Here we are mid half term and if I was given a pound for every time I had been asked already this week 'can I go to London?' I would be so rich I could give up working forever!!
Before I blog on about our rules and regulations and why in many cases I have to answer NO to the above question, let's just look at some statistics. First of all let's look at London - it is that big thing next to this text. It is HUGE.
It covers 241 square miles.
So when I am asked can I go to London it is like asking 'can I go to Hong Kong? - what do you mean? Are you going to Mongkok, New Territories? Kowloon? Disneyworld? Tsuen Wan? - see what I mean?
All those parents out there take note - London is not a small green village - it is a huge cosmopolitan city full of all types of people, good and bad. Our underground system is very complicated. I even get lost all the time on it. No-one has time to stop and help you if you are lost.
I know that half term can be boring in your host family - just staying in and studying but I am afraid we all had to do it. I can remember my half terms were boring when Mum and Dad didnt take me out every minute of the day but you make your own fun, watch TV etc. I was not allowed to go to London on my own until I was at least 17. My parents kept me safe and sound and that is what I am trying to do to you, our guardianship children.
So here are the answers to the question 'can I go to London'
If you are 15 or under - absolutley NO - unless you are with a responsible adult who is 25 or over and who has been approved by us and your parents. A signed permission to travel form needs to be sent to us from your parents.
If you are 16 or over - yes you can in the daytime and only if you are with other friends.
17 plus yes - but you must be back by 11pm.
You cannot under any circumstances, regardless of your age, stay out overnight unless permission has been granted by your parents and we have details of where you are and the adult of 25 plus who will be looking after you.
These rules have been set using Child Protection guidelines, after much consultation with parents in the UK and after much thought and consideration. We urge our overseas parents to listen to us and support us in our rules.
Our host families are the best you will find in the UK and with them our main goal is to keep overseas children here without their parents safe and sound. We dont want them to have bad experiences, just positive ones.
Anyway I wish a great half term to all and hope you enjoy the rainy weather! Apparently it will be warm at the weekend.
Lana Foster
Managing Director
