GUIDE FOR STUDENTS staying with a host families
GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN STAYING WITH A HOST
Your host family will be looking forward to meeting you. They will take day‑to‑day responsibility for you and care for you in the same way your parents would. Our host families are all very different, and this guide cannot describe every house or family we work with. However, you will have been given information about your host family before your first visit to their home.
We have many host families living across the UK. You may have chosen a host close to your school, or you may have decided that you would like to live in a larger city. Either way, our host families’ homes are located near, or within a short drive of, a good range of shopping facilities (including banks and supermarkets) as well as places of interest to visit.
ARRIVING AT YOUR HOST’S HOME
You will either arrive at your host’s home by taxi, or your host may collect you from school. It is completely normal to feel a little nervous when you first arrive. Many people feel anxious in new situations like this, so please don’t worry.
Your host will do their best to make you feel welcome and comfortable. They will introduce you to other members of their family, show you around the house, introduce any pets they may have, and most importantly show you your room.
We offer a wide range of small to medium‑sized rooms. Occasionally a room may have an en‑suite bathroom, but most students will share a bathroom with other students or family members. All rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and you should have everything you need for your stay. Please try to keep your room tidy, as you would at school.
Your host may then sit down with you perhaps with a drink and a snack to talk through a typical family day. They may explain meal times, internet and television use, and go over some house rules. This is a good time to ask questions, so please don’t be shy.
Your host needs to know your whereabouts at all times. Make sure they have your mobile phone number, and that you have theirs. You should also save the Sable Guardians emergency number: +44 (0) 7513 106 451.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Your host will understand that this may be your first time in the UK and your first time staying with a British family. There may be cultural differences between your own family and your host family. Your host will be aware of this and will guide you, so please follow their lead.
One thing to remember is that in England people often say “please” and “thank you” frequently using these is considered good manners.
BEHAVIOUR DURING YOUR STAY
Your host will understand that you may feel tired after busy school days and may need some downtime.
It is fine to have a lie‑in, watch television, or play computer games, but please do not spend all your time doing this. Your host family has chosen to host because they would like to get to know you, so spending time talking and interacting with them is important.
You may also have schoolwork to complete or a musical instrument to practise try not to leave this until the last minute. At the same time, make sure you allow yourself time to relax and unwind
ACCOMMODATION AND DAILY LIVING
Once your host has shown you around the house, they will give you some time to settle in and unpack. If your room has any specific features, your host will explain how they work.
MEALS:
Your host will provide three meals a day, fitting in with their normal family routine. You may not always like everything that is served, but it is important to try the food offered. Let your host know what you enjoy eating, and any likes or dislikes will usually have been shared with them in advance. You may even be invited to cook a meal for the family. If you have any allergies, Sable Guardians will have informed your host beforehand.
Please remember good table manners, as you would at school. After a meal, it is polite to offer to help clear up. We also ask hosts to keep meal times “screen‑free,” just as they are at school.
SNACKS:
Please follow your host’s guidance about which snacks are available. Be mindful not to fill up on junk food. Do not take food into your room unless your host has given permission. If food or drinks are allowed in your room, remember to return mugs and plates to the kitchen afterwards.
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ARRANGEMENTS
In general, the rules and behaviour expected of you at school are similar to those expected when staying with a host family.
SOME RULES ARE NON‑NEGOTIABLE:
• No smoking or vaping
• No drinking alcohol if you are under 18
• If you are over 16, alcohol is only permitted with prior written permission from your parents, and only when supervised by your host (for example, a glass of wine with a seated meal)
• Under no circumstances should you drink spirits or fortified wine. If you are unsure whether permission has been given, ask your host to check with
• Sable Guardians
• No drugs
• No tattoos or body piercings
• No hair dyeing
• No staying away overnight unless agreed in advance with Sable Guardians
• You must not drive any car belonging to the host family
• You should not operate garden machinery (e.g. lawnmowers, hedge trimmers)
• No candles, joss sticks, or similar items in your room.
