The transition from school to university is a significant one and it’s natural to feel uncertain as to how your child will manage in their new environment.
With so many questions and concerns, it can be hard to know where to look for answers. Our job is to address your concerns and offer answers to your questions wherever we can. No question is too small and every detail is important.
At Dallington, we do all that we can to support your child and give you peace of mind by diagnosing and applying the best possible solution in each and every case.
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
What
Ensuring your child is safe, happy, socially integrated and able to fulfil their potential is our number one priority. In particular when relocating to a new city, it can be stressful to acclimate to unfamiliar surroundings. Once settled, as a parent would, we ensure that throughout the academic year, your child’s overall wellbeing needs are met and that they are in a safe and supportive environment, giving you peace of mind.
How
We assist our students in settling into their new city and can help with anything from finding accommodation and negotiating the lease to dealing with utilities and access to amenities. Following, we create bespoke plans for each student, meeting with them as often as they wish to address problems as they arise. Our plans are designed to ensure that each student is as physically and emotionally happy as possible, assessing sleep patterns, diet, stress levels, study/leisure balance, and emotional stability. We are the port of call for the family and can help respond to personal emergencies and changing circumstances as they occur.
What
Leaving a treatment programme and transitioning into real life can be daunting. A good support system is vital in adapting to this change and preventing relapse. Our aftercare programme was developed in conjunction with adolescent treatment and rehabilitation centres to give young adults leaving treatment the best possible chance of lasting success. We can help provide the tools and support needed in order to maintain and build on the progress made during treatment.
How
We work closely with our students, their families, and their treatment centres to create individualised programmes based on each student’s circumstances, needs, and goals. We believe that addressing wellbeing in four areas is crucial to relapse prevention: physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Our work focuses on guiding students in enhancing each of these areas and further developing what they have learnt throughout their treatment. Maintaining structure and regularity is essential. We begin working with students in the later stages of treatment programmes and continue providing support as long as needed.
What
Attending university, whether in the UK or abroad, is a fantastic experience. However, from selecting the best course at the right university to securing your place the process of getting there can seem overwhelming, in particular while having to be increasingly mindful of uncertainty. Once enrolled, many students find adjusting to the heavy workload and independent study of higher education challenging. Knowing what to expect and which steps to take when greatly increases your chances of success, from the application process all the way through your academic career.
How
We can help you select the right course for your needs, based on your strengths, experience, interests, and future plans. We greatly simplify the application process by helping you access information in a manageable way, organising private university tours and meetings with staff to help you secure your place. We work closely with our students throughout the academic year. From creating tailor-made study plans and helping students balance work and leisure time, to providing a dedicated study space, our support is highly individualised to each student’s needs. Where necessary, we facilitate extra support through private tuition, study coaches and SEN support associates.
Coaching, Counselling and Mentorship
What
As experienced counsellors, psychologists and coaches, we are well-versed in the challenges faced by young adults during their late adolescent years. We understand that the experiences you have during these transitional years can shape the adult you become and that sometimes, everyone needs a little help overcoming hurdles. All of our coaching, counselling and mentorship is tailored to each student’s individual needs and the level of support they require as they navigate young adulthood.
How
We offer hourly coaching and counselling sessions, or bespoke programmes based on individual requirements. We know that continuity is important, so we also keep in touch via phone or over Skype sessions during the holidays, or whenever our students are away. Our students’ needs often change over time, so we continually check in and adjust our services to ensure we are providing the appropriate level of support.
What
At Dallington, we believe that learning and development take place beyond the context of higher education. As such, we have developed our own curriculum of courses to supplement our students’ formal learning. Our curriculum has been designed in response to the most common questions and concerns we receive from our students and their parents. It is updated quarterly to reflect students’ changing needs and interests. In addition to classes on topics such as life skills, mental and digital wellbeing, and current events, we offer specialised courses led by industry experts in several areas.
How
Our classes range from one-off workshops to courses lasting several weeks, with all classes currently being given via video call. Courses are taught by senior members of the Dallington team, as well as by outside experts. The maximum group size for any course is six students, in order to facilitate group discussions and individual contributions. Additionally, we offer one-to-one sessions to any students wishing to deepen their knowledge on a topic even further.