Homestay host: code of conduct for hosting students under 18

 

Introduction

Welcome to the London Homestays ‘under 18s’ homestay program. As a host, you play a pivotal role in providing a home away from home for young students and guests. This Code of Conduct is designed to guide you in offering a nurturing, safe, and respectful environment, especially for those under 18 years of age.

In this document, we outline the principles and expectations for all our homestay hosts. The guidelines presented here are rooted in our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of minors and vulnerable adults, ensuring that their homestay experience in the UK is both enriching and secure.

The responsibilities of a host extend beyond providing basic accommodation; they encompass being a responsible host, cultural ambassador, and a supportive caregiver. Recognising the unique challenges and needs of under-18s, this Code of Conduct is crafted to assist you in understanding these roles and performing them with care and professionalism.

By adhering to this Code, you contribute to a safe and positive experience for these young individuals. Your role is crucial in shaping their perception of a new culture and in providing a supportive environment for their growth and exploration.

As a member of our hosting community, your commitment to these standards is invaluable. We thank you for your dedication to maintaining the highest level of care and for being an integral part of our mission to provide exceptional homestay experiences.

Duty of care

All individuals and organisations involved in the accommodation of students, interns, or guests – including London Homestays, our partner schools and agents, and especially the homestay hosts – have a significant duty of care. This responsibility is particularly crucial when dealing with individuals under the age of 18, who are considered minors under English law.

London Homestays is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for all students and guests, with special attention to those under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults. We expect our staff and hosts to share and demonstrate this commitment in all aspects of their interaction with minors.

To uphold our high standards of care and safety, this Code of Conduct has been developed in alignment with our Child Protection Policy. It is imperative that all hosts familiarise themselves with both this Code of Conduct and the Child Protection Policy to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach to safeguarding our young guests.

Safeguarding: Ensuring the Safety and Well-being of Under-18 Guests

Safeguarding under-18 guests is a fundamental responsibility for all hosts. It involves not only protecting them from harm but also creating an environment that supports their well-being and development. This section outlines key aspects of safeguarding and the proactive measures hosts need to take:

  • Creating a Safe Environment: A safe environment is more than the absence of danger; it is a space where students feel secure, respected, and valued. Ensure that your home is not only physically safe but also emotionally supportive. This includes being attentive to the student’s feelings and creating an atmosphere where they feel comfortable to express concerns or issues.
  • Proactive Measures for Safety: Regularly review and update safety measures in your home. This includes checking for potential hazards, ensuring that all safety equipment (like smoke detectors) is functioning correctly, and maintaining a clean and orderly living space to prevent accidents.
  • Understanding Cultural Differences: Be aware of and sensitive to the diverse cultural backgrounds of students. This sensitivity can help in identifying any discomfort or distress that may arise from cultural misunderstandings or differences.
  • Mental Health Awareness: Recognise the signs of mental distress or homesickness, which are common in young people staying away from home. Be prepared to provide support or seek additional help if needed.
  • Boundaries and Behaviour: Maintain clear boundaries in your interactions with the students. This includes respecting their privacy, being mindful of appropriate physical contact, and avoiding any behaviour that could be misinterpreted.
  • Training and Resources: Engage with training opportunities provided by London Homestays or other relevant organisations on safeguarding practices. Stay informed about resources available for both hosts and students to handle various situations that may arise.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures, including local emergency services, contact numbers, and protocols for different types of emergencies. Ensure that students are aware of these procedures as well.
  • Open Communication: Foster an environment of open and honest communication. Encourage students to speak up about any concerns or problems they may be experiencing. Assure them that their voices are heard and taken seriously.

By embracing these safeguarding principles, you play a vital role in ensuring that the homestay experience is not only enjoyable but also safe and enriching for the young guests in your care.

Host’s responsibilities

As a host for under-18 students, although you are not the official ‘guardian’ of the young student, your role is integral in ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being. This comprehensive approach involves both providing a nurturing living environment and being vigilant in monitoring and reporting any concerns. Adhering to the following guidelines is crucial:

  • Background Checks: All adults in the homestay must have individual criminal records checks (DBS) unless there is evidence that the check on the main caregiver included other adults in the home i.e. the DBS states ‘work carried out at home address’. A home-based role DBS check allows the police to provide information on other adult residents at the same address and whether any of them are unsuitable to be hosting under 18s. These measures ensure a safe environment for young guests.>
  • Notification of Changes: Immediately report any changes in the household, such as new lodgers, overnight visitors, or any criminal charges or convictions, to London Homestays.
  • Accommodation Arrangements: Ensure that students under 18 are accommodated in a manner that prioritizes their safety, ideally not placing them with guests or students who are 18 or older, especially for those under 16.
  • Risk Assessments and Compliance: Conduct regular risk assessments of your accommodation. Comply with UK fire safety laws, perform gas safety checks, and be prepared to present the necessary safety certificates upon request.
  • Welcoming the Student: Provide a warm and welcoming environment upon the student’s arrival. If unavailable at the agreed-upon time, inform London Homestays in advance to arrange alternatives.
  • Privacy and Boundaries: Respect the privacy of under-18 students. Their bedrooms should be private spaces, with minimal intrusion, and interactions should occur in communal areas like the kitchen or living room.
  • Appropriate Conduct: Dress appropriately and avoid displaying offensive images or logos. Be supportive, fair, and patient, particularly when interacting with under-18s.
  • Supervision and Monitoring: Be present overnight and, typically, when under-18 students are at home. Monitor their well-being and behaviour, including adherence to curfews and social activities, ensuring they are not left unsupervised for extended periods.
  • Immediate Reporting of Concerns: Report any behaviour or situations that raise concerns about the student’s safety to London Homestays without delay. This includes issues with curfews, risky activities, or signs of distress.
  • Emergency Role and Preparedness: Act as the primary onsite contact in emergencies. Be ready to provide immediate assistance, contact emergency services, and inform London Homestays of the situation.

