Parent resources

If you live overseas there are a number of extra considerations – for example, the ease of access to the school from the airport, the number of other pupils with parents overseas, the appointment of a guardian and language coaching if English is not your child’s first language.

A guardian is essential. This can be a friend or relation with whom the child can stay during half-term breaks and exeats, who is on call for emergencies and who can help to arrange travel home for holidays. It is best if this is someone your child knows and likes and who lives within easy travelling distance of school. If that is not possible, you may get help from the school; or from Aegis, which has links to recognised guardianship organisations (http://www.aegisuk.net">www.aegisuk.net; tel 01453 755 160).

If English is not your child’s first language, arrange for some coaching prior to starting. Schools with their own ESL provisions will be better able to deal with non-native English speakers. Choose a school where there are other pupils whose parents live overseas. Find out what provision is made at weekends and over half term for those who cannot go home. Will the school arrange transport to the airport? Will it arrange any necessary immunisation?

You can get information and advice from the ISC (the international zone on the website, http://www.isc.co.uk">www.isc.co.uk or ring on 020 7766 7070).