Host Family for International Boarding School Pupils - Ealing & Windsor

Oxford Guardians provides trusted guardianship and homestay support for international pupils studying in the UK. We work closely with students, families and schools to ensure pupils have a safe, supportive and welcoming environment while studying away from home. Safeguarding, student welfare and strong communication are at the heart of everything we do.

Oxford Guardians is currently looking for caring homestay families in Ealing and Windsor to host international students studying in the UK. As a homestay family, you will provide a safe and welcoming home‑from‑home environment for students during weekends, school holidays or other periods outside school term time. This may include:

• Providing a comfortable bedroom
• Preparing meals
• Offering a friendly family environment
• Supporting students’ wellbeing during their stay
• Helping students feel settled and included in day‑to‑day family life

Many of our students are attending leading UK boarding schools and are looking for a warm, supportive place to stay while away from school. This is a flexible and rewarding opportunity suited to families, couples, retirees or individuals with a caring and supportive home environment. All homestay families receive ongoing guidance and support from Oxford Guardians throughout the process.

Requirements

Suitable homestay families will typically:

• Live in or near Ealing or Windsor
• Have a spare bedroom available
• Be willing to complete DBS and safeguarding checks
• Offer a warm, welcoming and supportive environment
• Be reliable, organised and comfortable supporting young people from different cultures

Previous experience in education, healthcare, childcare or pastoral roles can be beneficial, although it is not essential.

Why become a homestay family?

Hosting international students can be a rewarding way to:

• Support young people studying far from home
• Share everyday life and culture in the UK
• Meet students from around the world
• Provide a safe and reassuring environment during school breaks

If you would like to find out more, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Qualifications

We welcome enquiries from a wide range of families and individuals. Previous experience in education, healthcare, childcare or pastoral roles can be beneficial, although it is not essential. Suitable host families will typically demonstrate:

• A warm, welcoming and supportive home environment
• Strong communication and reliability
• Sensitivity to different cultures and backgrounds
• A spare bedroom suitable for student accommodation
• Willingness to complete safeguarding checks and training
• Good organisational skills and a responsible approach to student welfare

Why host?

Becoming a homestay family is both satisfying and rewarding. It gives you and your family the opportunity to provide a family home experience to an International student who is studying in the UK. We give you training and support, and we visit you annually so there is always plenty of opportunity to ask questions. We have a 24‑hour emergency number to support you out of hours if needed. All expenses are covered, and we offer an attractive daily rate of £45‑£60 per day.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide a safe, clean and happy home environment. Actively involve students in family dinners, games and outings. Care for your student as a member of the family, monitor their emotional wellbeing and academic progress (especially if long stay/permanent residence). Provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and access to snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Wash two loads of student’s clothes per week or give them access to the laundry facilities. Provide access to wireless internet during their stay. Assist students with information and help on local area/use of transport.

Required homestay amenities

• A clean, light and comfortable room with a desk.
• Access to laundry facilities.
• Access to family areas lounge/dining room.
• Access to a bathroom and toilet.
• Access to an outside area if possible.

Safeguarding and DBS Clearance

Take a level 1 certificate in safeguarding provided by the Oxford Safeguarding Board. By law, any person engaged in the working with children sector must be subject to an enhanced DBS clearance. Check with Child Barring List. Oxford Guardians may not accept a certificate acquired by any other company unless it is accompanied by a current enrolment on the DBS online update service. Consequently, the host and members of the family of 16 years or older who are resident must apply for the enhanced DBS check. Oxford Guardians will pay the £55.00 for the initial certificate but asks you to enrol on the DBS online update service at a cost of £13.00 pa. Complete our registration procedures including a self‑declaration. Agree to report any safeguarding issue directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).