WELFARE
Student Welfare at SBC
Your child’s safety, wellbeing, and happiness are our highest priority. Every day, at every campus.
At SBC, the safety, wellbeing, and personal development of every student sits at the centre of everything we do. Whether your child is attending summer camp for the first time or returning for another summer, we know how important it is for families to feel confident that their child is safe, supported, and genuinely happy while away from home.
This page outlines how student welfare is managed across all SBC programmes and locations, from pre-arrival preparation to daily care on site.
A Student-Centred Approach
No two students are the same, and at SBC we treat every child as an individual. Our student-centred approach means understanding each student’s needs both academically and emotionally, and responding with care, consistency, and flexibility.
Support begins before arrival. Admissions Managers speak directly with families to gather key information, including medical details, dietary requirements, and any additional needs.
Welfare support then continues through a series of clear touchpoints. On arrival, students take part in a welcome talk and house induction, meeting the staff who will support them day to day. Throughout the programme, House Parents and site teams check in with students regularly, supported by Welfare Managers who monitor wellbeing across the centre.
If concerns arise, they are followed up promptly and sensitively. Parents are kept informed, and next steps are agreed collaboratively. This joined-up approach ensures students are never left to manage challenges alone and families know exactly who is supporting their child at every stage.
Dedicated Staff
Our welfare provision is underpinned by experienced, carefully selected staff. All SBC team members complete comprehensive pre-summer training focused on supporting young people away from home. This includes:Â
- Recognising and responding to homesickness
- Promoting positive social interaction
- Building inclusive communities through structured house groups, mixed-nationality rooming, guided ice-breakers, and daily house meetings
- Prioritising student wellbeing at all times
Each campus has a dedicated Welfare Manager supported by experienced House Parents. All staff complete safeguarding training before working with students, and several team members hold Mental Health First Aid qualifications.
Every member of staff is chosen for their professionalism, warmth, and experience working with children and teenagers. Together, they create an environment where students feel safe, respected, and confident to be themselves.
Experience You Can Trust
SBC has been delivering award-winning summer programmes since 2008. Our Head Office team supports families year-round, guiding them from booking through to departure.
Many senior managers and seasonal staff return year after year, with over 90% of Operational and Centre Managers having worked with SBC since 2014 or earlier. This continuity brings consistency, strong safeguarding practice, and deep expertise in student care across all programmes.
Welfare staff are available 24 hours a day. Clear procedures are in place for medical concerns, homesickness or any other emergencies.
Your Child’s Wellbeing
With experienced staff, clear safeguarding procedures, and a student-first philosophy, SBC provides a carefully structured environment where students can grow in confidence, independence, and wellbeing.
A lot of work goes into our programmes behind the scenes to make sure every student feels safe, supported, and inspired to discover what they’re capable of.
– Tom Flaherty, Head of Programmes
How We Support and Protect Every Student
Answers to the most important questions parents ask about safety, supervision and student wellbeing at SBC.
All students are automatically covered by SBC’s comprehensive travel insurance policy as part of their booking. This policy is designed specifically for international students attending short-term educational programmes in the UK.
Cover begins when students depart for their programme and continues until they return home. Families may choose to arrange additional insurance if they wish.
We recognise that many students arrive with specific dietary needs for medical, ethical, or religious reasons. Our catering teams can accommodate requirements including:Â
- food allergies and intolerances
• vegetarian and vegan diets
• religious dietary needs
Dietary information is collected during the application process to ensure appropriate meals are available throughout the programme.
SBC welcomes students of all faiths and supports them in practising their religion while attending our programmes. This includes providing space for prayer or reflection, respecting religious dress and customs, and supporting fasting or other observances.
Our Admissions Team is happy to discuss individual requirements with families in advance.
SBC operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. From the first day, students are guided on shared values of respect, kindness, and inclusion.
Staff actively monitor group dynamics, and any concerns are addressed promptly and sensitively, with clear communication with families when appropriate.
Each family is assigned a dedicated Admissions Manager who remains their main point of contact throughout the summer. Admissions Managers are available by phone or email, and a 24-hour emergency number is provided for urgent support.
Students also have opportunities to stay in touch with home, and parents may contact site staff directly if needed.
SBC is committed to supporting students with special educational needs or disabilities. Families are encouraged to share relevant information during the admissions process so we can make reasonable adjustments, ensure appropriate staff support, and place students in suitable classes and groups.
Our Welfare and Academic teams work closely together to ensure every student can participate fully and confidently.
Arrange a Free Consultation with Our Admissions Team
We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.