Opening that envelope on A-level results day can be nerve-wracking enough for your teenager, but unexpected results can cause even more panic.

However, thanks to Clearing, the service run by the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) there are countless possiblities for your child to enrol on a higher education course that's right for them.

Last year, the system found places for more than 35,000 people - those who had achieved higher or lower grades than expected, hadn't been offered a place, or had applied to UCAS too late.

The message is that if applicants are prepared to be flexible, they are likely to find a course. Anthony McClaren, UCAS Chief Executive, says: "The good news is that if you haven't received the grades you need and want to go to university or college, it's not the end of the world."

The Clearing process began on results day, and if your child took A-levels in the UK they will receive a Clearing Entry Form (CEF).

Parents can help their child with planning for Clearing, says UCAS spokesman Ben Firth.

"Parents should be available to offer support in any way they can, such as researching vacancies and reassuring their children throughout the process, especially if they have not achieved the grades they expected."

But when it comes to applying for places, your child should be the one holding the phone, Firth advises: "It should always be the applicant who contacts the university, as in the majority of cases, they will be given a short telephone interview to start with."

UCAS warns it's also important not to be too hasty with the Clearing process.

When someone asks for your child's CEF, the institution is likely to make them an offer, but it's important to remember each CEF can only be considered by one institution at a time - photocopies or faxes won't be accepted.

If your child is undecided on an institution, they should politely explain and continue enquiring about other courses.

The only real way that your child can find out more about a university, its accommodation and social life, is to make a visit to see for themselves.