WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW - IN PLAIN ENGLISH
From May 29th, 2025, the UK Government introduced updated rules for Child Student Visas — the visa used by children aged 4–17 coming to study at independent schools in the UK.
These updates directly affect the educational guardianship process, and it’s important that parents understand what’s changed and what’s now expected.
At YES Guardians, we’ve summarised everything you need to know in a straightforward, parent-friendly guide.
✈️ WHY HAVE THE RULES CHANGED?
The UK Home Office has introduced these updates to better protect international students and bring guardianship arrangements in line with UK safeguarding expectations.
They now expect greater clarity and accountability from everyone involved — schools, parents, guardianship organisations, and carers.
👨👩👧 WHO DO THE NEW RULES APPLY TO?
These changes apply to all international students aged 4–17 coming to study in the UK on a Child Student Visa — especially where:
They are not living with a parent
They are in a boarding school, weekly/flexi boarding, or homestay
They have a nominated guardian, even just for weekends or holidays
🔑 WHAT ARE THE KEY CHANGES?
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Letters of Undertaking are now mandatory
If a child is living with a nominated guardian, the parent or school must now provide a Letter of Undertaking that confirms:
Who the child will stay with
That the accommodation is safe, private, and not commercial (e.g. not a hotel)
That the carer is suitable and agrees to take responsibility for the child
Immigration status and relationship details of the carer
👉 Good news: Guardianship organisations like YES Guardians can provide this letter on your behalf and ensure all requirements are met.
2. All carers must now meet foster carer-level standards
If your child will be cared for by a nominated guardian for any period less than 28 days, they must now meet Home Office safeguarding standards, just like foster carers.
This includes:
DBS checks for everyone aged 16+ in the home
Proof of UK immigration status
Full safeguarding policies and vetting processes
✅ YES Guardians already complies with these through our AEGIS accreditation.
3. New definition of permitted living arrangements
The Home Office has clearly outlined what is now considered an acceptable living arrangement. These include:
Full boarding + holidays with a UK citizen or settled person
Weekly or flexi boarding + weekends with a guardian or relative
Living with a parent who holds the correct visa
Living with a private foster carer
Aged 16–17 and living independently (see below – caution advised!)
4. 16–17-year-olds can live independently — but with risks
The rules now allow older teenagers to live independently without a nominated guardian — but this comes with safeguarding concerns.
Schools are still expected to monitor these arrangements and act as emergency contacts.
➡️ AEGIS and YES Guardians recommend that even 16–17-year-olds have a guardian in place.
5. Emergency contact is now non-negotiable
Every student must have a 24/7 emergency contact who is based in the UK, vetted, and available at all times. This is often:
A guardianship organisation (like YES Guardians)
A named homestay host
⚠️ Schools are no longer encouraged to act as emergency contacts, unless in very specific situations.
6. Changes in living arrangements must be tracked
If a child changes where they are living, schools and sponsors must make sure the new arrangement meets the visa rules — and keep a written record. They may also need a new letter of undertaking.
We support families and schools by handling this on your behalf.
📃 WHAT ABOUT THE GUARDIAN'S AGE OR IMMIGRATION STATUS?
Guardians must be at least 18 (but AEGIS recommends over 21 or 25 for maturity)
They must be British citizens or settled in the UK
Proof of status is required alongside the letter of undertaking
WHAT DO PARENTS NEED TO DO?
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Appoint a UK-based educational guardian (ideally GOLD AEGIS-accredited)
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Ensure your chosen guardian can provide a compliant letter of undertaking
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Confirm all carers are DBS-checked and legally resident in the UK
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Let your school and guardian know if any arrangements change
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Make sure your child has a reliable UK emergency contact
💡 YES GUARDIANS IS HERE TO HELP
We’ve already updated our processes to reflect the new rules. With YES Guardians, you can be confident that:
All our homestays are vetted and DBS-checked
We supply fully compliant Letters of Undertaking
We work closely with schools to ensure safeguarding standards are met
We provide 24/7 emergency support for students
WORRIED ABOUT THE NEW RULES?
You’re not alone — these changes are a lot to take in. If you have questions, we’re happy to help.
📨 Contact us today to discuss how we can support your child’s visa journey and guardianship needs.
