Hosting Students Under 18: A Guide for Host Families

London Homestays arranges individual under-18 homestay placements for students aged 16–17 only. 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 and child protection policies (available via them upon request).

If you host a student aged 16–17, you are not their legal guardian. However, you are expected to act as a responsible adult in the home and to report concerns promptly so the right help can be arranged.

Before the student arrives, please:

• Read and follow our Child Protection Policy, Host Code of Conduct (under-18s) and this guide.
• Complete the safeguarding guidance we provide for hosting under-18s and keep it up to date.
• Make sure all adults and older children in the household understand the house rules and appropriate boundaries.
• Tell us promptly about any changes at the address (for example, new adult residents, lodgers, or a significant change in household circumstances).
• Check basic home safety: working smoke alarms, clear exit routes, and you know where the first-aid kit is kept.
• Review the booking confirmation for the student’s arrival details and the named contacts for the placement.

Hosts are assessed before a first placement and reassessed at least every 2 years. Where permitted, a video reassessment may be used.

A calm, clear start helps the placement go well. On arrival, please:

• Welcome the student and show them around the home (including how to lock doors and windows safely).
• Explain house rules clearly (meals, laundry, use of the kitchen, quiet hours, visitors, and shared spaces).
• Agree how the student should let you know if they are delayed, and what to do if their phone runs out of charge.
• Remind the student of curfew arrangements (as stated in their booking confirmation).
• Check any dietary needs, allergies, medical information, or accessibility needs you have been told about.

If anything in the booking details does not match what you are seeing on arrival, contact us as soon as possible.

Hosting a 16–17-year-old involves supportive supervision and clear boundaries. Please:

• A responsible adult from the host household should be in the home overnight during an under-18 placement. If this is not possible for any reason (for example, a night shift), tell us as soon as possible so we can agree a safe arrangement in advance.
• Treat the student fairly and respectfully, including being mindful of cultural differences and avoiding discrimination or harassment.
• Respect the student’s privacy. Bedrooms are private spaces; knock and wait before entering unless there is an immediate safety concern.
• Keep interactions appropriate and professional. Avoid behaviour that could be misinterpreted (including unnecessary physical contact).
• Do not share photos or personal information about the student online without appropriate consent.
• Do not offer or permit the student to consume alcohol, vape, smoke, or use illegal drugs. If you suspect any of these, report it to us.

• Keep language and behaviour age-appropriate. Avoid sexualised comments or jokes, or conversations that could be misinterpreted.
• Be mindful of what is on in shared spaces (TV, films, music and gatherings). Avoid content that is sexually explicit, highly violent, or otherwise unsuitable for a 16–17-year-old in a host family setting.
• If anything you see or hear worries you, report it promptly using the routes in Section 6 (Concerns and reporting).

Curfews and staying-out arrangements should be consistent with the booking confirmation and any agreed parental or guardian permissions.

If a student is late or does not return when expected:

• Try to contact the student directly (call or text) and check whether there is a simple explanation (for example, transport delays).
• If there is no immediate danger but you cannot reach them promptly, contact London Homestays for advice and next steps.
• If you believe the student may be at immediate risk, call 999.

Under-18 students should not stay away overnight unless London Homestays has confirmed to you in advance that this has been approved through the appropriate channels (for example, via the school, guardian or agent as applicable). If you are unsure, treat it as not approved and contact us.

There is no ‘wrong’ time to raise a concern. If something does not feel right, please tell us.

• There is immediate danger to the student or others.
• The student is injured or seriously unwell and needs urgent medical help.
• The student is missing and you believe they may be at risk.

• You have a safeguarding concern about a student aged 16–17 (follow the Child Protection Policy reporting route).
• A student has not returned at the expected time but there is no immediate danger.
• There is a significant issue with the placement and you need advice on next steps.

For general queries, use the Contact page or call 020 8395 0333 (during office hours).

Out-of-hours emergency support: for active placements, emergency contact details are provided at booking confirmation and via our office voicemail. Please do not investigate concerns yourself.

If a student tells you about abuse, exploitation, self-harm, or anything that makes you concerned for their safety:

• Listen calmly and take what they say seriously.
• Reassure them they have done the right thing by speaking up.
• Do not promise confidentiality.
• Record what was said as accurately as you can (using the student’s own words where possible).
• Report it promptly using the reporting route in the Child Protection Policy (or call 999 if there is immediate danger).

If you report a concern, it helps if you can share: dates and times, what you saw or heard, and the student’s exact words (where possible). Keep notes factual and store them securely.

If you cannot account for a student and you are worried about their safety:

• Try to contact the student immediately.
• If there is immediate risk, call 999.
• Contact London Homestays as soon as possible so we can support escalation and inform the relevant parties.

Do not share details about the situation with other students, other hosts, or on social media.

For under-18 placements, our policy is that the main host must have an individual DBS check. Other adults normally resident in the home are also subject to criminal record checks.

In some households, other adults already have an individual DBS check in place. Where suitable, we may use a home-based or household route for other adults. We will advise you on what is required for your household and any next steps.

For more safeguarding information, reporting routes and related policies, see our Safety hub.

Related documents:

• Child Protection Policy
• Host code of conduct (under-18s)
• Student code of conduct (under-18s)
• Prevent Policy
• Data Protection Notice