• Keeping your room tidy and making your bed each morning
• Being considerate when using the bathroom or shower, especially regarding time
• Turning off lights when leaving a room at night
If you need to do laundry, ask your host when the best time is and whether they would prefer to help you. Many hosts are happy to do your washing, while others may allow you to use the washing machine yourself always check their preference first.
Please also:
Ask before making your own drinks or snacks in the kitchen. Be considerate of younger family members in the evening and at night Take good care of any front door key you are given, and return it when you leave.
Do not give your key to anyone else. If a key is lost, it may be necessary to replace the lock, which can be expensive and may need to be paid for by you.
TELEPHONE
You will almost certainly have your own mobile phone. In an emergency, you may use the host family’s home phone. Please be aware that making outgoing calls could result in high charges, which would be passed on to your parents.
INTERNET USE
You will likely have your own phone or laptop. To access the internet, ask your host for login details. If you do not have your own device, your host may allow you to use the family computer and will explain any time limits. If you plan to download music, films, or other large files, please check with your host first, as additional costs may apply.
SOCIAL MEDIA
We understand that you will want to stay in touch with family and friends through social media. However, try not to spend all day online. For guidance on staying safe online, please refer to the Sable Guardians policy on “Acceptable Use of ICT and E‑Safety.”
TELEVISION
Your host will give guidance on how much television you may watch. Remember that there are many other interesting activities to enjoy besides watching TV or using a computer.
DAMAGE AND CARE OF THE HOME
Students are responsible for any damage they cause, except for fair wear and tear. Please treat the house and your room with respect. Be especially careful when using items such as hair straighteners. Always turn them off after use and do not leave them where they could damage carpets or furniture. If hot drinks are allowed in your room, please be careful to avoid spills, if an accident does happen, let your host know straight away. It is always better to be honest than for damage to be discovered later.
RELIGION
If you have religious beliefs and would like to attend a place of worship, please speak to your host. They will help you find the nearest church, mosque, or other place of worship.
WHEREABOUTS AND SAFETY
If you have permission to go out, it is very important that your host knows where you are going. Always exchange mobile phone numbers and carry your host’s contact details with you.
You should also always have the Sable Guardians emergency number with you: +44 (0) 7513 106 451. If in doubt, please call us.
STAYING AWAY OVERNIGHT
Occasionally, your host family may plan an overnight trip and invite you to join them. If this happens, Sable Guardians will have been informed in advance and written permission will be required from your parents. Full details of the accommodation must be provided in line with safeguarding policies and UKVI rules for student visas.
If you would like to stay overnight with a friend, this is only permitted with prior written permission from your parents and Sable Guardians. Full details and the contact information of the responsible adult must be provided.
Please let us know well in advance if you are planning any overnight trips.
HEALTH AND PERSONAL PROBLEMS
If you feel unwell, tell your host family straight away. They will contact Sable Guardians.
You will be registered with a doctor near your school. If you need medical care while staying with your host, you can register as a temporary patient. Sable Guardians 24 hr emergency number:
+44 (0)7513 106 451
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Many British families are very aware of their environmental impact. Most households recycle and try to reduce energy and water use. Please follow your host’s example.
Showers should be no longer than 10 minutes, as longer showers are considered environmentally and socially unacceptable. Remember to turn off taps and lights when leaving rooms.
Heating is not usually on all day, so bring warm clothes. In winter, you may feel cold indoors if you are only wearing shorts and a T‑shirt.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We understand this is a lot of information. Some of it may not apply to you right now. However, it is important that you are aware of it. You can refer back to this handbook at any time.
WE WILL FINISH WITH OUR MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
If you are worried about anything PLEASE ASK. No concern is too small. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Sable Guardians 24 hour phone number: +44 (0)7513 106 451
Sable Guardians Office: Address: 18 St Swithin’s Lane, London, EC4N 8AD
Email: guardians@sableinternational.com
Website: www.sableinternationalguardians.co.uk