Our Referral Process
A Simple Process to Transform Lives
Every child deserves the comfort of a safe, warm bed to sleep in, yet many face nights without one. At Zarach, we work hand-in-hand with schools and families to change this reality. Our referral process is designed to be simple, supportive, and efficient, ensuring children in need receive the essentials they deserve quickly. Together, we can provide more than a bed—we can offer security, hope, and a better night’s sleep for a brighter tomorrow.
Understanding the Referral Process
At Zarach, we work closely with schools to ensure children in need receive the essentials they deserve. The referral process is straightforward, starting when a need is identified by teachers or school staff.
Once agreed, we liaise directly with families to confirm specific requirements, such as whether a single or bunk bed is needed. We prioritise quick action, with families receiving a call from Zarach within 24-48 hours, ensuring no child waits unnecessarily for a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
What Happens on Delivery Day?
On delivery day, our team ensures everything runs smoothly. Old beds must be removed in advance, allowing our team to set up the new ones along with essential bed bundles, including mattresses, bedding, and duvets.
This delivery isn’t just practical—it’s transformative, offering children the comfort and security of a proper night’s sleep.
Supporting Families Beyond the Bed
Our commitment doesn’t stop with the bed. We provide families with guidance throughout the process and maintain open communication with the referring school, updating them at every stage.
This collaborative approach ensures a seamless journey and helps schools support their pupils more effectively.
How Schools Can Help
Schools are at the heart of our referral process. By identifying families in need and working closely with Zarach, they act as a bridge to support. Teachers and staff are encouraged to use our visual aids to explain the process to families, offering reassurance and clarity at every step.
The Process
Need for referral identified
Parent/Carer shown the process
Referral agreed and made
Type of beds decided
Call received 24-48 hours
Home visit to identify needs
Remove old beds prior to delivery
Bed delivery day
School kept informed of progress
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of bed poverty?
Bed poverty in children can present as:
- Fatigue and lack of energy: Persistent tiredness that affects participation in class.
- Difficulty concentrating: Sleep deprivation may lead to challenges in focusing, retaining information, or staying engaged in lessons.
- Frequent absenteeism or tardiness: Struggling to get enough rest may result in inconsistent school attendance.
- Lower academic performance: Poor sleep impacts learning, leading to reduced test scores and slower progress.
- Emotional and behavioural changes: Stress from inadequate sleep may cause irritability, aggression, or withdrawal.
- Visible physical signs: Dark circles, drowsiness, or even falling asleep during class.
How does a family qualify?
Families must meet the following criteria:
- Have a child aged reception to 18 attending a local authority school in an area where Zarach operates.(I have placed reception as some come through from a school nursery and they say they are 4)
- Be identified as low-income or receiving benefits, where a bed is considered a luxury item.
Who can make a referral?
Referrals must come from schools where Zarach services are established.
- Teachers and pastoral staff play a key role in identifying bed poverty.
- Referrals help Zarach gather data to demonstrate the programme’s impact and secure future funding.
- Should a local agency make contact with school about a child living in bed poverty who is on roll at their school, please help by making the referral once the school has completed their own in-house procedures.
Schools act as a safeguarding link, so referrals are only accepted from recognised local authority schools in Zarach-supported areas. Updates on new hubs across England are available on our website.
What information is required for a referral?
Accurate details ensure faster assistance. When submitting a referral, please provide:
- Clear and correct family information.
- Confirmation of the child’s need and eligibility.
What types of beds does Zarach provide?
Zarach provides:
- Single beds.
- Wooden beds for children above 2 years old.
- Bunk beds for children over a specified ag, 4 years plus for lower bunk and 6 years plus for top bunk
- Anyone below the age of 2 we will endeavor to make a referral to a local baby bank
We do not provide double beds, trundles, cabin beds, or adult mattresses.
Can a referral be declined or placed on hold?
Yes, referrals may be declined if:
- The family has already secured beds.
- The child is not school-aged (4–18) or not enrolled in a Zarach-supported school.
- Incorrect information is provided.
- A previous referral does not meet criteria for a new one.
- The family has not yet moved to their permanent home.
- Multiple contact attempts (three or more) with the family have been unsuccessful.
- The referral is for an adult instead of a child (alternative resources will be provided in such cases).
How can I help raise awareness of Zarach at my school?
You can support Zarach’s mission by:
- Raise awareness with students that our service exists through assemblies – please email referrals@zarach.org for our template
- Raise awareness with families by placing a section around Zarach in your newsletter and where to come to for confidential advice and referral within school.
- Following us on social media and sharing our updates.
- Organising or participating in fundraising events.
- Volunteering with Zarach in various capacities.
- Completing exit surveys to help us demonstrate impact for future funding.
