Yesterday evening, I found myself sat on a wooden bench at Wycliffe College, with a coffee in one hand and our ever-faithful notebook by my side. The sun was starting to set, the grounds were quiet, and it was one of those moments where you take a breath and feel genuinely thankful for what you do.

I was there for a parents’ evening — one of many we attend throughout the year. It’s part of the YES Guardians promise: to be there in person, not just in principle. We know how important it is for parents to have someone physically present, asking the right questions, hearing how their child is doing, and sharing those insights back home. We don’t just send someone along — we go ourselves.

For me, these evenings are never a tick-box exercise. They’re a real chance to check in properly: not just with teachers, but with our students too. How are they really getting on? What are they proud of? What’s been tough? Sometimes it’s over a hot drink and a quiet chat under the trees. Sometimes it’s in the buzz of the school hall, chatting with house staff and tutors. Every conversation matters.

It’s also a reminder of how personal this role really is. These aren’t just names on spreadsheets or email chains. These are young people we know and care about — and that care doesn’t stop when the term is busy or the to-do list is long. We show up, because that’s what good guardianship looks like.

Our students deserve to feel that someone is in their corner. And our parents deserve to feel informed, involved, and at ease knowing their child is being cared for like family.

So yes — a coffee and a notebook on a bench. But also a whole lot of listening, learning, and representing. That’s what YES Guardians is about: real relationships, genuine care, and being right there when it matters.

(Also, if Costa want to sponsor my next round of parent evenings, I’m all ears ☕😅)