing on arrival, covering behaviour expectations, boundaries, and how to access support. Junior students are accompanied during activities and free time, while older students are supported with age-appropriate independence.
Regular check-ins, clear routines, curfews where appropriate, and visible staff presence help students feel secure while still enjoying a sense of freedom. Welfare teams monitor wellbeing closely, ensuring students can explore their surroundings confidently, knowing help is always nearby.
Safeguarding by Age Group
Our safeguarding approach evolves with each age group to provide the right balance of care and independence. For younger students (ages 9–12), House Parents and Welfare Managers provide close daily supervision, structured routines, and accompanied activities, creating a safe and nurturing environment.
For older students (ages 13–24), support remains readily available while encouraging independence and responsibility. Welfare Officers, Study Leaders, and Course Directors provide guidance and oversight, empowering students to manage their time confidently while knowing support is always accessible.
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Behaviour and Conduct
Respect and consideration are central to life at Oxford Summer Courses. We expect all students to treat others with kindness and integrity, and we do not tolerate bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour of any kind.
Clear behaviour expectations are shared with students and parents before the course begins. Students are supported to make positive choices, and while serious breaches may result in dismissal, our focus is always on creating a safe, respectful environment where everyone can learn and grow.
Reporting and Support
We make it easy for students to speak up. Before arrival, families receive clear contact details for safeguarding and welfare support. During the course, students can talk to any trusted staff member — including tutors, House Parents, or Course Directors — or contact the welfare team directly.
All concerns are taken seriously and handled confidentially and sensitively. Our safeguarding leads are trained to respond quickly and professionally, keeping communication open with students and parents to ensure issues are resolved with care and clarity.
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Why Parents Trust Us
With over a decade of experience running safe, structured summer programmes, Oxford Summer Courses is trusted by families around the world. Thousands of students have joined us since 2010, and many return year after year — not just for our academic excellence, but because they feel truly cared for.
Every staff member is safeguarding-trained, DBS-checked, and committed to student welfare. Our 24/7 support teams, structured supervision, and clear communication give parents complete peace of mind. We don’t just teach curiosity — we protect it, ensuring every student can learn and grow in an environment that’s safe, inclusive, and inspiring.
Frequently Asked Questions about Safeguarding
Safeguarding means creating an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and respected — both physically and emotionally. It covers everything from background checks and staff training to supervision, behaviour expectations, and how concerns are handled. Every member of staff, from tutors to seasonal team members, completes enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training to ensure the highest standards of care.
Beyond procedures, safeguarding shapes our culture. Students are welcomed into an inclusive, respectful community where their wellbeing always comes first. We encourage open communication and mutual respect, helping students feel confident to ask for help, express themselves, and fully enjoy their summer experience.
Supervision is tailored to each age group to balance safety with independence. For younger students aged 9–12, House Parents and Welfare Managers provide close daily supervision, accompany students during activities and excursions, and ensure routines are consistent and comforting. Older students aged 13–24 enjoy greater freedom, supported by Welfare Officers, Study Leaders, and Course Directors who offer guidance, mentorship, and help whenever it’s needed.
Across all ages, our staff-to-student ratios are intentionally low, allowing us to know every student by name. We check in regularly to ensure everyone is happy, engaged, and settling well. Our approach allows students to grow in confidence while feeling supported every step of the way.
Students are encouraged to speak up about any concern — big or small. Before the course begins, both students and parents receive key safeguarding contact details, including how to reach our 24/7 welfare team. During the course, students can speak to any staff member they trust, whether it’s their tutor, House Parent, or Course Director. All concerns are handled confidentially, sensitively, and in line with our safeguarding policies.
We take every report seriously and act quickly to ensure students feel safe and supported. Our team is trained to listen with empathy, resolve issues promptly, and keep communication open with students and parents throughout the process.
We know that for many students, this may be their first time away from home — and that can feel daunting. Our welfare team provides dedicated emotional and practical support to help students settle in, make friends, and feel at home in their new surroundings. Daily check-ins, engaging activities, and open communication all help to build confidence and ease homesickness.
Parents are reassured that their child is in good hands from day one. We combine professional safeguarding standards with a warm, family-like atmosphere where every student is valued. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels comfortable, supported, and ready to make the most of their Oxford Summer Courses experience.
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With limited spaces and high demand, early applications give you the best choice of course, date, and location. Apply now to guarantee your summer with our award-winning programmes.
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