We know parents, carers and school staff often have practical questions before a programme like this. To make things easier, we’ve gathered answers to the most common queries about University Explorers—from lunch and transport to safeguarding and attendance.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to email us at or speak to your Virtual School contact.
Yes, you will need to bring your own packed lunch.
We provide snacks, such as cereal bars, fruit and a juice carton. We ask pupils to bring a bottle of water which can be refilled as needed throughout the day.
Light refreshments will be available during the celebration event, which takes place on the final day. Please let us know any dietary requirements in advance.
No. Pupils should not bring money. All meals, snacks and drinks are provided, and pupils remain with the group for the entire day.
There will be no opportunity for pupils to visit a shop or café, and we do not recommend using vending machines as we cannot reimburse money if there is a problem (we are not responsible for the machines). In addition, the campus is a cash-free site, and pupils may not go off on their own for safeguarding reasons.
Your Virtual School contact will discuss transport arrangements with you. Some pupils travel by taxi, others by private vehicle. Drop-off and pick-up points will be confirmed once places are allocated. These will be designated car parks on campus. Virtual School staff and student ambassadors will meet pupils and accompany them to the programme venue.
Yes. All university staff and student ambassadors working on the programme are DBS checked and have completed safeguarding training, including programme-specific training on supporting care-experienced young people.
We strongly encourage full attendance, as pupils get the most benefit from all sessions and build friendships across the programme. Missing one day due to unavoidable circumstances (e.g., illness or a school trip) is acceptable, but missing more than one is discouraged.
Yes. Parents, carers and school staff are warmly invited to the final celebration session. Pupils will share what they’ve learned and created, and certificates will be presented. Details will be sent via your Virtual School contact.
