International English Centre
Parental Information
IEC Policy for Students Under the Age of 18
November 2014
Introduction
The International English Centre (IEC) occasionally admits students who are under the age of 18. In most cases this
will be a temporary situation, as the student will be approaching their 18th birthday. The IEC treats all its students as
independent, mature individuals. Students who are under the age of 18 will be treated in the same way. The usual
personal and academic support arrangements will apply to students who are under 18 years. However, the IEC
acknowledges what anyone under the age of 18 is legally a child and recognises that students under the age of 18
may therefore have additional needs in relation to their support and welfare. IEC students who are under 18 will
have additional pastoral tutorials with the IEC Co-ordinator.
Parental responsibilities
The IEC cannot take on the usual rights, responsibilities and authority that parents/guardians have in relation to a
child, and it will not act in loco parentis in relation to students who are under the age of 18 years.
It is a condition of admission to the IEC that the parent /guardian of any student who is under the age of 18 confirms,
by signing and accepting the Parental Consent Form, their acceptance of the arrangements set out in this
document.
Circumstances in which the IEC/University may need to act would include:


any dealings which a student may have with the police or
in the case of a medical emergency when the student might not be able to make a decision him/herself.
Emergency Contact
It is particularly important that emergency contact details are provided for students under the age of 18.
Parents/legal guardians are required to supply this information prior to the student’s arrival at the IEC. If a medical
emergency arises and it is not possible for the IEC to contact the named parent/guardians, a senior member of the
IEC or the University will, on behalf of the student’s parents or guardians give such consent to treatment as is in the
best interest of the student.
By signing the Parental Consent Form, the student’s parents or guardians indicate their consent to this. If the parent
does not speak English the contact details of a close family member who does speak English are needed.
When the student has arrived at Aberystwyth University and registered at the IEC, the IEC will email the named
parent/guardian with an Aberystwyth University Emergency contact number.
Parental involvement
It is the University’s usual policy that it deals with students (with whom it has a contractual relationship) and not
with the parents. This approach will also apply to students who are under the age of 18. The University will therefore
correspond with the students and not the parents. The IEC will correspond with the parents/guardians in an
emergency and/or if requested, for any student absences, health related issues or if the student does not adhere to
the IEC under 18 rules.
Contracts
The IEC requires a student’s parents/guardians to honour all contractual obligations under any arrangements with
the IEC that the student enters into prior to his or her 18th birthday.
By signing the Parental Consent Form, the parent indicates their consent to this.
Student accommodation
Parents should recognise that residential accommodation offered by the IEC is generally intended for the use of
adults and that, save in exceptional circumstances, special arrangements cannot be made for students who are
under the age of 18. All Residences have a support network of Resident Tutors. The Resident Tutor will contact the
student upon their arrival to welcome them to their residential community. At evenings and weekends each
residence provides an on-call, out of hours service, details of which are emailed to residents each week.
By signing the Parental Consent Form, the parent indicates their consent to this.
Alcohol & drugs
It is illegal for alcohol to be sold to or bought by students who are under 18. The IEC will take reasonable steps to
seek to ensure that the law is not broken in relation to licensed premises under the University’s control but cannot
undertake to supervise any individual student. The Students’ Union is responsible for ensuring that appropriate
arrangements are in place for its own licensed premises. It is illegal for students to take or buy illegal drugs.
By signing the Parental Consent Form the parent indicates that they are aware of the rules applying to under 18’s in
the UK.
Child protection
As a matter of law, a person under the age of 18 years is a child. The IEC has a responsibility to protect those under
the age of 18 from abuse and will report any suspicions or allegations of abuse to the appropriate University services
(Designated Reporting Officer – Director of Student Support). Under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000, it is
a criminal offence for any person in a position of trust (which includes members of University staff) to engage in
sexual activity with someone who is under 18.
The International English Centre, Llandinam Building, Penglais, Aberystwyth University, Wales, SY23 3DB
Tel: 01970 622547
Email: tesol@aber.ac.uk
http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/international/
Parent/Guardian Consent Form
Form to be completed by parents, or legal guardians of students under the age of 18 who have submitted an
application to the International English Centre, Aberystwyth University.
Name of student
Date of birth
IEC Course
Proposed degree
Name of Parent/Guardian
(Does/doesn’t speak English)
Parent/Guardian Emergency
Contact phone number
Parent/Guardian Email
Address
Relationship to Student
I, Mr/Ms_
__________________________________________(please print your name), being the
mother/father/guardian (*delete as appropriate) of _
__________________________________
who has submitted an application to study at the IEC, have read the IEC Policy for students Under the age of 18.
When completed, this form authorises representatives of the IEC/University to act (on behalf of the parent) for the
student named above in specific circumstances outlined below. It is to be completed by the parent or legal guardian
of the student named.
Circumstances in which the IEC/University may need to act in loco parentis could include:
 any dealings which a student may have with the police or
 in the case of a medical emergency when the student might not be able to make a decision him/herself.
The IEC/University would only take a decision on the student’s behalf in these circumstances if it were impossible or
impractical to contact the student’s nominated emergency contact in the available time.
I am aware that my child is entering an adult environment. However, I hereby give consent to the authorised
representatives of the IEC/University to act in the circumstances described until s/he reaches the age of 18 years.
I understand that, in accordance, with the Data Protection Act, the IEC/University is not in a position to give any
information about students, including those under the age of 18, to any person, including their parent(s) or
guardian(s) without the specific consent of that student.
I further accept liability for any debts incurred by the above-named student to the IEC/University.
Signed:_
________________________________________ Date:_
Parents Name (Printed): _
___________________
__________________________________________
If the parent does not speak English, please provide an English speaking contact:
Name: _
_________________________________Contact Number:_
____________________________
When completed and signed please return this form to: The International English Centre, Llandinam Building,
Penglais, Aberystwyth University, Wales, SY23 3DB. Tel: 01970 622547 Email: tesol@aber.ac.uk