showcasing our great host family network
Earlier this week, Bright World Guardianships hosted our most recent Webinar, "Host Families Explained and Virtual Host Family Tour".
The webinar, which was attended by partner agents and potential new clients, was hosted by Lana Foster, Managing Director, Annie Constable, Safeguarding and Recruitment Manager, Charlotte Hampson, Business Relationship and Marketing Manager, Tori Percy and Tom Kane, our Travel and Accommodation Managers, each of whom leading us through the presentation to a wide range of guests from schools, agents and international parents.
In addition to this, we were joined by two very special guests, Lorna Astbury and Cyn Cary, two of our trusted and very popular host families who were generous enough to give us all a live tour of their wonderful homes.
As we celebrate Bright World's 25th anniversary, we want to recognise the important work that goes into the selection and screening of our host families, as well as highlight the incredible work our host families do to welcome students into their homes.
the importance of having a good number of host families
It is important for a guardianship organisation to have an excess of host families. This is so we can accommodate the different preferences that students have as well as be able to be agile and respond to emergency situations or last minute cancellations or changes.
With proximity to school usually being the main preference for our students, others have different requirements. Where one student might want their homestay to be situated in a large, bustling town, another might prefer a quiet stay in the countryside. Each student is unique, and the same can be said for our host families. We have a range of families in both towns and countryside locations, with pets or with no pets for those with allergies.
We understand that plans can change, allergies need to be managed, emergencies might occur, and cancellations can unfortunately happen. With a wider range of choice, we can guarantee there will always be a second, third, or fourth choice of family for our students.
host family selection tool
Bright World has a unique Family Selection Tool available to agents and parents alike.
Accessing this unique database gives our agents and parents the chance to search for host families according to location from school, and browse all the families we have in that area.
After selecting families who meet their students needs, this can be sent to our Travel and Accommodation Team who can check availability for specific dates ahead of events.
our mental health champions and emergency chaperones
To offer more support to students who may struggle with their mental health, and need to leave school for a period of rest and respite. Our network of specially trained families who are ready to assist our students at any hour of the day.
Lana also introduced our Emergency Chaperones, who can escort students during hospital visits and share supervision with the school during their time there.
how we make sure our host families are well screened and safe
Our Safeguarding and Recruitment Manager, Annie Constable, went on to tell us about the intense screening processes each of our host families receive.
From initial Google Street searches of the area to ensure suitability, host families submit references, and undergo a series of house inspections, enhanced DBS checks, health and safety checks of their home, such as carbon monoxide and fire alarms, and providing their gas safety certificate. Following this, families will then take part in the bespoke safeguarding training.
To maintain these high standards, we undertake annual revisits, spot checks and safeguarding updates all our host families receive.
All of this is to ensure our students are as safe as possible during their homestay.
home tour with our host families
During the webinar, were very lucky to offer an online tour with two of our long-time host families, Cyn and Lorna, who happily showed us all around their homes.
Here our attendees were given the opportunity to see what life is like within one of our homestays.
Cyn's tour involved seeing her music room, lounge, kitchen and pantry, student bedrooms including en-suite bathroom with shower, and even introduced us to her friendly dog, Bella.
Lorna also gave us a tour of her home, where we got to see her living and dining room, as well as the student bedrooms where students have access to a balcony they can enjoy during the warm weather. She also showed us as her piano and selection of board games for students to enjoy.
