Safeguarding Policy

elc Safeguarding Policy

At elc International School, safeguarding is central to our mission, ensuring that every student learns in a safe, supportive environment. Our policy reflects a commitment to protecting students’ welfare, in line with Malaysian law and international best practices, and is grounded in the belief that meaningful guidance is an essential part of teaching. Inspired by Mrs. Kaloo’s founding vision, we believe that teachers play a vital role in providing trusted support to students, enhancing both their personal and academic growth.

In line with this approach, elc International School does not use corporal punishment. Student discipline is guided by the principles of respect, guidance, and appropriate pastoral support, as outlined in the School’s behaviour and safeguarding policies.

Key Principles of Safeguarding and Guidance

Protection

We prioritize student safety by preventing mistreatment and encouraging positive relationships and habits. Teachers are trained to offer support and intervene when necessary.

Nurture

Our goal is to provide a safe, inclusive atmosphere that fosters academic, emotional, and social development.

Guidance

Our teachers are committed to listening to students, recognizing when additional support may be beneficial, and helping students navigate challenges with compassion and experience.

Protection

We prioritize student safety by preventing mistreatment and encouraging positive relationships and habits. Teachers are trained to offer support and intervene when necessary.

Nurture

Our goal is to provide a safe, inclusive atmosphere that fosters academic, emotional, and social development.

Guidance

Our teachers are committed to listening to students, recognizing when additional support may be beneficial, and helping students navigate challenges with compassion and experience.

Safeguarding Team and Roles

Our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL), oversees all safeguarding efforts. Teachers, particularly homeroom and pastoral staff, are the first line of support, providing daily guidance to students and working closely with the Safeguarding Team to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

Raising a Safeguarding Concern

If a parent, student or other member of our community has a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a student, we encourage them to raise it promptly with the relevant Campus Principal or a member of the Safeguarding Team.

Safeguarding concerns involving a member of staff are treated with the same seriousness as any other safeguarding concern. If a concern involves the Campus Principal, it should be raised directly with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ms Asha Kaloo

CEO

Group Safeguarding Team

Mr Kumar Nagappan

Director of Student Welfare

Sungai Buloh Campus

Mrs Chong Soh Nee

Principal, Secondary School

Mr Mark Evans

Principal, Primary School

Cyberjaya Campus

Mrs Kothai Chidambaram

Principal

What Happens When a Concern Is Raised?

Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously, recorded appropriately and handled as confidentially as circumstances allow. The Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant School leaders will consider the concern and decide what action is required. Where necessary, the School may seek advice or support from appropriate external professionals or authorities. Throughout the process, the safety and wellbeing of the child remain our first priority.

Raise a concern

Promptly approach the relevant School contact.

Record & review

Concerns are appropriately recorded and assessed.

Act as needed

The School follows up and seeks external support when necessary.

Guidance and Support Practices

Teacher-Led Guidance

Teachers actively engage with students to offer encouragement, address concerns, and identify those who may benefit from additional support. They serve as trusted figures whom students can approach for help or advice.

Referral to External Support

When more specialized assistance is required, teachers refer students to senior leadership, who coordinate with parents to arrange any necessary external guidance.

Teacher-Led Guidance

Referral to External Support

When more specialized assistance is required, teachers refer students to senior leadership, who coordinate with parents to arrange any necessary external guidance.

Supporting Student Well-being

Our school aims to create a holistic support system through the daily interactions and guidance offered by teachers. Staff receive ongoing training to recognize signs that a student may need extra support. Where appropriate, students may also be connected with external professionals to address specific needs.

How We Safeguard Students

Safeguarding is part of the day-to-day work of the School. Our arrangements include:

Safer Recruitment

Identity and background screening as part of safer staff recruitment.

Staff Training

Safeguarding induction and regular refresher training for staff.

Professional Boundaries

Clear expectations for professional boundaries between staff and students.

Reporting & Follow-up

Procedures for reporting, recording and following up concerns.

Communication Standards

Clear expectations around staff communication and social media contact with students.

Responding to Concerns

Procedures for responding to bullying, welfare concerns and allegations involving adults.

Our safeguarding arrangements are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain appropriate, effective and consistent with Malaysian requirements and good safeguarding practice.

Parental Involvement

We encourage parents to recognize signs of distress, communicate with school staff, and attend workshops to stay informed about safeguarding practices. By working together, we foster a community where students feel supported, secure, and able to thrive.

This approach reflects our commitment to traditional values while adapting to today’s needs. By fostering strong teacher-student relationships and focusing on early guidance, we create a school environment where every child is valued and protected.