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 are always our priority.
Where there are safeguarding concerns, staff communicate this to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), Head of School for Whole School, Primary Principal for the Primary Campus and Secondary Principal for Secondary Campus. 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 International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) 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 them with appropriate interventions. Parent workshops and coffee morning 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.
