International Standard Safeguarding Policies

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in our care, as well as those who work in the school. Through our work we aim to ensure a safe learning and working environment for students, staff, parents and visitors alike. We take our responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection very seriously. It is our aim to ensure that each student feels that they have a trusted adult that they can communicate their concerns or worries to.

There are occasions that our concern about a child may mean that we need to consult other agencies. We always aim to work in partnership with parents to ensure that the appropriate support and interventions are in place to support the child. We work hard to establish positive relationships with professionals outside of Stamford American International School who can offer specialist support.

Our advisory program and Personal, Social and Health Education lessons support the social and emotional aspects of learning which is fully supported by homeroom and advisory teachers. Our counselors work closely to support students with specific concerns and also with preparation for college– for our secondary learners. We operate an open door policy and encourage all students and parents to share concerns so that we can support with appropriate interventions. Parent workshops and coffee mornings are offered to provide an opportunity to learn about and discuss topical issues, such as cyber safety.

Our year long inquiry into “who we are” ensures that we allow our community to consider who we are as people and what essential values and personal attitudes we have to ensure we reach our potential. This supports our culture of care that we actively promote as a community. Supporting our positive emotions with mindfulness and our positive education program ensures that personal growth and happiness stay central to our mission.

Staff receive regular training and updates on their professional responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection. All teaching and classroom support staff hold a basic first aid qualification. Our school is supported by our onsite clinic and qualified nurses. A clear reporting system for concerns is in place and understood by all.

We have an extensive after school, trips and visits program which allows our students to take their learning outside of the classroom. All activities are risk assessed, and health and safety is always our priority.

We welcome parents, families and visitors to our school. However, access to the school site is closely monitored, with a 24 hour security presence and over 60 cameras recording 24 hours a day. Our signing in system and color coded lanyard system ensure that we can easily identify adults on site. All adults who work with our students, including visiting professionals, are appropriately checked and / or supervised. This also supports our emergency evacuation processes.

Our recruitment procedures follow ‘Safer Recruitment’ guidelines. Our recruitment ensures that we have the best team of professionals working at Stamford American. All staff must undertake background checks for all countries that they have resided in. This is supported by detailed resumes, reference checks and a robust interview process.