Prevent Policy
How we meet our responsibilities under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
At a glance
| Purpose | To explain how London Homestays recognises and responds to concerns about radicalisation, extremism and terrorism, in line with our role as an accommodation provider. |
| Applies to | All London Homestays team members (including directors and contractors), homestay hosts and other adults involved in placements, students/guests, and any partners involved in accommodation arrangements. |
| How to report |
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1. Our role
London Homestays is an accommodation provider. We arrange homestays and other student accommodation for adults and for students aged 16 and over. Our individual under-18 homestay placements are for ages 16–17 only. We do not place under-16s individually.
We are not a school or college and we do not deliver education. However, we take Prevent-related concerns seriously and know how to escalate concerns to the right organisations.
The legal “Prevent duty” applies to certain public bodies (known as “specified authorities”). Even though we are not a specified authority, we align our procedures with relevant Prevent and safeguarding guidance.
2. Key terms
Prevent: a UK safeguarding and counter-terrorism programme that aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
Radicalisation: the process by which someone becomes drawn into extremist ideas that may lead them to support or take part in terrorism.
Extremism: harmful ideas or behaviours that can create an environment where people may be drawn into terrorism.
Channel: a local authority-led, multi-agency programme to safeguard people who are vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. Referrals are made to the police; the police refer appropriate cases to a Channel panel.
3. What we do
Our approach is based on three simple steps: notice, record, report. We do not investigate concerns ourselves.
- We provide guidance to our team and hosts on recognising and reporting Prevent-related concerns.
- We share clear expectations with hosts and students about respectful behaviour and safety.
- We keep this policy under review and update it when guidance changes.
- Where appropriate, we work with schools, agents, guardians and partner organisations to support safe placements.
4. Recognising concerns
There is no single sign of radicalisation. Concerns are usually based on a pattern of behaviour rather than one incident. If you are unsure, please report it.
Possible indicators may include:
- Expressing support for violence or terrorist acts.
- Using hateful or threatening language towards individuals or groups.
- Sharing, accessing or trying to show extremist material (online or offline).
- Sudden withdrawal from friends/activities alongside new, intense grievances.
- Extremist symbols or materials in a bedroom, or persistent attempts to influence others.
In a homestay setting, concerns might also include disclosures or evidence of online activity that appears linked to extremist groups. Hosts are not expected to monitor students’ devices or private communications.
5. How to report a concern
If you believe someone is at immediate risk, or there is an immediate threat to life, call 999.
For all other concerns, use the reporting routes shown in the “At a glance” box at the top of this policy.
Key points for hosts
- Do not confront the student or attempt to deal with the situation alone.
- If there is no immediate danger, contact London Homestays so we can support you and advise on next steps.
- If the concern relates to a student under-18 (16–17), treat it as a safeguarding matter and follow the reporting route in our Child Protection Policy.
- Make a clear note of what you have seen or heard (dates, times, exact words where possible) and share this when reporting.
6. Recording and information sharing
- Make a clear note of what you have seen/heard (dates, times, exact words where possible).
- Share information only with London Homestays, the police or relevant safeguarding authorities. Do not discuss the concern with other students, other hosts, or on social media.
- We may share information with the police, the relevant local authority safeguarding partners, a Channel panel, and/or a student’s school/guardian where appropriate and lawful.
- We handle personal data in line with our Data Protection Notice.
What happens after you report a concern
- If you report a concern to us, we will record it factually and consider the level of risk.
- We will contact the police, local safeguarding services, and/or the student’s school/guardian as appropriate.
- We will keep you informed where appropriate and lawful to do so.
- We will handle your report sensitively and will not share your identity unnecessarily.
- You will not be criticised for raising a genuine concern in good faith, even if it turns out to be unfounded.
7. Working with partners and under-16 group travel
We work with schools, agents and other partners who may have their own Prevent and safeguarding arrangements. We will cooperate with reasonable requests for information and support.
We do not place under-16s individually. For under-16 group travel, we can work with a partner organisation. The partner has their own safeguarding/child protection policies, available via them upon request.
8. Review and governance
This policy is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if guidance or our working practices change.
9. Further information
For more safeguarding information, reporting routes and related policies, see our Safety hub.
In their words...
“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture.
I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
Audrey, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3-
“London Homestays has been an excellent accommodation partner for our students. The team is always helpful, responsive and highly professional. They consistently match students with the right hosts based on individual requirements, ensuring a positive and comfortable homestay experience.”
Ellie Fordham, Student Services Manager, Stafford House 
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy
