About Us
Edinburgh Guardian Angels is a family run business set up by Agnes Masters, who grew up in East Lothian before studying French & German at Edinburgh University, and subsequently Social Work and Management. Following a brief spell as a Police officer, Agnes has over 23 years experience in social work and child care including teaching, training child care & child protection, and still undertakes occasional work for the police in the equality / diversity training unit.
As Edinburgh Guardian Angels provide a 24 hour service, 7 days a week to support your child, Agnes is aided by her husband, Louis, who works as a Sales Manager for a local motor dealership. Agnes and Louis have been married since 1988 and have many years experience of guardianship, starting the business in 2004. Since then, they have looked after children from Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, China, Hong Kong and Korea. Agnes is fluent in both French and German, is currently learning Spanish, and has access to a Spanish interpreter.
Given the background in Social Care, Child Care and Guardianship, the provision of good reliable pastoral care is a particular strength within Agnes' business. The company has hosted families residing throughout Scotland, particularly in the Perthshire, Edinburgh, Fife (including St. Andrews), East Lothian and Berwick areas.
Get To Know Us
AgnesHi I'm Agnes, founder and proud owner of Edinburgh Guardian Angels. I am the Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator for Edinburgh Guardian Angels and I have three Assistants who can be readily available in my rare absence. I have lived and worked in France (where I taught English as a second language), Germany and Greece. I am fluent in French and German and have conversational Spanish. I used to work as a volunteer with NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) as School Liaison Officer, teaching primary children to protect themselves from abuse. I am now currently on the board of Directors for a local charity in Edinburgh, called Edinburgh Food Social Network. My role is that of Safeguarding Director where I write all Safeguarding Policies and advise on and attend to all child protection issues, as well as contribute to the board in tackling Food Poverty. My husband, Louis, and I act as Host Family for any students who find themselves in an emergency situation, or for those who request to stay with us. I have studied:
My employment background is:
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JulieMy 30 year career in Guidance and Pastoral Care in state secondary schools has given me great experience of providing support to students. I have also been an au pair in France and taught in Romania. I combine my current role as Principal Teacher of Guidance with carrying out host family recruitment for Edinburgh Guardian Angels. I teach Personal & Social Education and provide one-to-one support, as necessary, to my caseload of 220 pupils (ranging from 11-18 years old). |
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JennI am Jenn and a Designated Assistant Child Protection Coordinator with Edinburgh Guardian Angels. I have hosted students for many years and am Care Inspectorate registered, which means I can care for children under the age of 16 years old. I enjoy cinema, travel (have travelled widely), entertaining, cooking, floristry at home (eg makes wreaths), crafting, shopping and spending time with my grandchildren. Qualifications I have obtained include
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LorraineHi I'm Lorraine! I am one of the Designated Assistant Child Protection Co-ordinators and a highly experienced host, I have worked here since 2008. I am Care Inspectorate registered, which mean I can care for children under 16 years old. I have a daughter, Rhona, she works as a Biology teacher in a High School. Rhona and I have enjoyed looking after students from all different cultures for many years. I am so proud to say that many of our former students continue to keep in regular contact with us, we love hearing from them. Both myself and my daughter enjoy the outdoors life! We enjoy camping, walking and travelling with our horses to various events where we enjoy competing with our horses. Some of our students also enjoy travelling and horse riding with us in Midlothian and around the Scottish Borders. The option is always there for our students. |
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IssieI am the Administrator and Travel Coordinator for Edinburgh Guardian Angels. I provide administration to the Guardians and provide regular support to the EGA Host Families and Parents. I am also a Designated Assistant Child Protection Coordinator and I become the Acting Guardian if Agnes is unavailable. I love travelling and visiting new places in Scotland and around Europe. I also love socialising with my family and friends and looking after my young grand-daughter. My hobbies are completing jigsaws, walking and grooming my dog and cycling. |
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FionaI am the Accounts Manager for Edinburgh Guardian Angels. I prepare all the accounts and invoices for families every term and deal with their enquires. I work full time as a Property Administrator and am studying in my free time for a Degree in Engineering. It’s hard work but I love it! When I do get spare time, I enjoy reading and listening to music. |
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Become a Host Family with Edinburgh Guardian AngelsOpening up your home to become a host family with Edinburgh Guardian Angels is a unique, rewarding, fun and educational experience for all the family. It gives families a chance to meet new friends and experience different cultures and languages. Welcoming an international student into your home will allow them to experience maximum immersion by living as ‘locals’. Also, hosting a foreign student gives them the opportunity to understand and experience Scottish culture. To find out more, email Agnes at info@edinburghguardianangels.co.uk. |
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