Many parents living overseas wish to educate their children in the UK or Ireland. As these parents are not resident in these countries, under British law (the Children Acts 1980 & 1989) and Irish law each child receiving full-time education (more than 12 weeks) must have a legally appointed guardian. The legal reasons for this are:

The child must have someone who will bear all responsibility for him/her whilst abroad, and this person must be legally appointed by the parents

This guardian has the power to make decisions regarding emergency medical treatment / operations if required

The guardian has the duty to represent the interests of the child in the court of England and Wales or the court of Ireland, in the Immigration Offices, police and other legal institutions

The guardian must provide the child with a place to live in case of illness, suspension or expulsion from school

The guardian must also register the child with a local family doctor (General Practitioner) and arrange public liability insurance cover for the child of not less than one million pounds (£1,000,000)

Click here to request information about our Child Guardianship Services