Building a Safe and Supportive Community for Every Learner
Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected, both inside and outside the classroom. Safeguarding is about making that a reality. It’s the ongoing commitment to protect children from harm, prevent abuse or neglect, and create environments where they can learn and grow confidently. Beyond simply keeping children safe, safeguarding empowers them to speak up, seek help, and know that their voices matter.
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility that unites our entire community. Teachers, learners, administrators, health workers, contract staff, and volunteers all play a vital role in ensuring that our learners are protected in every space they occupy, at school, at home, online, and in the wider community.
Understanding What Safeguarding Means for Us All
Safeguarding goes beyond preventing physical harm. It involves protecting learners from emotional, psychological, and even digital threats that can affect their well-being. Sometimes, the signs are subtle, a withdrawn child, sudden changes in behaviour, frequent absences, or unusual anxiety. These moments matter, and at ICS, we take every concern seriously because no issue is too small when a child’s safety is at stake.
Unfortunately, some safeguarding concerns often go unnoticed or dismissed. Bullying, emotional neglect, or inappropriate online interactions can have lasting effects if not addressed early. That’s why we are intentional about creating awareness and empowering everyone, students, staff, and parents alike, to recognize and report potential risks.
How ICS Puts Safeguarding into Action
Our commitment to safeguarding is built on clear structures, consistent training, and a culture of openness and care.
- Ongoing Training and Awareness:
Every member of our school community receives regular training on safeguarding and child protection. This ensures that everyone understands how to identify, respond to, and report concerns appropriately and confidentially. - Clear Reporting Channels:
Learners, staff, or parents can reach out directly to any of the following: the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Heads of School, Head of Boarding, or Admin Manager. Once a concern is raised, a defined protocol is followed to ensure swift and sensitive handling of the case. - Our Response Protocol:
- Completion of Safeguarding Form: The concern is documented and submitted to the Principal and/or Counsellor.
- Immediate Response: A one-on-one meeting is arranged within an hour to assess the situation.
- Parent Notification: If there’s a reasonable cause for concern, parents are contacted within an hour by the Head of School or Head of Boarding.
- Information Gathering and Referral: The case is referred to a multidisciplinary team led by the Counsellor for further assessment and support.
- Family Support Meeting: A follow-up meeting is organised to provide guidance and emotional support to the child and their family.
- Additional Protocols for International Students:
If an international student’s situation requires returning to their home country, the investigation continues seamlessly while the school liaises with embassies, consulates, and relevant authorities to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. - Safe Spaces for Learners:
ICS provides a safe, judgment-free space where students can express their concerns freely. Our counsellors and staff are approachable, trained listeners who handle every report with empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
Acting Fast Makes the Difference
Every report of abuse or neglect must reach the designated leads within 12 to 24 hours. This quick response is vital to safeguarding the child’s immediate safety and ensuring they receive the right support without delay.
Creating a Culture of Care and Accountability
Safeguarding at ICS thrives on community involvement. It’s about all of us, teachers, parents, students, and support staff, looking out for one another. By staying alert, speaking up, and acting responsibly, we build a culture where children not only feel safe but know they are safe.
We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s business. Together, we are shaping a community where every learner can grow with confidence, dignity, and the assurance that their well-being comes first.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ms Mawuse Asigbe is the Student Services Manager and Safeguarding Lead at our Accra Campus. She is deeply committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of all students, fostering a safe and supportive environment where every learner can thrive.
