Private Fostering Rules and Educational Guardianship: What Parents Need to Know

What is private fostering?

Private fostering is when a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more. When an international student stays long-term with a host family, private fostering rules may apply.

How it relates to guardianship

Responsible educational guardians understand these rules and ensure host families and local authorities are notified where required. It is part of proper safeguarding practice, not an optional extra.

What parents should look for

Ask any prospective guardian how they handle private fostering notifications. A company that can explain this clearly is one that takes safeguarding seriously.

Our approach

Alpha Guardians follows all relevant safeguarding and private fostering requirements, keeping students, families and host families protected and informed.