Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Concordia International School Ningbo Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is to ensure that all students at Concordia International School Ningbo are protected and safe from harm in all school environments and activities, in accordance with Chinese legal requirements and the International Baccalaureate's (IB) commitment to student welfare.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Concordia International School Ningbo community, including staff, students, parents, volunteers, and any third parties associated with school activities. It covers all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.

Principles

Our commitment to child protection and safeguarding is based on the following principles:

- Zero Tolerance: Concordia International School Ningbo has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and neglect, taking all suspicions and allegations seriously and responding swiftly and appropriately.

- Safety First: The safety, welfare, and well-being of students are paramount and take precedence over all other considerations.

- Right to Protection: Every child has the right to be protected from harm and to be provided with an environment that promotes their health, development, and dignity.

- Responsibility and Accountability: All members of the school community have a responsibility to protect children and are accountable for their actions in relation to child safety.Definitions

- Child Abuse: Child abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or due to neglect, and can occur both within and outside the school environment.

- Child Protection: Child protection is a set of measures and procedures intended to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children. It aims to ensure the safety and well-being of children, upholding their rights as outlined in international and local laws and agreements.

- Safeguarding: Refers to the broader preventative and precautionary approach to planning and procedures that protect children from any potential harm or damage.

Procedures

1. Prevention: Implementing recruitment checks, providing training for all staff and volunteers, and educating students on their rights and how to seek help.

2. Identification: Staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and understand the procedures for reporting concerns.

3. Reporting: Any concerns or allegations of child abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Concordia International School Ningbo.

4. Response: The DSL will take immediate action in accordance with legal requirements and in coordination with local authorities when necessary.

Roles and Responsibilities

- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Appointed by Concordia International School Ningbo to oversee child protection issues, respond to concerns, and liaise with local authorities.

- Staff and Volunteers: Required to adhere to this policy, participate in training, and report any concerns to the DSL.

- Students: Encouraged to express any concerns about their own or peers' welfare to a trusted adult within the school.

- Parents: Expected to support the school's efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of all students.

Training and Education

- Staff Training: Regular training on safeguarding policies, recognition of abuse signs, and reporting procedures.

- Student Education: Age-appropriate education on personal safety, recognizing abuse, and how to report concerns.

Review and Development

This policy is reviewed annually and following any significant incidents to ensure it remains compliant with Chinese law and reflects best practices in child protection. This review involves input from staff, local authorities, and, where appropriate, students and parents.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All concerns, reports, and information related to child protection issues are handled with the utmost confidentiality and stored securely, with access strictly limited to authorized personnel.