Safeguarding Policy

INVICTUS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOLS SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met, and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them. The safeguarding and welfare requirements specified below are designed to help teachers and educators create a high quality setting which is welcoming, safe and stimulating, and where children are able to enjoy learning and grow in confidence.

Teachers and educators must take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well. The requirements explain what early years providers must do to:

Safeguard children
Ensure the suitability of adults who have contact with children.

Promote good health
Manage behaviour Maintain records, policies and procedures.

At Invictus International Preschools, we accept and recognise our responsibilities to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from all forms of abuse including physical, emotional and sexual harm. Invictus International Preschools are committed to creating safe environments in which children can feel comfortable and secure. Personnel will at all times, show respect and understanding for individual’s rights, safety and welfare, and will conduct themselves in a way that reflects the ethos and principles of Invictus International Preschools. Our policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school.

GOVERNING PRINCIPLES
The Child Protection Policy is guided by the non-negotiable fundamental principles [1] for realisation of the rights of all children and includes in particular:

Principle of Best Interest of the Child: The right of the child to have her or his best interest taken as primary consideration which is a substantive right, a fundamental interpretative legal principle and a rule of procedure [2].It also implies that institutions, services and facilities responsible for care or protection of children will conform to standards established by competent authorities, particularly in the areas of safety, health and supervision; and reiterates the rights and duties of parents, guardians and other individuals legally responsible for them [3].

Principle of Safety:(No harm, no abuse, no neglect, no maltreatment) All measures will be taken to ensure that the child is safe and is not subjected to any harm, abuse or maltreatment while in contact with the care of White Lodge.

Principle of Equality and Non-discrimination: All children shall be treated equal and given equal opportunity and treatment. There shall be no discrimination against a child on any grounds including gender, religion, caste, class, place of birth, disability etc. Stigmatising vocabulary or language will also not be used in class or in White Lodge settings.

Principle of Confidentiality: Every child has a right to protection of her/his privacy and confidentiality, in matters that call for such. Confidentiality shall be maintained when there has been abuse, especially when there has been sexual abuse. Principle of Participation: Every child has a right to be heard, listened to and to participate in all processes and decisions affecting her or his interest and the child’s views shall be taken into consideration with due regard to the age and maturity of the child. It has been noted that the right of a child to be heard is not only a right in itself, but should be considered in the interpretation and implementation of all other rights. The parent/guardian and family of the child also have a right to such participation unless decided otherwise by the Competent Authority.

[1] Principles laid down under the UNCRC

[2] The UN Committee on the Rights of Child, General Comment No 14 (2013)

[3] Article 3 of the UNCRC