Hosting Students and COVID-19: Information and Guidance for Hosts (LSI Brighton) updated 02/2022
This guidance has been produced by LSI in response to current government advice and sector specific guidance produced by our trade body, English UK. Information will be updated regularly. Please always check our website for up to date information (please see information about a dedicated page at the end of this document).
Accepting students during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Ultimately, it is a host families choice whether to accept students or not during the pandemic. LSI will do all we can to keep students and host families as safe as possible but individuals should make their own risk assessments when it comes to hosting students.
Setting up your home for students
We would request that all hosts have a highly visible and regular cleaning and sanitisation regime, particularly when it comes to high contact areas such as light switches and door handles. We also suggest that hand sanitiser is available in common areas and in the student’s bedroom.
You may want to consider providing your student with some cleaning products for their own room so they can assist you in keeping things clean and sanitised on a regular basis. You may also want to consider purchasing mattress toppers/protectors and purchasing additional pillows so you can explain to students that these have been changed.
If you would prefer your student to do their own washing then please show them how to use the machine. Bedding and towels should still be changed weekly.
We are not advising students or hosts that the wearing of masks is necessary in the home unless individuals are displaying symptoms. That said, many cultures already have a culture of mask wearing, and others have developed a culture in the light of COVID19. Incoming students may therefore arrive in masks and wear them for several days until they feel confident in their new surroundings. We are advising all students to bring their own supply of face coverings.
Health Declarations
LSI will try to ensure that students do not have COVID19 on arrival or contract it during their stay. We ask all students (and staff) for more comprehensive health declarations before accepting their bookings. If we feel that they may be very vulnerable, we may refuse their booking.
We expect all hosts, students and staff to observe a process of “immediate disclosure” if anyone in their household starts displaying symptoms or tests positive.
Testing on arrival
Students will need to follow the governments current guidelines for testing on arrival. Students will book their tests ahead of arrival. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the office.
Advising students on our COVID-safe procedures before arrival
LSI will provide up to date guidance for students on its current COVID-safe practices before students arrive. This will, for example, include information about face coverings, social distancing, our bubble strategies in schools and other rules and expectations. This will be included in our code of conduct for students for the foreseeable future.
Covid safe building and class management at LSI
At LSI Brighton we’re fortunate to have a large building where, if needed, we can manage students in bubbles, students’ entry and exit from the building separately and also allow students to mingle to a certain degree in spaces such as our garden and garden lounge.
Classrooms have been individually risk assessed and set up based on current social distancing guidelines. Students and teachers are encouraged to use hand sanitiser on their way into class. Contact with handouts and course books are being strictly managed.
We have also bought in additional cleaning and sanitation processes in the school including new cleaning and sanitisation activities before and during the school day.
If any student tests positive, we then require their class and those students they have been in contact with to take a lateral flow test. Lateral flow tests are available from the office and students can request them at any time.
What happens if someone in my family tests positive?
Please notify the school immediately so we can advise the student on a suitable testing regime.
What happens if my student tests positive?
Please notify the school immediately. From 24/2/22 there is no longer a legal requirement to self isolate if you test positive. However, in order to keep host families, students and staff as safe as possible, the school will still be imposing a minimum 5 day isolation period on any student/staff member who tests positive.
Day Event / Action
0 Positive test
1 Self-isolation day 1
2 Self-isolation day 2
3 Self-isolation day 3
4 Self-isolation day 4
5 Self-isolation day 5 - Take test first thing in the morning. If the test is negative then test again 24 hours later.
6 Take test first thing in the morning - if negative self isolation can end
Please note, given the challenges of finding alternative accommodation for an international student who is Covid positive, you will be required to allow the student to self-isolate in your home. This is something you agree to when accepting any bookings offered by LSI.
You will need to provide your student with lunch whilst they isolate and may need to help them with purchasing any additional drinks/snacks they may require whilst they can't leave the house. Please charge your student directly to cover these additional costs. LSI can advise a suitable cost for lunch if needed.
What happens if there is an outbreak at LSI?
LSI have a comprehensive emergency action plan in place which will include liaison with the Council’s Public Health team regarding partial or complete shutdown. This will include communication with students, hosts and other stakeholders.
What if we enter another lockdown and my student can’t travel home?
If your student is unable to travel home and you are unable to continue accommodating them once the original agreed booking end date has passed then LSI will endeavour to find them alternative accommodation. Where hosts continue to accommodate students, students will be advised that any additional costs are their responsibility. LSI will always act to collect money due from students and pass this onto hosts.
For the latest information on LSI’s response to COVID-19, please refer to our website: www.lsi.edu/covid-19
If in any doubt about your responsibilities as a homestay host or the course of action you need to take, you can always contact the school for clarification.