All homestay providers are required to be approved by the School, a process which includes the provision of student safeguarding documentation and an initial residential visit.
If you are nominated to be a homestay provider, or are a GGS Community member seeking to become a homestay provider, the School’s Overseas Student Manager will provide further information on the requirements, including applicable policies and other documents, and will guide you through this process.
Homestay providers are monitored and supported on a regular basis to ensure they are meeting the needs and requirements of the School as outlined in the Homestay Responsibility Agreement and Homestay Provider Residential Check.
Homestay Provider Requirements
For consideration as a homestay provider, you must the following requirements:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or have an appropriate visa for the period of homestay;
- You must be over 25 years of age (subject to the exercise of discretion by the Principal, but at least 21 years of age);
- You must hold a valid Australian driver’s licence;
- You must live in the Melbourne/Greater Geelong area and be easily contactable by the School and/or the Overseas Student and their family; and
- You and your family must be able to meet the below housing and safeguarding requirements.
Property Requirements
You must also have the following available for the student in your home:
- A separate single room for their personal use, with clean linen and towels, adequate privacy, storage for their belonging (ie a wardrobe), a desk and study chair (or a study space available within the house);
- Access to a bathroom and toilet (it is preferred if this is their own bathroom, or is only shared with others of the same gender, but this is not a requirement); and
- Access to common areas of the home – living, kitchen dining, laundry and outdoor spaces.
Safeguarding Requirements
It is a requirement of the Overseas Student Programme that each adult person (18 years and over) who ordinarily lives in the Homestay Provider’s household (or will be in the household while an Overseas Student resides in the home) provides evidence to the School of the following:
- A valid and current Working with Children Check (WWCC);
- National Police Checks (from both Australia and overseas, if required);
- Two student safeguarding references;
- A signed Student Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct; and
- That the primary homestay providers:
- Sign the School’s Homestay Responsibility Agreement; and
- Complete Bravehearts child safety training annually (which is provided by the School).
Initial and Ongoing Home Visits
The School will physically inspect all new homestay accommodation and will complete the Homestay Visit Residential Form with you while visiting.
Each ongoing inspection may be conducted physically or via video conference, with physical inspections to be required where a School representative has not visited the home within the preceding 18 months, or there has been a change in the household.
The visits also provide an opportunity to connect and discuss the last 6 months of homestay with you, to confirm any changes in your home and to support you in any questions or concerns you have.
The School will be in touch across the year as these times arise and we thank you in advance for your kind assistance to arrange inspections with the School. School representatives are able to complete out of business hours inspections with you (at the start or end of day) if this is more convenient for you.
Household Changes or Moves
If any changes occur to your household across the year – including updated contact details, change of address, new adult members of the household or your children turning 18 years old – please make contact with the Overseas Student Manager to provide these update details, and for us to discuss any visits or updated safeguarding checks which may be required on the basis of the change.