British Guardianship requests all homestay hosts to provide a safe, clean, comfortable and welcoming environment that meets the accommodation expectations for international students staying in the United Kingdom. Homestay hosts must comply with the following accommodation standards:
Maximum Number of Students
Homestay hosts must not accommodate more than three (3) students in total at any one time. This limit applies across all organisations, not only British Guardianship. British Guardianship may only approve hosting more than three students in exceptional circumstances, as required by AEGIS. Hosts must inform British Guardianship if they host for another organisation to ensure that the total number never exceeds the maximum allowed.
Bedroom Arrangements
British Guardianship offers full board single room accommodation unless otherwise requested by parents. Each student bedroom must:
Contain a single bed. A double bed may be used only for one student; under no circumstances may students share a bed.
Never accommodate more than two students in the same room, each in their own single bed.
Provide adequate furniture:
- Bed
- Desk
- Chair
- Wardrobe or chest of drawers with suitable storage
- Adequate lighting
- Adequate heating
- Clean bedding and towels
Be well kept, clean, in good repair, and have sufficient natural light. Provide a private space to study, free from unnecessary disturbance.
Sharing Bedrooms
Students of different genders may not share a bedroom. If students request to share a bedroom, this is only permitted where parental consent has been obtained in advance, and privacy safeguards are in place.
Bathroom Arrangements
Students must have access to a bathroom with a functioning lock on the door. It is preferred—though not required—that students use a bathroom separate from the adults. When sharing a family bathroom, please agree suitable shower times and explain bathroom etiquette, including sanitation and how to dispose of sanitary items appropriately.
Communal Areas & Household Access
Students must be treated as part of the family and must have access to communal rooms such as the living room and dining areas. Students must not enter the private bedrooms of family members.
Smoking, Pets and Household Environment
Students have the right to request placement in a non smoking and/or non pet household. Homestays must respect these preferences.
Safety and Suitability
British Guardianship students cannot be placed in a household where any adult (aged 16+) has not undergone an Enhanced DBS check conducted by British Guardianship. Hosts must notify British Guardianship of any changes in household composition (e.g., new adult resident, a household member turning 16, visitors staying overnight).
Laundry
For short stays (e.g., weekends), laundry may not be required; however, for week long or term time stays, hosts must explain the household laundry arrangements clearly.
Valuables
Homestays are asked to provide students with a locker or safety box to store valuables such as money or passports.
Supervision Requirements
In line with AEGIS and NSPCC guidance:
- Students aged 12 and under must not be left home alone for long periods.
- Students aged 16 and under must not be left home alone overnight.
- No student should be left alone if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Students must be sufficiently supervised at all times and must not be left to live independently.
Curfews & Outings
- Students aged 13 and under: must never go outside alone.
- Students aged 14–15: may go out locally only; travel to London or other cities requires prior permission.
- Students aged 16+: may go out locally; must return by dark or 9pm (whichever is earliest).
- Students aged 18+: may go out with permissions and must return by 10pm.
- Homestays must notify British Guardianship immediately if a student misses curfew.
Mixed Age Group Safeguarding Requirement
Homestays must not host any student aged over 20 when hosting British Guardianship students under the age of 16.
No Paying Guests / No B&B
While hosting British Guardianship students, homestays must not accommodate other paying guests nor operate any form of bed and breakfast arrangement.
Private Fostering
If a British Guardianship student under the age of 16 (or under 18 if they have a disability) stays with a homestay for 28 consecutive days or more, this may be classed as a private fostering arrangement under UK law. British Guardianship will notify the local authority, and homestays must cooperate with any visits or checks required by the local authority’s private fostering team. Homestays must inform British Guardianship immediately if a student’s stay is expected to last 28 days or longer. British Guardianship will oversee notification and maintain contact with the Local Authority until the arrangement ends.
Pandemic Responsibilities
In the event of a contagious pandemic, British Guardianship will issue updated guidance to all homestays and confirm the arrangements for continuity of care. This may include additional hygiene measures, ventilation expectations, temporary isolation procedures, or alternative accommodation where required. Homestays agree to follow all instructions issued by British Guardianship and to comply with relevant UK Government public health guidance.
