As a Shell Education host family, you are providing a very important service to our clients. As well as representing Shell Education, you will play a large part in ensuring the students have an enjoyable time in the UK, in a safe and supportive environment. This handbook is designed to be guide on what you can expect when hosting overseas students and what is expected of you as a host family.

You will be visited by the DSL, Olga Bernstein, who will be looking for warm, comfortable, safe and hygienic conditions conducive to study and relaxation. We rely on your continued support to enable us to deliver (and continue delivering) a high level of service - you are an essential partner and we very much appreciate your input. The role of a host family and relationship with students can be a delicate one on both sides with a responsibility on both parties to understand and respect some cultural differences.

Statement of Aims:

Shell Education offers high quality student guardianship and education services throughout the UK. Our main aim is to ensure all students have a safe and enjoyable time in the UK, while reaching their full academic potential.

We aim to achieve this by offering:

o The highest level of service possible, depending on the package booked.

o Putting students’ safety and wellbeing first.

o Being kind and understanding to students at all times.

o Being available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

o Ensuring all staff members act in a professional and considerate manner at all times.

o Making sure all host families are kind and welcoming and treat students like members of the family. Inspecting host families annually to ensure high standards are maintained.

o Undertaking a rigorous employment procedure for staff and host families, including DBS checks.

o Having a clear safeguarding policy which is understood by all staff and host families.

o Ensuring all staff members and host families are fully supported and have regular guidance and training, including safeguarding.

o Providing a pro-active and responsive service; predicting students’ needs in advance.

o Continuously working on improving the standard of service offered.

o Taking feedback into account and acting on it in a timely manner.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding anything mentioned below, please get in touch with us.

Shell Education contact: Mrs Olga Bernstein

Post Shell Education, 8 Stour Way, Christchurch, BH23 2PF, United Kingdom.

Telephone +447770925045 (sms, call, What’s App, Viber) or from UK number 07770925045

Email contact@shelleducation.co.uk

Website www.shelleducation.co.uk

Office hours: 09:00 to 17:00

For emergency only contact us at any time. Shell Education is on call 24 hours every day to help you with any difficulties or problems that may arise.

2. Introduction to Hosting Students from Overseas

Shell Education has a number of host families with whom we place our students when schools are closed for half terms and exeat weekends. We will match you as closely as possible to the student in terms of the student’s requirements and interests. We try, where possible, to place students in the same host family for all their stays in order to provide consistency, but changes can occur.

Our student will normally be attending a private boarding school in the UK. During half terms and exeat weekends, the boarding houses close giving staff and students a break, and the students are required to have alternative accommodation arrangements. Parents often choose host family accommodation because it offers safety and a 'home away from home' in a family atmosphere, where students can practise their English, learn about another culture, and be treated as one of the family.

When your student first arrives at your home it is therefore important to be welcoming and understanding, as staying in an unfamiliar environment can be an anxious time for a young person whose family lives in another country. Although students will sometimes spend time in their room working or playing, access to your living areas to watch TV, chat with your family or relax is invaluable.

Language

Most students are here in the UK to study for exams such as GCSEs and A-Levels, and their spoken English language is excellent. However, this is not always the case, and patience and understanding is required if students have a low level of English.

If you suspect, discover or are told that a student in your care is dealing with the effects of bullying behaviour, please remember that they may be feeling scared, embarrassed or ashamed, and they may be worried about what will happen if they tell anyone. If they decide to open up to you, keep calm and listen carefully to what they say. Otherwise, suggest that they have a chat with another trusted adult, such as a Shell Education staff member, teacher or family member. Alternatively, they can contact Childline where they can discuss their problems anonymously.

Students may lack confidence as a result of bullying. It is a good idea to help them find things to do that make them feel good, like listening to, or playing, music, or doing sport. Try to give them opportunities to help build their confidence.

If you have any concerns about a student in your care, please contact Shell Education immediately.

Culture

Going to a new country and being part of a new culture can be confusing and difficult for some students. They will be used to certain British customs which they have experienced at school; however, it may be their first time living in a British home so please be patient and explain various customs if necessary. Please also be sensitive to different religious beliefs and requirements, and provide a safe space for students to pray if needed.

The English love their pets, but this is not often shared by people from China and the Far East. Sometimes the students have had very little contact with any dogs or cats and consider them unhygienic and frightening. Please be sensitive to this, particularly when the student first arrives.

3. Your Responsibilities as a Host Family

During the times that you are hosting, your responsibilities are to protect, care for and provide food and lodging for your student on a day-to-day basis, as you would your own children. The overall guardianship responsibility remains with Shell Education, whom you should contact whenever a situation arises in which you are uncertain as to the appropriate action to take. Untoward occurrences, such as hospitalisation, unexplained student absences or other situations affecting student safety, should be reported to Shell Education immediately.

You will not normally be expected to instigate contact with a student's school or to attend school occasions, which is a role undertaken by Shell Education. If there was a need for the host to contact or visit the school, it would be at the instigation of Shel Education and with the agreement of the host.

COMFORTING STUDENTS IN DISTRESS

Students in your care may feel homesick or nervous about staying with a family they do not know. We would urge hosts to speak to the student calmly to try to discover the reasons they are feeling the way they are and to try to make them feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. If you suspect, discover or are told that a student in your care is dealing with the effects of bullying behaviour, please remember that they may be feeling scared, embarrassed or ashamed, and they may be worried about what will happen if they tell anyone. If they decide to open up to you, keep calm and listen carefully to what they say. Otherwise, suggest that they have a chat with another trusted adult, such as a Shell Education staff member, Olga Bernstein, teacher or family member. Alternatively, they can contact Childline where they can discuss their problems anonymously.

If you have any concerns about a student in your care, please contact Shell Education immediately. Additional guidance can be found in the Staff and Host Code of Conduct.

Further advice relating to homesickness can be found on pages 14 of the Student Handbook. Additional information relating to bullying can be found in our Anti-Bullying Policy which will be sent by email.

3.1. Host Family Requirements

Shell Education requires the following documents from host families before we can place any students with you:

o A completed application form

o Passport copy for the main host

o Enhanced DBS Certificates for all persons aged 16 and over living at the premises*

o Landlord gas safe certificate issued in the past 12 months

o 2 references (one personal, one professional from people who have known you for at least 2 years)

o Safeguarding certificate issued in the last 3 years (we can send you an online safeguarding course to complete if necessary)

*If you are not signed up to the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) update service, we will need to apply for the DBS certificates on your behalf and the fee (approx. £40 per certificate) will be deducted from your first payment for the primary carer and other household members can be classed as ‘volunteers’ which will reduce the cost of the certificate to around £10.40. Copies of the following documents will be needed: passport, driving licence, proof of address and National Insurance number.

We will arrange a visit to your house where we will meet the family, have a look around your house and discuss any questions you have about hosting or child safety. We will also check that you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

You will also be asked to sign a contract and complete a self-declaration and medical declaration form.

Please provide us with at least one month’s notice if you wish to terminate the contract.

We will visit you each year to ensure high standards are maintained. If there are any changes to the house, student facilities or household make up, it is your responsibility to let us know as soon as possible.

Please be aware that in some cases, a student’s school may wish to visit your house. Your cooperation at these times will be much appreciated.

4. What a student can expect from you

4.1. Bedroom

Each student should have his or her own room or share with someone of a similar age and of the same sex. If students are sharing a room, please introduce them, remind them to be respectful of each other and their belongings and ensure that they understand that they can approach you with any issues.

Shell Education must be made aware of all students' sleeping arrangements in your house, so please confirm these to us in advance, particularly if there are students from different organisations.

A maximum total of three students in a host family is allowed at any one time, so please inform us of any other students who will be staying at your house at the time of booking.

While a student from Shell Education is staying with you, you are not permitted to have any other paying guests or run a bed and breakfast arrangement.

The students need to have:

1. A comfortable bed.

2. Clean, warm bedding and a bath towel (for longer-term students these should be changed weekly).

3. Storage area to put their belongings.

4. A table/desk and chair with good lighting for working, ideally in their bedroom.

4.2. Bathroom

Most students are used to taking daily showers. Discuss suitable times for them to use the bathroom, and make sure your student knows how to use the shower (e.g. keeping the shower curtain inside), toilet facilities, and where to put any rubbish. Also, if appropriate, make sure you explain the arrangements for disposing of sanitary items.

You may wish to suggest a maximum time for a shower – e.g., 10 minutes, as at home they are often used to unlimited hot water. Ask them to leave the bathroom clean and tidy. Please inform the student of any guidelines you may have to ensure privacy for the student and members of your family.

Please ensure that students have privacy when using the bathroom and that there is a working lock on the door.

4.3. Meals

Talk to your student about meals, as food is probably the BIGGEST area of comment by students! Nowadays, food in schools is of a good standard, plentiful, varied and nutritionally balanced. That said, although they may not express it, good home-cooked food is hugely appreciated!

Host families will have been informed of any food allergies and in some cases, of dislikes. This means hosts can pre-plan food menus, which in turn allows some purchasing of food in advance. We suggest that you also speak to the student on their arrival about mealtimes and the types of food that they particularly like. Students generally require full-board accommodation, and as a guide will expect the following:

• Breakfast - At school, a cooked breakfast will usually be available daily, so the offer by a host of an egg and/or bacon (perhaps a bacon sandwich) and/or baked beans is usually appreciated. As an alternative, offer some combination of fruit, yogurt, cereal, toast and muffins. Teenage students are often keen to lie-in in the mornings and therefore a late breakfast is common.

• Lunch - At school, lunch is the main meal of the day. That said, for most UK households, lunch is a lighter meal. A compromise between these two is for a lunch such as sandwiches, jacket potato with cheese, pizza with salad, pasta with sauce, hotdogs or soup and bread. When a sandwich is offered, it could be served with salad and crisps on the side. Fruit, cake or something sweet should also be available for dessert.

• Dinner - Dinner should ideally be taken with the family, and consist of at least two courses, e.g. a main course of chicken, fish or red meat with vegetables and a dessert. Popular main courses would include roast chicken with potatoes and vegetables, meat in sauce with rice or pasta, stir-fried vegetables with noodles and prawns, lasagne with salad and garlic bread, fish fillets with chips and peas, bangers and mash with vegetables or a BBQ. Dessert might be a fruit pie or crumble, fresh fruit salad and ice cream, choc-ices, cake or jam doughnuts with custard. If you are lucky, the student may even offer to cook a meal for your family one day!

• Snacks - Students should not expect to help themselves and 'snack' in between meals, but are encouraged to ask if they are hungry. If hungry (teenagers are often growing fast!), something like fruit, biscuits or cake should be available. Some hosts leave a box of daily snacks for the student to help themselves to throughout the day. A hot drink and a biscuit before going to bed would be appreciated, especially if the dinner is early.

Students are told that they are not allowed to use a host’s kitchen for safety reasons (unless agreed in advance, e.g. if they offer to cook the family a meal). However, students might bring some food/snacks with them so please show them where they can keep this (e.g. in a cupboard in the kitchen to avoid food being eaten in the bedroom, explain which items need be stored in the fridge). Please make sure all food is stored correctly, and food hygiene is followed when preparing meals for students.

Sometimes, the student's table manners cause a little concern. Remember, for some of them, they have only just become accustomed to using a knife and fork (they may have only used chopsticks before). Please respect this difficulty and we would also ask you to appreciate that slurping food, talking with mouth full etc. is broadly common and acceptable in China, but at the same time try to offer some sensitive guidance if you feel it is necessary. The Student Handbook explains some typical British customs and manners including not leaving the table until everyone has finished and helping to carry the plates to the kitchen at the end of the meal.

Please remember to discuss meal times with the student on arrival so they know what time they need to be home/available. Students are told to give at notice if they wish to miss a meal and eat elsewhere.

4.4. Internet

Students now expect access to an internet connection, preferably wireless. All schools provide this but do limit use and monitor it carefully. The internet should only be used for academic work and also to stay in touch with their family and friends during the holiday period.

Unrestricted Access - There is increasing concern about the dangers to young people of free and unrestricted access to the Internet without appropriate controls. We would advise hosts to limit access in the best interests of the student. For example, wireless Internet could be switched off overnight if necessary.

Students are told not to download or stream large files, such as films, games and music, as this can lead to problems with your normal access but it can be difficult to monitor this. Host families should feel free to switch off the internet if it is being used excessively or at unsociable hours.

Students are taught how to use the internet safely at school and are given guidance by Shell Education. They are advised not to give out personal details or send digital photos to strangers, respond to unkind messages or give out their passwords to anyone. If you have a concern about a student not following safe internet guidelines, please inform Shell Education.

Students should not need to use your telephone landline, although some have pre-payment cards to ring home to their parents. They should always ask for your permission.

Please read our Online Safety Policy which will be sent to you by email.

4.5. Laundry

Particularly over a half term, students will have some laundry. Please let your student know where they can put their laundry and the days that you use your machine. For older, responsible students, you can show them how to use your washing machine themselves if they would like to and if you feel comfortable with the arrangement.

5. What Can You Expect From Student

Students have guidelines on staying in a host family (in the Student Handbook), and although they are paying guests and don't have particular duties or chores, they are expected to be polite and courteous, and you should give them friendly guidance on this if required. It is likely that your student will have a lot of schoolwork and possibly revision to do during the holiday period, so they may spend more time in their bedroom than you would expect.

Please also be aware of cultural and background differences; for example, most Chinese live in modern apartments in big cities, sometimes with maids; they normally prefer to play computer games rather than walk in the countryside!

5.1. Curfews and Bedtime

If your student goes out, you should always know their plans, return times and exchange telephone numbers.

Students are told to always contact their hosts if there is a change to plans.

14 and under Must be accompanied by an adult member of host family

15 to 17 9pm at the latest

Shell Education informs students that recommended bedtime is 22.00pm-23.00pm, depending on student’s age.

5.2. Permission to Go Out

Students aged 15 and over are aware that they need to inform their hosts and Shell Education if they would like to go out by themselves or with friends to visit the local area. If they would like to travel further afield (e.g. to another city), Shell Education must be informed in advance and we will seek permission from the student’s parents.

If you would like to take a student out for an excursion (e.g. a day trip or cinema/theatre visit), please let us know. If this will incur any additional charges, this must be agreed in advance with Shell Education.

If a student informs you that they would like to go out and you have concerns about their safety or whether it is permitted, please contact us straight away and we will be happy to advise.

5.3. Leaving student unattended

o Children under 12 years old shouldn't be left home alone.

o Children over 12 years old can be left alone for short periods of time, only if they feel comfortable with the arrangement.

o Children under 18 years old shouldn’t be left alone overnight.

Children should never be left in a home that could put them at risk – like with no electricity or heat, or with dangerous objects.

NOT ALLOWED!

Staying away overnight is forbidden unless specific permission has been given in advance by Shell Education, normally with the consent of the student's own parents.

Friends of students are not allowed to stay with you unless Shell Education has approved temporary guardianship in advance. This is for legal and insurance reasons.

Students are not allowed to smoke or drink alcohol. If you have any concerns, please contact us immediately.

6. What Can You Expect From Shell Education

6.1. Communication

We will usually send you an email or call you to ask for your availability and make host family bookings. Arrangements regarding the student, school and transfer times will be confirmed to you in writing by email prior to arrival. We will visit your house each year and you can contact Shell Education at any time should you have any queries or concerns.

6.2. Support

If you have any questions or concerns, you can ring office on 07770925045 (office hours are 09:00 to 17:00) or send an email to contact@shelleducation.co.uk.

In the case of emergencies, which should only be escalated when a situation arises that needs to be resolved prior to the next working day, please phone 07770925045. This service is available 24/7.

6.3. Payment

We have a standard rate per night, which will be clarified with you at the time of booking. Normally we are able to confirm in advance, and in writing, the amount you will be paid for the student's stay. Shell Education will also pay your mileage if you collect the student from school. Any additional claims (e.g. expenses for day trips or buying something the student asks for) must be agreed with Shell Education in advance and included in your invoice.

Should there be a cancellation, we will do our best to find another student but, if not, and we are unable to provide you enough notice (2 days) we will pay for the booking, for up to 1 night (exeat weekend) and up to 3 nights (for stay one week or more).

Shell Education will pay all the service payments on behalf of the student. The host family will under no circumstances discuss payments with the student, or the student’s parents, friends or classmates without prior consultation with Shell Education.

The invoice should be sent to Shell Education by email. Please include the student’s name, dates of stay, any extra expenses, miles and bank account details where the payment should be made to.

6.4. Legal Contractual Agreement

Please note that due to the guardianship contractual arrangements between Shell Education and you the host family, as well as our contract with the students and their parents, ALL ARRANGEMENTS must be made and confirmed through the Shell Education Office. It is essential that you contact us if any of our students contact you directly for two reasons - if we do not know about the arrangement, then we simply cannot pay you; also, the responsibility of guardianship would fall to you and this is very different to being simply a host family where we support you.

6.5. Complaints

Shell Education recognises that there may be legitimate concerns or complaints from students, staff, schools, parents or host families relating to Shell Education. As a company we encourage these concerns or complaints being made known to Shell Education staff so that they can be addressed in partnership with us, and we can continuously improve our service.

Stage 1: Informal Stage

It is hoped that most concerns or complaints can be resolved informally. A concern or complaint can be made in person, in writing or by telephone. They may also be made by a third party acting on behalf on a complainant, as long as they have appropriate consent to do so. Concerns should be raised with the DSL, Olga Bernstein, who will:

o Keep a record of the complaint and any action taken;

o Respond to all complaints or concerns within 24 hours;

Investigate the concern or complaint;

o Report back to the complainant within 2 working days.

If the issue remains unresolved, the next step is to make a formal complaint.

Stage 2: Formal Stage

If the complainant is not satisfied with how the complaint has been handled, they can make a formal complaint. This should be sent in writing to the DSL, Olga Bernstein, who will:

o Keep a record of the complaint and any action taken;

o Respond initially to the complainant within 24 hours;

o Investigate the concern or complaint – this may take some time but in any event they will keep the complainant informed of progress made;

o Report back to the complainant formally in writing no later than 28 working days.

If the issue remains unresolved, the next step is to refer the matter to AEGIS.

Stage 3: Referral of the matter to AEGIS

If complainants are not satisfied with the outcome as decided by Shell Education, they can contact AEGIS to report their concerns if they wish to do so. Relevant contact details are set out below:

Yasemin Wigglesworth

Executive Officer Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS) The Wheelhouse, Bond’s Mill Estate, Bristol Road, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3RF +44 (0) 1453 821293, www.aegisuk.net

7. Health and Safety

It is your responsibility to make sure all electrical appliances are safe, particularly in the student’s room, sockets and light fittings are secure and not overloaded. We recommend PAT testing appliances annually.

You may ask the students to use UK plugs and UK adaptors only and not to use overseas adaptors as these can be a source of fire.

Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors must be fitted in the house and must be tested regularly. A minimum of one smoke alarm should be installed on every storey. A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in any room containing gas, liquid or solid fuel burning appliances.

You should have a valid Landlord Gas Safety Certificate and send Shell Education a copy each time you have a new one done (annually).

Explain to the students basic fire escape routes, access to the outside doors, and the location of any necessary keys. If doors and windows are locked, students must know where to find the keys in the event of fire.

If you have an open fire in your house, than a suitable fire guard should be in place when the fire is lit. Any matches, lighters should be appropriately stored.

Please also ensure that they know to dial 999 for Police, Fire or Ambulance should any such emergency arise whilst they are staying with you.

7.1. Household Insurance

Hosting students/lodgers within your property may affect your own home insurance policy. If you are a homeowner, it is advisable to check with your current insurer that they are happy with you hosting a student/lodger who is living at your property. Unfortunately, not all insurance providers like this arrangement which could result in a claim being invalid should a situation occur.

If you are a tenant of a property intending to host a student/lodger, we strongly advise you speak with your landlord as the arrangement may invalidate their insurance.

If your home or your landlord’s insurance provider will not continue with the current policy, we encourage you to seek several quotations from different companies.

Standard car insurance policies cover the holder for a minimum of third-party claims whilst the car is being used for domestic, social and pleasure purposes, but not for business. If in doubt, you should consult your insurer. Please also note that we regard it as your duty to ensure the use of car seat belts when you are transferring students in your car.

7.2. Contact Details

Mobile Phone Numbers: Swap numbers with all students you are hosting, so they are known to all parties, as well as your landline and any other useful contact numbers. As host, you should at all times know where your visitor is and be able to contact him/her if required.

Update Host Details: Please note that it is also your responsibility to update Shell Education of any changes in your contact details or host profile, and to notify us of any changes in the household residents, such as family members, lodgers or long stay guests arriving or leaving.

7.3. Student Illness

In case of student illness or accident, take the same precautions as you would with your own child. If in doubt, your first course of action should be to contact your family doctor or 111 in the usual way. The student will have been registered with the NHS by the school. If the illness more serious and/or you need to take the student to hospital, you should immediately call the Shell Education emergency number: 07770 925045 (available 24/7). We will liaise with the parents and school on the most appropriate course of action.

7.4. Behaviour and Abuse

We do not accept any abusive behaviour by staff, students, host family members or visitors (this includes unkind words, messages and actions, verbal, mental and physical abuse, taking or damaging someone else’s possessions, violence or anger towards another person, talking to/about people in an unkind way, teasing, harassment, bullying).

Students are all given a handbook containing clear guidelines on conduct and behaviour. If you have any concerns about a student’s behaviour, please inform Shell Education.

Please remember that only lawful and reasonable/appropriate means of control, contact and restraint are permitted by host families. Corporal punishment is illegal and must never be used.

7.5. Missing Student

Unexplained student absences or other situations affecting student safety should be reported to Shell Education immediately. Specifically, should a student we have booked in with you not arrive when you are expecting them, it is your duty to advise us of this matter and we will take all necessary actions to locate the student. Please read our Missing Student Policy which is sent to you by email.

7.6. Contagious Pandemic

In the event of a contagious pandemic, Shell Education will do everything possible to keep our students and host families safe and well. We will continuously monitor the situation and follow the advice of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and AEGIS. If students need to leave school (e.g. for half term), we may ask our host families if they are able to host students who are not displaying any symptoms and have a negative test result; however, we always respect the wishes of our hosts and you will not be expected to host someone if you are not comfortable. Hosts may also be asked if they are happy for students to quarantine in their house. A set of guidelines will be shared in these scenarios.

8. Child Protection

The safety and welfare of children, or Child Protection, means protecting children from physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect. Shell Education is committed to the protection of all children in its care. Our aim is to ensure at all times a caring and secure environment in which students feel safe, respected and valued. We have a policy of trust, openness and clear communication between students, school and Shell Education staff and our host families, so that the student's welfare is the top priority.

Shell Education has a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) who can be contacted with any concerns that you have. Their details are:

DSL: Olga Bernstein, +44 7770 925045 (available 24/7), contact@shelleducation.co.uk

As a host family, you will be expected to protect the students that you host and you will be required to have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly CRB disclosure) for each member of the household aged 16 or over who will be present whilst students are staying with you.

8.1. Safeguarding Policy

Shell Education has a legal duty of care towards young people who use our services. We have a policy and procedure in place to help protect our students from harm and for reference in case something goes wrong. All staff members are responsible for students’ safeguarding.

If you would like to speak to someone or report a safeguarding issue, please contact one of the officers in the school and/or Shell Education staff.

Useful telephone numbers: NSPCC: 08088005000 Child-line: 08001111

Shell Education’s Ways of Safeguarding

o Student Handbook and Child Protection Policy are given upon arrival.

o Parents have to send a consent / registration form where rules and contact details are provided.

o Under 16s are kept separate from older students in different host family accommodation.

o Shell Education works with transfer providers who only use licensed and DBS-checked drivers.

o Regular contact with students.

o Shell Education only places students with families where the hosts are enhanced DBS-checked.

o Shell Education ensures that under 18s return by curfew times by educating the students, parents and host families. If a student does not return home by the specified time, the host must call the student and if necessary, inform Shell Education via the emergency number.

o On occasion, under 18 year olds may be placed in residences, but only when in groups and after ensuring they comply with our safeguarding policy (a responsible and DBS-checked adult must always be present, especially overnight).

o Following safer recruitment practices and ensuring all roles involving responsibility for or those with substantial access to under 16s will have suitability checks, for example with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). These roles include teaching, administration, social activities and management staff.

o Shell Education ensures that management and all staff are trained to a minimum safeguarding level 1 and that students are aware of safeguarding arrangement.

Code of Conduct – what Shell Education staff must do

DOs:

o Actions: behave appropriately (actions, dress code, language), work in an open environment, be alert for signs of abuse, maintain a safe, professional distance in all relationships with students, treat young and vulnerable people

o with dignity and fairly, actively prevent learners from accessing any form of inappropriate material, educate students on E-Safety.

o Accommodation: inform students in advance if you wish to clean or inspect their bedrooms. If sharing the same accommodation with under 18s, prepare a bathroom rota in order to ensure they have their own privacy.

DON’Ts:

o Actions: don’t leave young persons alone if they under your supervision, socialise with young or vulnerable learners on occasions when it does not constitute part of your normal duties (on or offline), use any visual, audio-visual or written material that exposes young people to harm (be it physical, emotional or sexual), give young or vulnerable people prescription drugs or medication (without their parent’s consent), drink alcohol, smoke or use drugs when working with under 18s (nor make jokes with reference to them).

8.2. Safeguarding Procedure

Information which shows an adult may have:

- behaved in a way that has/may have harmed a child

- possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child

- behaved towards a child in such a way that indicates s/he would pose a risk of harm if working closely or regularly with a child

Types of abuse: grooming, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, neglect, controlling, coercive and threatening behaviours. If you have a concern about any of the above, please contact one of the officers at school or Shell Education’s DSL.

It is not for staff to decide if the allegations are true or not. Their role is only to listen, report to the authority as accurately as possible and allow the official procedure to then take over.

We expect our host families to complete a safeguarding course every 3 years. We can send you a link to an online course if needed. Shell Education will also provide annual safeguarding updates by email.

Shell Education has a Safeguarding Policy that will be sent to you by email.

8.3. Prevent and/or Anti-Radicalisation

The ChildLine Website explains radicalisation as follows:

“Radicalisation is when someone starts to believe or support extreme views. They could be pressured to do things illegal by someone else. Or they might change their behaviour and beliefs.

“This could happen if they feel:

• isolated and lonely or wanting to belong

• unhappy about themselves and what others might think of them

• embarrassed or judged about their culture, gender, religion, or race

• stressed or depressed

• fed up with being bullied or treated badly by other people or by society

• angry at other people or the government

• confused about what they are doing

• pressured to stand up for other people who are being oppressed.

“Someone who has been radicalised might believe that sexual, religious, or racial violence is OK. They may be influenced by what they see online. And they might have links to extreme groups that preach hate like Nazi groups or Islamic extremists like Daesh, also known as ISIS or IS.

“Having extreme views can be dangerous. And this can often lead to harmful and illegal activities involving violence, attacks, discrimination or hate - which the person could be arrested or sent to prison for. This can affect them and their future.” (www.childline.org.uk)

If you are worried about the behaviour of a student in your care, please seek help. Shell Education has a member of staff, known as the Prevent Lead, who is trained to deal with any concerns you may have:

Prevent Lead: Mrs Olga Bernstein, +44(0)7770925045, email contact@shelleducation.co.uk . If you think someone is in serious danger, please call 999 for urgent help.

Further information on Prevent, Radicalisation can be found in the Shell Education Prevent Policy.

There is also a free Prevent (anti-radicalisation) course provided by the Home Office which we would like all hosts to complete. It is a very informative, interactive course which takes around 45 minutes. Please send us your certificate upon completion.

Prevent duty training: Learn how to support people vulnerable to radicalisation | Prevent duty training (support-people-vulnerable-to-radicalisation.service.gov.uk)

https://www.support-people-vulnerable-to-radicalisation.service.gov.uk/portal

8.4. Shell Education Policies and Procedures

A full list of the Shell Education policies and procedures will be sent to you by email.

These include:

o Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

o Anti-Bullying Policy

o Anti-Radicalisation Policy

o Online Safety Policy

o Emergency Procedure

o Missing Student Policy

o Welfare Health and Safety Statement

o Complaints Policy and Procedure

o Low Level Concern Policy

o Whistleblowing Policy

o Safer Recruitment Policy

o Staff/Host family Code of Conduct

o Student Behaviour Code of Conduct

o Data Protection Policy

o Student Handbook

9. Hosting Tips

Firstly, DON'T WORRY if the students want to spend some time 'chilling out', lying in or playing computer games.

School life can be very busy, and some relaxation time is often what is needed.

Please treat your student as you would wish your own children to be treated if they were staying with a host family, and hosting will be a rewarding experience.

Most students are interested in the host family they are staying with and like to chat about experiences in their own country and here. But they are away from home and in unfamiliar surroundings, and time can pass slowly. It is good to involve them in helping you around the house, perhaps asking them to set the table, fill the water jug, calling other students or family members to the table, make tea or coffee for everyone and hand round the biscuits, etc.

Try them on a few of the following family activities:

• Cinema or theatre visit

• Visit to town centre, supermarket or local shopping centre – many students love shopping!

• Physical Exercise: swimming, tennis, football, basketball, bicycle ride

• Arts and crafts: - painting, drawing, music - many students play a musical instrument, knitting, making Christmas decorations or cards, sewing napkins

• Cooking - Looking up recipes, get them involved in a menu for dinner!

• Helping around the house and garden, assisting in washing the car, hanging out washing, sweeping leaves, or posting letters in the nearby post-box

• Seasonal Events - Pumpkins for Halloween, Guy and bonfire for November 5^th

• Nature - Making nesting boxes for birds out of odd pieces of wood, planting seeds

• Games - Monopoly, Scrabble and games to help improve the student's English vocabulary - e.g. how many items can you name in the kitchen, garden, bathroom, etc.

If you have any concerns either before or during your student's host family, please do not hesitate to contact us.

And finally...

Thank you for agreeing to host our students. We aim to make it a positive experience for both hosts and students.

Your feedback is always welcome.

Olga Bernstein, Mobile 07770925045, Email contact@shelleducation.co.uk