If there’s one crucial group of international students whose care and wellbeing need to be looked after by a hosted homestay accommodation service then it has to the under 18s on short English learning courses in the UK.
Staying flexible to meet the varying course schedules that are run throughout the year – most especially in spring and summer – is just one of the vital attributes of a hosted rent a room provider. English language centres accredited by the British Council can accept students who have been granted a short term study visa for courses up to 6 months in duration, as there are many short to medium length course options now available.
Undoubtedly, the attribute of paramount importance is the special responsibility that a hosting organisation has in their duty of care to students under 18, technically considered a minor. It goes without saying that the parents of an overseas student under 18 who applies to an English speaking course in Britain needs to know that their child will be safe and secure.
First time living away from home in a different country
Generally, newly-arrived international students should be considered ‘vulnerable’. For many young students it could be the first time that they are living away from home in a different country, which can be daunting, and often confusing at the very least.
Their vulnerability can be caused by simply living far from family and friends, entering an unfamiliar culture and studying in a second language. Younger international students under the age of 18 – defined as children – are potentially more vulnerable, according to actual age. When a 16 or 17-year-old applies for a visa under Tier 4 (General) visa, for example, they must have their parents’ permission to both travel to the UK and to live independently.
The British Council – which is the UK’s international organisation for “cultural relations and educational opportunities” – has in place, formal guidelines for child protection standards involving “Developing and implementing standards for working with partners and through third parties.” The Accreditation UK scheme not only expects providers to comply with the law, but sets out specific requirements for the care of the under 18s,”relevant to their age and background, which reflect good practice and may go beyond the responsibilities set out in law.”
Established procedures and processes must be in place
A homestay provider will need to be fully aware of any additional requirements for providing a home to students under 18 and those under 16, if relevant. They must have established procedures and processes in place, which are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for students under 18, and are based on legal requirements and government guidelines. The “Care of Under 18s” section of the Accreditation scheme is intended to inform host providers of their responsibilities, supported by additional guidance notes, resources and training, which are regularly checked.
Apart from the setting of a individualised meal plans which cater for particular dietary needs, a weekly laundry service or clearly explained laundry arrangements must be in place. It is expected that laundry provision for under 16s to be inclusive in homestay accommodation. One of the most important of their duties is to always know the whereabouts of their students at all times. A student under the age of 18 years of age is considered to be still a child under UK law. This means that their hosts have an extra duty of responsibility and their house rules are expected to be complied with by a student at all times.
The single most important rule is sure to govern whenever a student is “coming and going” every day and, especially at the weekends. A homestay host with responsibility for a student under 18 should be given the child’s course timetables so they know when the student should be in school or college.
Establishing an atmosphere that the student would expect
Another essential routine is for a student to always inform their host if they are are going to be late for an evening meal or arriving home late after the agreed time. If a student arranges to go out at the weekends or on trips, once again a host must be informed about where they are going, who they are going with and all the travel times.
The success of an young student’s placement with a host provider is always dependant on establishing an atmosphere that the student would expect – the warm, open, friendliness and security of a ‘home from home’ environment that comes with clearly defined rules.
The British Council lists Hosts International as one of a handful of organisations who meet the standards for registration as a provider of homestay and independent self-catering accommodation, which includes under 18s for accredited providers in the UK.