safeguarding
Grounded in international best practice and our responsibilities as a CIS-accredited school, safeguarding is embedded into every aspect of school life. Our goal is clear:
YIS is a place where students feel safe, heard, and supported.
WHAT SAFEGUARDING
MEANS AT YIS
Safeguarding at YIS includes preventing and responding to all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. It encompasses policies and practices that:
- Protect students from maltreatment
- Prevent impairment of health or development
- Ensure safe and effective care environments
- Empower students to flourish academically, emotionally, and socially
YIS’s Safeguarding Policy aligns with international standards including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Japanese law. Student protection is a shared responsibility that involves every adult in our community including teachers, administrators, ancillary staff, contractors, and activity providers.
WHO TO CONTACT
We encourage all students and families to reach out to our trained safeguarding staff if they have a concern or need support. Our Designated Safeguarding Team is:
Jay Brownrigg
Safeguarding Lead
Susie Clifford
Director of Learning
Liz Andrews
Secondary Principal
Dave Secomb
Elementary Principal
OUR COMMITMENT TO TRAINING & OVERSIGHT
All YIS staff members receive annual safeguarding and child protection training. This includes:
- Annual training for all staff
- Specialist training for Case Management Team members
- Required background checks and safeguarding agreements for all staff and external providers
- Ongoing education for staff, parents, and students on student protection and wellbeing
We also facilitate age-appropriate student learning and offer workshops and resources for parents to build a safer school culture together.
ACCREDITATION & PARTNERSHIPS
YIS works with a number of global experts and collaboratives to ensure our practices reflect the latest research and standards:
CIS International Task Force on Child Protection
Our accrediting body & Global standards for child safety
Encompass Safeguarding
Training and policy support
Global Safeguarding Collaborative
Shared resources and best practice
SAFE RECRUITMENT
To ensure a safe learning environment, all new hires and volunteers undergo a rigorous recruitment process, which includes:
- Criminal background checks for all countries of residence in the past 10 years
- Written and verbal reference checks including from most recent employer
- Self-disclosure of convictions
- Review of employment history for gaps or concerns
- Signed agreement to the YIS Student Protection Policy
- Mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and regular visitors
HOW WE TEACH SAFEGUARDING
Safeguarding education is part of our wellbeing curriculum across the school:
ELEMENTARY Safeguarding educations is integrated into social-emotional learning and counseling sessions |
SECONDARY Safeguarding education is embedded in advisory, health, and pastoral care programs |
REPORTING A CONCERN
If a student, staff member, or parent has a safeguarding concern:
- Staff log concerns on CPOMS, our secure reporting platform
- Any community member can speak directly to the DSL, Deputy DSL, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team
- All reports are reviewed and followed up by the Case Management Team
- In emergencies, staff or community members should contact local authorities
OUR POLICY
The YIS Student Protection Policy and Guidelines and Parent Handbook outlines:
- Definitions and signs of abuse and neglect
- Roles and responsibilities (DSL, DDSL, Case Management Team)
- Procedures for reporting, investigation, and follow-up
- Expectations for behavior and professional boundaries
- Protocols for athletics, expeditions, and off-campus learning
- Online safety and communication guidelines
The policy is publicly available and reviewed regularly in collaboration with external experts.
SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
At YIS, safeguarding is a daily practice rooted in our mission to live well, learn with passion, and lead with integrity. Every adult on campus plays a role in creating a culture where students feel seen, safe, and supported.
If you have questions or wish to speak with someone on our team, please contact a member of our Safeguarding Team directly. Together, we are committed to a community where all students can thrive.