By embracing these responsibilities, you play a vital role in the safety and positive experience of under-18 students in your care. Your attentiveness, proactive reporting, and supportive presence are key to ensuring their stay is both safe and enriching.

Host Household Dynamics and Responsibilities

In a homestay setting, the dynamic often extends beyond a single host and includes various members of the household, such as spouses, adult children, other relatives, or even other guests. Each member of the household plays a significant role in creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for under-18 students. The following outlines the collective responsibilities and the need for agreement to the Code of Conduct by all adult members in the household:

  • Collective Responsibility: Every adult member of the household is part of the caregiving environment and thus shares the responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of under-18 students. This collective approach ensures that students are supported and cared for consistently by everyone they interact with in the homestay.
  • Understanding and Agreement to the Code: All adult members of the household must read, understand, and agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct. It’s not just the primary caregiver but every adult in the home who must commit to these standards of care, behaviour, and interaction with the students.
  • Diverse Roles and Interactions: Recognise that different household members may interact with the student in various capacities – whether it’s engaging in conversation, sharing meals, or participating in household activities. Each interaction is an opportunity to reinforce a positive, safe, and respectful environment.
  • Communication and Consistency: Ensure consistent communication among all household members regarding the expectations, rules, and routines set for the student. Consistency in approach and rules across different members provides stability and clarity for the student.
  • Training and Awareness: Encourage all adult members of the household to participate in any training or informational sessions provided by London Homestays regarding the care of under-18s. This can include understanding cultural sensitivities, recognising signs of distress or abuse, and knowing how to effectively communicate with young individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Declaration of Agreement: Each adult member of the household must sign a declaration of agreement to this Code of Conduct or send an email from an email address known to be from the host, affirming their understanding and commitment to uphold these standards.

House Rules for a Safe and Respectful Living Environment

Establishing clear house rules is essential in creating a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment for under-18 students. These rules are designed to ensure the well-being of the students while fostering a harmonious atmosphere within the household.

  • Age-Appropriate Activities: Under-18 students must not engage in activities unsuitable for their age, such as consuming alcohol, smoking, or using drugs. Hosts are responsible for enforcing these rules and must report any violations to London Homestays immediately.
  • Effective Communication: Exchange contact information with the student upon arrival. Set clear expectations about meal times, laundry routines, and household etiquette. Encourage open communication to ensure the student feels comfortable and integrated.
  • Orientation and Household Guidelines: Upon the student’s arrival, provide a detailed orientation of the household. This includes instructions on appliance use, wi-fi access, and explaining areas that are off-limits, such as personal computers or laptops.
  • Curfew Times: Establish and enforce appropriate curfew times. For students aged 16-17, a suggested curfew is 11 pm on weekends and 10:30 pm on weekdays. Clarify the importance of curfews for safety and communal respect.
  • Language Integration: Promote the use of English in the house to support the student’s language development. Create opportunities for the student to practice speaking and understanding English in everyday conversations.
  • Kitchen Use: Define what the student is permitted to do in the kitchen, like preparing drinks and snacks. Outline safety rules and restrictions, such as not using complex appliances or cooking without supervision.
  • Comfort and Cultural Sensitivity: Be attentive to the student’s comfort, especially for those from different climates or cultural backgrounds. Offer additional measures like heating adjustments, blankets, or hot water bottles, and be considerate of cultural differences.
  • Respectful and Inclusive Behaviour: Encourage a respectful and inclusive environment. This includes maintaining appropriate noise levels, respecting each other’s privacy and personal space, and being considerate of cultural differences, including dietary preferences.

By adhering to these house rules, hosts contribute significantly to the positive and safe experience of under-18 students, ensuring their stay is both enjoyable and enriching.

Recognising and reporting abuse

It is imperative for hosts to be vigilant and proactive in recognizing any signs of abuse or distress in under-18 students. Adhering to the following guidelines is essential:

  • Understanding Signs of Abuse: Familiarise yourself with the signs of abuse as detailed in London Homestays Child Protection Policy. Awareness is key to early identification and intervention.
  • Immediate Reporting: If you observe any signs of abuse or if a student discloses information about being abused, report this immediately to London Homestays. In cases of immediate danger, contact the police without delay.
  • Handling Disclosures: If an under-18 student confides in you about abuse:
    • Listen attentively and calmly without interrupting.
    • Offer reassurance while avoiding promises of confidentiality.
    • Accept their account without seeking to investigate or judge.
    • Remain composed and avoid overreacting.
    • Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation; avoid being judgmental.
    • Document the conversation accurately, using the student’s own words.
    • Explain the next steps clearly, ensuring the student understands that you need to share the information with someone who can help.
    • Contact a senior manager, director, or safeguarding officer at London Homestays as soon as possible.

 

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