Host Families
Currently there is no legislation in the UK for the guardianship, protection, and safety of international students studying in the UK. Parents should be aware of lower priced host family providers offering accommodation over holidays and EXEATS. If you don’t choose UK Guardians to look after your child, please select an AEGIS accredited guardian. Your child’s safety and welfare is our priority.
Your child’s safety and well-being is at the core of what we do, I can’t emphasise how important it is to work with a Gold Standard accredited guardian. As a parent I know the importance of ensuring every child is safe and taken care of as if they were my own. We do all the checks you would do if you were in the UK”
Helen Herridge | Company Director
SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE
We work with lots of different types of host families but they all provide a high level of care, attention and support whenever you stay with them. They are interested in supporting an international student just like you and want you to feel at home and join in with their family life.
Careful Recruitment Process
UK Guardians believe choosing the right host family is as important as choosing a school. It is easy to assess a school’s performance through league tables, rankings and exam results. It is not so easy when selecting a host family but by using an AEGIS accredited guardian like UK Guardians parents can remove many of the worries.
All of UK Guardians host families are carefully vetted to AEGIS gold standards. This process includes:
Telephone Interview
Families undergo an initial telephone interview to assess suitability.
Application Form
Families must complete a detailed application form, covering all household members.
Household Visit
A member of the UK Guardians team visits each family home. Essential living conditions are assessed to include: fire and gas safety, car and household insurance, living and study spaces along with access to bathroom facilities.
References and DBS
Have had an enhanced DBS (criminal record) check on all family members over the age of 16 years old. An enhanced DBS check uses the national police database to identify if any family members have criminal members.
WHAT IS A HOST FAMILY?
Your home away from home!
If you stay in the UK during weekend breaks (sometimes called leave outs or exeats), half-terms or holidays, then you’ll stay with one of our friendly host families.
You might stay with one host family during your entire time in the UK, or you might stay with different families over the years. It all depends on what you prefer and on the availability of our hosts.
Some of our hosts are probably around the same age as your parents; others might be younger or older. Some have their own children who will quickly feel like your own siblings.
Whichever family you choose to stay with, they will all do their best to make sure you are safe, happy and successful!
HOST FAMILY MATCHING PROCESS
UK Guardians will ask all new students studying with them to complete a personal profile so we can match them with a host family that matches them in terms of hobbies, interests and personal aspirations.
Before your arrival to the UK, you will be provided with a number of host family profiles for you to choose from and in most cases, we arrange a meeting so you and you and your parents feel comfortable with your choice and you are then able to feel comfortable for your first visit to them.
Many of UK Guardians host families have been working with us for over 12 years.
FAQs
Do I need a host family if I am studying at a Boarding School?
If you do not travel home during school holidays or your school has EXEAT breaks then you will need a host family. UK Guardians will arrange that for you.
How do I get to my host family?
UK Guardians will arrange all transport for you. You will have a choice of either a taxi or a UK Guardians driver.
Can I choose my host family?
We will provide you with a number of host family profiles based on your students profile and you can choose the family you feel best suited to you.
Will I meet my host family before arriving in the UK?
We will arrange an online meeting with you, the host family and a member of the UK Guardians team so you can meet your chosen host family.
Do all host families have pets?
Many UK families have pet cats and dogs. If you want a host family without pets we will arrange a suitable family for you.
Will I have my own room and bathroom?
All UK Guardians host families will have a single room for each child staying with them. Each room will have a study desk and a wardrobe for clothes and bags. Many host families have shared bathrooms, some have ensuite rooms. We will do our best to meet your requirements.
Do your host families cater for different dietary requirements?
We will always ensure that the host families we recommend to you will meet any dietary requirements you have identified. There may be an additional charge for specific dietary requirements.
What happens if I don’t like my host family?
In the unlikely chance that you do not like your host family, we will move you an host family that matches your requirements.
How much does a host family cost?
This dependant upon location and length of stay. The daily average charge is £50 per night.
