Documents
Home visit
Once you have contacted us with the view to become a homestay provider, one of our Accommodation Team will arrange a home visit. During this visit they will need to see the room and the common areas of the house. We will fill out a questionnaire with you that helps us find out more about you and your family. During a home visit we will discuss details and requirements of hosting international students and will aim to answer all your questions and concerns.
Requirements
The following documents are required from homestay providers before they can become an approved host for Languages United. Failure to provide these documents may result in breaking the law and subsequently not being able to host students.
- Identification
We need to see, and take copies/photos of, three different documents to confirm your identity and address. Please note:
One document must have your photo.
At least one document must have your current address.
We can only accept original documents that are provided in person (scanned copies or photos are not acceptable).
Documents must still be valid e.g. passport, or must have been issued in the last three months e.g. bank statement or utility bill.
One document from Group 1, e.g. Passport, Photo Driving Licence.
Two further documents from either Group 1, or Group 2a, or 2b, e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, driving licence without photo, bank statement, credit card statement, Council Tax bill, utility bill.
Please see DBS Identity Checking for a full list of document options.
The photos that are taken of documents are stored securely in our School Management System and deleted from the device that was used to take the photo. This is required for auditing purposes.
- Declaration
This legally binding, internal document needs to be signed and dated by all family members over 18. This relates to your suitability to provide accommodation for under 18s.
- Gas Certificate
The Gas Safety Regulations 1988 state that you must ensure all your gas appliances are safe. Please send us a copy of your Gas Safety Certificate (sometimes known as Landlord / Homeowner Gas Safety Certificate) which you can obtain through an inspection. A boiler service record is not sufficient.
- DBS
If you are hosting under 18s you are required to have an enhanced, child workforce DBS check for yourself and everyone in your household. Please see our DBS Application Advice.
- Risk Assessment Form
In order to minimise risks within your home we request that you fill out a risk assessment form. This is in the interest of your students as well as family members residing at your address.
- Two References
You are asked to complete the Homestay Reference Contact Details form the with names and contact details of two referees (employer, neighbour, friend, etc, but not family members).
Your referees will be sent a form regarding your suitability to work with children or young people. A follow-up phone call may be made for confirmation and clarification.
- Safeguarding Training
We require that homestay providers undertake a free, online safeguarding course. To complete a basic level safeguarding training follow these instructions:
1. click here: Basic Safeguarding Training.
2. Complete the register for your account details. An email will be sent to your email address.
3. Please follow the instructions in the received email to login. When logged in you'll see Welcome to Accreditation UK Safeguarding Training.
4. Click on the tab Catalogue (top left hand corner)
5. Scroll down to Safeguarding for Homestay Hosts, click enrol.
6. Complete all 25 sections and email us the electronic certificate you receive at the end.