Q1 Who will supervise students and what safeguarding arrangements are in place? 

Student safety is the programme's highest priority. UK students are under the care of a dedicated UK Student Director, who holds overall responsibility for their supervision and welfare. The UK Student Director is fully vetted (including enhanced DBS clearance) and has completed Elite Journey safeguarding training.

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Additional safeguarding arrangements include:

• A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy DSL and Camp Directors overseeing all safeguarding practices

• Oxford & Cambridge mentors, all of whom undergo DBS/criminal background checks, two references, interviews and mandatory safeguarding training before working with students

• A 1:6 staff-to-student ratio ensuring close supervision and support

• A 24/7 on-site medical professional accompanying the group at all times

• Four-star hotel stay pre-camp and school accommodation with 24/7 security and evening room checks

• Daily photo and video updates sent to parents

• All students carry contact cards with staff numbers and wear identifiable uniforms or lanyards during trips

• Zero critical incidents across all Elite Journey programmes since 2015, and 100% parent satisfaction in 2026

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Elite Journey's safeguarding policy aligns with UK statutory frameworks (Children Act 1989, KCSIE 2025, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023) while operating under Chinese legal requirements.

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Q2 How much supervision and independence will students have during the programme?

Elite Journey maintains responsibility for students from the point of arrival in China until their safe departure. Supervision is structured and constant:

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• Off-site activities and movement outside scheduled programme locations are strictly controlled. Students may only leave supervised environments when accompanied by the UK Student Director or an authorised member of staff

• Unsupervised movement off-campus is not permitted unless explicitly authorised under controlled conditions

• Both male and female members of staff are available where possible, ensuring students feel comfortable raising concerns

• Clear communication channels are maintained with parents throughout, with key contact details provided before departure

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Within this safe framework, students develop genuine independence: they lead activities, mentor younger Chinese students, navigate cultural experiences, manage their own time within the daily schedule, and solve problems collaboratively. The 2026 cohort's parents consistently reported that students returned with a real sense of independence and confidence.

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Q3 What happens if a student becomes ill or there is an emergency?

A 24/7 on-site first aider accompanies the group at all times. In the event of illness or emergency:

• First aid is administered immediately where appropriate

• The Camp Director and students' emergency contact is informed without delay

• Professional medical assistance is sought, and parents or emergency contacts are notified promptly

• In serious cases, this may involve hospital treatment or emergency services (China: 110)

• The Elite Journey team coordinates with parents and relevant insurance providers where required

• Mental health concerns are treated with the same level of importance as physical health

• All health-related incidents are recorded and managed in accordance with safeguarding procedures

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Prior to the programme, all students must provide relevant medical information including known conditions, allergies and required medication, along with verified emergency contact details. Students are expected to have appropriate travel insurance in place. 

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If a student has an Individual Health Care plan (IHC) plan or an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC)provided by their doctor in the UK, we also ask that this is shared with Elite Journey in advance to ensure we can make appropriate arrangements.

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Q4 Who is Elite Journey, and what qualifications, accreditations and track record does the organisation have?

Elite Journey was founded in 2015 by Austin Deng (China) and Dr Neil Cunningham (UK), with a mission to build bridges between young people in the UK and China through real, transformative experiences rather than textbooks or lectures. Over the past decade, the organisation has established a credible track record in international educational exchange:

• More than 32,000 students have enrolled in our programmes

• More than 1,000 Oxford and Cambridge mentors have led our programmes

• More than 100 camps experiences delivered since 2015

• Formal Safeguarding Policy aligned with UK statutory frameworks including the Children Act 1989, KCSIE 2025 and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

• All staff, mentors and volunteers undergo DBS/criminal background checks (or equivalent for international and China-based staff), two references, interviews, and mandatory safeguarding training before working with children

• In summer 2026, Elite Journey welcomed its first cohort of UK students from The Petersfield School (Hampshire) and St Leonards School (Scotland). Every parent rated the experience five stars

• Zero critical incidents across all Elite Journey programmes since 2015