Oxford Summer Courses Safeguarding Guide
A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
When students join Oxford Summer Courses, their safety, wellbeing, and happiness come first. We understand that sending your child away to study can feel daunting, which is why we’ve created a secure, inclusive, and caring environment where every student feels supported. From the moment they arrive, our team is on hand to guide, listen, and help them thrive. Our safeguarding policies cover every part of the experience — from application to departure — with trained staff, clear expectations, and a 24/7 welfare team ensuring every student feels safe and cared for. We set clear boundaries, build trust, and foster respect, so parents can apply with confidence knowing their child will be in expert, caring hands. Limited space available - apply now.
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Our Safeguarding Commitment
Student welfare is at the heart of everything we do. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for bullying, discrimination, or harassment, and every student agrees to our clear code of conduct before joining. This creates a respectful and positive environment where all voices are valued and differences are celebrated.
Safeguarding is more than policy — it’s our culture. Students are encouraged to speak openly about any concerns and know they’ll be listened to with empathy and care. When issues arise, they are handled swiftly, fairly, and with sensitivity. We want every student to feel safe, respected, and able to focus on learning and exploration.
Dedicated Safeguarding Team
Every course location has a dedicated safeguarding and welfare team made up of trained professionals. All staff — from tutors to seasonal team members — complete enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training to the highest standards. They are approachable, experienced, and always available to provide advice, reassurance, and practical help.
Our teams are structured to ensure age-appropriate supervision. House Parents look after younger students, providing day-to-day support and pastoral care, while Welfare Officers and Course Directors oversee wellbeing and safety for older age groups. Activity Leaders, Study Leaders, and Course Directors all work closely together to maintain a secure, structured, and supportive community.
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Student Safety in Practice
We take a proactive approach to safety and wellbeing. Students receive a full safeguarding briefing when they arrive, including guidance on behaviour, curfews, and how to access support. Male and female students are housed separately, and junior students are always accompanied by staff during activities and free time.
Regular check-ins, curfews, and fire drills ensure students understand safety expectations and procedures. Our welfare staff monitor wellbeing daily, balancing independence with appropriate supervision, so students can explore with confidence knowing support is always close by.
Safeguarding by Age Group
Our safeguarding approach evolves with age, ensuring students receive the right balance of independence and care. For younger learners (ages 9–12), House Parents and Welfare Managers provide close supervision, daily check-ins, and structured routines. Activities and free time are always accompanied, helping students build confidence in a safe, nurturing setting.
For older students (ages 13–24), Course Directors, Welfare Officers, and Study Leaders provide support and guidance while allowing greater independence. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves, seek help when needed, and contribute to a respectful, inclusive community.
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Behaviour and Conduct
Respect is at the heart of our community. We expect every student to treat others with kindness, consideration, and integrity. Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexuality is never tolerated.
Our code of conduct is shared with families before the course begins so expectations are clear. Students are supported to make positive choices, but serious breaches of behaviour may result in dismissal. These boundaries help create a safe, respectful, and inspiring environment where all students can learn and grow.
Reporting and Support
We make it easy for students to speak up. Before arrival, parents and students receive all relevant contact details for reporting concerns or asking for help. Students can talk to any staff member they trust, or contact our welfare team directly — every concern is treated seriously, confidentially, and with care.
Our safeguarding leads are trained to respond quickly and professionally, offering reassurance and practical solutions. We encourage open dialogue between students, parents, and staff, so everyone feels heard and supported at every step of the journey.
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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.
Secure Your 2026 Place Today
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.
