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Every Child Has the Right to Feel Safe

At NIS, safeguarding is a shared commitment to protecting children from harm and creating an environment where every student feels safe, supported, respected, and able to thrive. As a CIS/WASC-accredited school and member of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS), our safeguarding practices reflect internationally recognized standards and best practices.

We believe that every child has the right to safety and well-being at school, at home, and during all school-related activities. This responsibility is shared by every adult who works with students at NIS.

Our Commitment to Child Protection

Safeguarding is more than a policy. It is embedded in the culture of our school and informs how we build relationships, make decisions, and support students every day.

Our safeguarding practices are guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and are designed to:

Protect students from harm, abuse, and neglect
Promote safe and healthy relationships
Support student well-being and development
Empower students to seek help when needed
Ensure concerns are identified and addressed appropriately

When concerns arise, we work collaboratively with families and, when appropriate, external professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child.

Known, Safe, and Supported

A strong sense of safety is foundational to learning and belonging. Discover how NIS fulfills its safeguarding responsibilities and works to protect the well-being of every student.

DOWNLOAD THE POLICY

Building Safe and Respectful Relationships

All adults at NIS follow a Safeguarding Code that helps ensure relationships with students remain safe, respectful, and developmentally appropriate. The code is built around four guiding principles, which together help create a culture of trust, safety, and respect throughout the school.

Roles

Adults maintain professional relationships with students and avoid inappropriate or unclear roles.

Boundaries

Clear and healthy boundaries help create safe learning environments and protect both students and staff.

Power

Adults use their position of authority to support student growth, independence, and well-being.

Accountability

All adults are responsible for acting transparently, maintaining professional standards, and reporting concerns when they arise.

Prevention Through Education & Training

Creating a Safe Environment Requires Ongoing Education & Vigilance

Student Education

Students learn about healthy relationships, personal safety, and how to seek support when they feel unsafe or concerned.

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Staff Training

All employees receive safeguarding training when joining NIS and participate in ongoing professional learning to ensure they understand their responsibilities.

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Safe Recruitment

Safeguarding is an essential part of our hiring process. Background checks, reference checks, and safeguarding-focused interview questions help ensure that all adults working with students meet our high standards.

A smiling woman in the foreground, wearing a beige sweater and a lanyard, sits at a desk with a laptop and notebook, while in the background, a dark blue sign displays four core values: Safeguarding, Respect, Integrity, and Kindness.

Recognizing and Responding to Concerns

Safeguarding begins with awareness. All adults at NIS are expected to remain attentive to signs that a student may need support or protection.

Concerns may come to light through conversations with students, observations of behavior, changes in well-being, or information shared by families and community members. Staff are trained to respond appropriately and to report concerns whenever a student's safety may be at risk.

We believe that it is always better to raise a concern and investigate it than to overlook a child who may need support.

How We Respond

NIS follows a clear and structured process whenever a safeguarding concern is raised.

A concern is reported to the school's designated safeguarding personnel.
The concern is reviewed by trained professionals who gather information and assess the situation.
Appropriate action is taken, which may include working with families, providing support within the school, or consulting external agencies when necessary.

At every stage, the safety, well-being, and best interests of the child guide our decision-making.

A Culture of Care

Safeguarding is not the responsibility of one individual or department. It is a shared commitment across our entire community.

Through strong relationships, clear expectations, ongoing training, and a culture of care, we strive to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and able to learn with confidence.