Children staying with host families (homestay)

394. If we arrange a homestay, we will consider the suitability of the adults in the respective families who will be responsible for the visiting child during the stay.

395. We will always consider what intelligence/information will best inform our assessment of the suitability of the adults in those families who will be responsible for the visiting child during the stay. We will use our professional judgement to decide what will be relevant. To help inform our assessment, we will obtain a DBS enhanced certificate with barred list information. This check will not only establish whether the adults are barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children, but where criminal record information is disclosed it will also allow us to consider, alongside all other intelligence that we have obtained, whether the adults would be a suitable host for a child. We will also decide whether it is necessary to obtain a DBS enhanced certificate in respect of anyone aged 16 or over in the household where the child will be staying.

Host families – homestay during exchange visits

396. We have a duty to safeguard and promote children’s welfare. This extends to considering their safety and how best to minimise risk of harm to those children during any exchange visit we arrange, and when organising for the care and accommodation of a child with a host family (known as homestays) as part of the exchange.

397. We will follow the guidance set out in Annex E of KCSIE with regard to arranging homestay – suitability of adults in UK host families, homestay – suitability of adults in host families abroad and the additional action for extended homestays.

398. We will always ensure pupils understand who to contact during a homestay, should an emergency occur or a situation arise which makes them feel uncomfortable.