Homestay safety

Expectations of hosts and residence staff when looking after juniors

In order to make students feel as comfortable as possible, while respecting their values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds, we expect hosts and residence staff to follow the below guidance.

Safe stay policy

The child is integrated into family life, taking care to remember that although responsible for the child’s welfare while they are staying, they are not the host’s own children. The school or child’s parents should be involved should the need arise for any major decisions to be made regarding the child’s welfare.
Cultural differences are respected when greeting children.
Privacy of students is respected and students should feel they have private space for themselves in the home, should they need it. Hosts/residence staff should knock on students’ bedroom doors before entering if they are in the room, usually obtaining permission from the student before entering (unless in emergency). Students are not to be invited into the host’s bedroom for any reason and the host/residence staff must not enter bathrooms or toilets occupied by an under 18 (unless in emergency).
Everyone in the household (host, host’s children and the student) are expected to wear appropriate clothing around the home, covering up appropriately when leaving the bathroom.
Appropriate language is used when talking in the home where students are present; avoiding any inappropriate references to alcohol, drugs, sex and other such issues.

TV and movies appropriate to the age of students should be watched when students are present.
The host/residence staff are promoted as a responsible adult, whereby a child feels comfortable to approach or discuss any issues they may be experiencing.
Physical contact with the student is avoided unless deemed appropriate for an appropriate reason.
Permission is sought from the child & parent when taking photos. No photos to be taken of children who are inappropriately dressed or shared on online networking sites or email.
Inappropriate discipline, such as excessive raised voices or physical contact/force is avoided. Hosts/residence staff should always report disciplinary action to the school and advice should be sought from the school should a host plan to discipline a student markedly.

Do you want to talk to us or report a concern?

All staff members, group leaders and hosts play a part in promoting the welfare of children and young people. We offer advice and guidance to all those involved on who they should speak to if they have a concern about student welfare.