Welcoming young minds: safeguarding best practices for homestay providers

Student well-being is our top priority. 

Our homestay families play a vital role in this, acting as a safe and supportive haven for our junior students.  This "loco parentis" role comes with the responsibility of safeguarding their physical and emotional well-being.

This blog post will equip you with the knowledge and best practices to ensure our junior students feel secure and thrive during their stay with you.

Understanding safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to protecting children from abuse, neglect, and harm. It encompasses creating a safe environment, promoting their well-being, and identifying any potential risks.

You will already have thought about risks and completed the risk assessment, but these can extend outside the house - for example, where they can cross the road safely to get the bus, where they can walk safely and areas to avoid if it is dark, what to do if they are approached by someone they don’t know.

British Council accreditation and safeguarding

Our British Council accreditation signifies our commitment to the highest safeguarding standards. 

As our homestay partner, you become part of this commitment.  We provide a comprehensive safeguarding policy that outlines clear procedures for all staff and homestay providers.  Familiarising yourself with this policy is crucial (link below)

If you haven’t already completed the Safeguarding Training, you can find more information here.

Building a Safe and Supportive Environment

• Open communication: Encourage open communication with your student. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable discussing any concerns. Here are some examples: Ask them about their day at school, their hobbies, or if they are missing home.

• Boundaries and expectations: Clearly discuss house rules and expectations at the outset. This includes curfews, internet usage, guests, and appropriate behaviour. For example, a curfew of 10 pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends might be appropriate for a 17-year-old, while an earlier curfew would be necessary for a younger student. Explain the consequences of breaking the rules and use the school's emergency number if a student is 15 minutes late past their curfew time and can not be contacted.

• Respectful interactions: Maintain a respectful and professional relationship with your student. Avoid any situations that could be misconstrued. This means avoiding one-on-one situations behind closed doors and refraining from any physical contact beyond a handshake or a pat on the back.

• Dietary and cultural needs: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or cultural sensitivities your student may have.

Recognizing and responding to concerns

While we strive to prevent any issues, it's important to know how to respond if a concern arises:

• If you suspect abuse or neglect: Report any concerns immediately to the school's Safeguarding Lead. Do not confront the student or the alleged perpetrator. For example, if you notice a student with unexplained bruises or they disclose feeling unsafe at home, report it immediately.

• If a student discloses abuse: Listen attentively and without judgement. Reassure them that you will help and report the incident to the Safeguarding Lead following the school's procedures.

Working together for student success

By working together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for our junior students.  Here are some additional resources to support you:

• The school's Safeguarding Policy (provided to all homestay providers)

• The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC): Offers resources and advice on child safety.

Remember, you are a vital part of our student's British educational experience.  Your commitment to safeguarding creates a foundation for their success and well-being.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.