By Jay Brownrigg, Designated Safeguarding Lead
At Yokohama International School, the health and safety of our students is our top priority. Safeguarding is not just the responsibility of a few members of staff, every person who works at YIS has a duty to protect children from harm.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to the actions an organization takes to ensure the best outcomes for children and all community members. This includes:
- Promoting well-being
- Protecting the rights of children and human rights
- Preventing impairment of healthy development
- Reducing the risk of neglect and social, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse
What is Child Protection?
Child protection refers to situations where there is actual abuse or a risk of harm, whether through direct or indirect abuse.
The Child Protection Response Team
At YIS, safeguarding and child protection are led by a dedicated team that ensures policies and procedures are followed and every concern is handled with care and professionalism. This team includes:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Deputy Designated Safeguard Lead / Director of Learning
- Head of School
- Head of Operations
- Divisional Principals
- Divisional Vice Principals
- Divisional Counsellors
My Role as Designated Safeguarding Lead
My role is to ensure YIS has effective practices to keep all members of our community safe, with a particular focus on the safety and well-being of every student. I also support the development of well-being programmes across the school and provide a safe, non-judgemental, and confidential space for anyone to raise concerns or seek support.
What Else Are We Doing to Safeguard Children?
Safeguarding at YIS is embedded in daily practice. Examples include:
- Continuity of care – strong, lasting relationships between students and trusted adults
- Dedicated student support – counsellors, learning support staff, and homeroom teachers providing ongoing guidance and care
- Health and safety practices – secure facilities, emergency preparedness, and safe learning environments
- Well-being programs – fostering resilience, empathy, and personal growth
- Safer recruitment – rigorous hiring processes, including background checks and safeguarding-focused interviews
- Student Protection Agreements – clear guidelines for safe and respectful interactions
- Training for all – safeguarding and child protection training for every staff member, as well as external coaches and contractors working with our students
At YIS, we believe a safe child is an empowered learner. By taking safeguarding seriously and working together as a community, we ensure every student can grow, thrive, and learn in an environment where well-being always comes first.
If you have any concerns, please speak with a member of the Child Protection Response Team.