Contact Us
Portsmouth English Language School
15-16 Hampshire Terrace,
Portsmouth,
Hampshire,
United Kingdom,
PO1 2QF
02392 736662
info@portsmouthels.co.uk
Or, for your convenience complete our ready made contact form!
Thinking of becoming a host family?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do I get paid and how?
The host family will be paid weekly in advance by the student/or school.
2. Do I need to provide food?
This would depend on whether you choose to offer accommodation only or half board/full board.
3. Do I need to provide any special diets?
Only if the student suffers from any diet related allergies or if he/she is Muslim. Muslim students must not be served any pork or pork-related products.
4. If I provide evening meals but need to go out, can I leave some food for the student?
Yes, it is completely acceptable on some occasions to leave a meal for the student. The student should be able to use the microwave to reheat meals.
5. Should I let the student use my kitchen?
This is the host family’s decision, the school cannot be held responsible in case of any accident or damage caused by the student.
6. Should I let the student use my washing machine?
This is the host family’s decision, the school cannot be held responsible in case of any accident or damage caused by the student.
7. Should I do the student's washing and ironing?
The family should do the washing and ironing for the student unless the student wishes to do it by themselves.
8. Do I need to provide towels and linen?
Yes, please.
9. How often do I need to change linen and clean the room?
The room and linen should be changed once a week.
10. Should I set house rules?
We strongly recommend that the host family sets their own house rules on arrival of the student. Further written advice is available.
11. How much time should I spend with the student?
On average an hour a day should be spent making conversation with the student.
12. Can I leave the student alone if I go on holiday/break?
As long as the host family is happy to leave a student alone in their house and the student agrees. Appropriate arrangements should be made so that the host families’ duties (meals, cleaning etc) are fulfilled.
13. What does the room need to be fitted with?
- A bed
- A wardrobe and draw space
- A desk
- A chair
- Bedside table/cabinet and lamp
- Curtains/blinds
- Double sockets
- Window in good working order
- A radiator
14. Does my gas boiler need to be serviced?
Yes, the host family does need to have their gas boiler serviced every year. This is one of OFSTED’s requirements. We are working closely with AGS Gas Ltd; please follow link for special rates.
15. Do I give my house key to the student?
Yes, the student should be handed a set of the house keys on arrival. We recommend the host family ask for a £10 deposit for the key in case of loss as PELS cannot be held responsible for loss of key. This should be arranged between the family and the student and a receipt given to the student for the deposit.
16. Is the school liable for any damage caused by the student?
No, PELS is not liable for any damage caused by the student. The family must arrange their own insurance to cover the possibility of accidental damage.
17. Which number do I contact in case of emergency?
During opening hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Sandrine or Melanie can be contacted on 023 9273 6662. You may contact the telephone number below in the evening, at night and over the weekend, when the school is closed but please only in cases of real urgency: 078505 72580.
18. Do I need to speak other languages than English?
No, the student is staying with the family to improve his/her English and should try to communicate only in English.
19. Do I need to provide transport to the student?
You only need to provide lifts to school and back home if you are hosting a young learner student (under 16) but we would appreciate it if you could take the student to school on his/her first day at school.
20. Do I need to contact the school if the student is not feeling well?
Yes, the family must contact PELS if their student is sick or unexpectedly away.
21. Can students share a room in my house?
We do not as a rule offer shared rooms unless specifically requested by the student, parents or Agents.
22. Can I decide if I only want a certain type of student?
Yes the host family can specify their own requirements.
23. Do I need to be CRB checked?
The host family would only need to be CRB checked if they are hosting a student which is under the age of 16. We do ask that all host families sign a declaration form to answer questions relating to any criminal convictions.
24. Can I have more than one student at the same time?
Host families are able to accommodate more than one student at the time however these students should not be of the same nationality or speak the same language so that they are able to practice their English.
25. Do I need to make the school aware that I own a pet/pets?
Yes please do make the school aware as some students may have allergies or dislike to certain pets.
26. Are my personal details kept safe?
All files relating to host families details are kept with the school however if required the details may be passed onto the agents and OFSTED/The British Council.
27. Is the student allowed to use my landline phone?
The student should not use the house phone to make calls unless the host family has given the student permission to do so.