Child Protection Policy

Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility. Organizations and professionals who work with children are required to ensure that their policies and practices reflect this responsibility. 

NIVA American International School (NIVA) upholds the value of providing a caring, nurturing, and safe learning environment for all our students. The school adopts three key principles in creating this safeguarding and child protection handbook, namely prevention, protection and partnership. 

This handbook: 

• Covers preventive steps that all teachers and staff must take to avoid any form of abuse from happening; 
• Provides for protective measures to ensure that all children and young people attending NIVA will not experience abuse of any kind;
• Comprises steps on how to partner with private and government agencies managing child protection programs to establish clear safeguarding policies and work with parents to ensure parental responsibility.

As part of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, selected sections from the Teachers and Staff Code of Conduct, Human Resource Policies and Regulations, Parent Handbook, and Student Code of Conduct are fully applied and enforced in this handbook. All members of the school community are expected to comply with all the policies for their own safety. Disciplinary actions will be implemented as appropriate and necessary in order to facilitate reflection, growth and personal development.

1. 1. Safeguarding - Promoting the welfare of all children and taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best life outcomes
   2. Child protection - Preventing and responding to violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect of a child
   3. Child - Anyone below 18 years of age
   4. Abuse - Any type or form of cruelty inflicted on a child, including but not limited to physical or emotional harm, endangerment, abandonment, neglect,  and sexual abuse
   5. Child protection team - Members of the school administration, teachers, and staff tasked with reviewing reports or consultations regarding a possible abuse of a child and taking appropriate actions as outlined in this handbook
   6. Members of the school community - Individuals directly or indirectly involved with the school, including administrators, teachers, support staff, housekeeping staff, students, and  parents/guardians, as well as businesses and organizations working with the school

 

1. Designated Child Protection Coordinator
2. Level Division Coordinator (of the concerned child)
3. Homeroom Teacher/Subject Teacher(s) (of the concerned child)
4. School Counselor
5. School Nurse
6. Thai Principal
7. School Registrar 
8. School Licensee
9. Head of School
10. Chief of Business Administration

Child Protection and Safeguarding (excerpted from the teachers’ contract addendum)

“To Protect and Safeguard our Children, The Employee Must: 

1. Be vigilant in protecting and safeguarding children regardless of the source of their difficulties, be it at school, out of school, or at home. Any form of abuse or violence - physical, psychological, sexual, and/or emotional - against a child that takes place at school, at home, or elsewhere must be reported to the administrators;
2. Be knowledgeable by learning from or consulting with the principals to notice children who may have been abused or neglected or be in a difficult situation or any form of danger, and report such cases or suspicions to the principals or director;
3. Not be involved in any form of child abuse at work or elsewhere. Failure to do so will result in employment termination and legal action;
4. Ensure that each and every child at The School enjoys the benefit of a protective environment in which their rights are respected. The Employee’s duties include protecting our children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of the children’s health and/or development; ensuring that the children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and enable the children to have optimum life chances, environment, and education to enter adulthood successfully.

“A child is anyone who is a student of The School regardless of his/her age.”

Any form of abuse or violence against children at The School, at home, or elsewhere is unacceptable. 

 

Professional Values and Relationships 

Teachers should: 

1. Be caring, fair, and committed to the best interests of the students entrusted to their care, and seek to motivate, inspire and celebrate their effort and success; 
2. Acknowledge and respect the uniqueness, individuality and specific needs of students and promote and support their holistic development; 
3. Be committed to equality and inclusion and to respecting and accommodating diversity, including the differences arising from gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, as well as any further grounds as may be referenced in future equality legislations;
4. Seek to develop positive relationships with students, colleagues, parents, school administration and others in the School community that are characterised by professional integrity and judgement; and
5. Work to establish and maintain a culture of mutual trust and respect in the School.

 

Professional Integrity 

Teachers should: 

1. Act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of their work; 
2. Respect the privacy of others and the confidentiality of information gained in the course of professional practice, unless a disclosure is legally required or there is a legitimate concern for the wellbeing of an individual; 
3. Represent themselves and their professional status, qualifications and experience honestly; 
4. Use their name(s) as set out in the School’s records in the course of their professional duties; and
5. Avoid conflict between their professional work and private interests which could reasonably be deemed to impact students negatively.

 

Professional Conduct 

Teachers should: 

1. Uphold the reputation and standing of the profession; 
2. Take all reasonable steps in relation to the care of the students under their supervision, so as to ensure their safety and welfare; 
3. Work within the framework of relevant legislations and regulations; 
4. Comply with agreed school policies, procedures and guidelines, which aim to promote student education, welfare, and child protection; 
5. Report, where appropriate, incidents or matters which impact on student welfare;
6. Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, parents, school administration, and others in the School community in a manner that is professional, collaborative, and supportive, and based on trust and respect; 
7. Ensure that any communication with students, colleagues, parents, school administration, and others, including those via emails, mobile messages and social networking sites, is appropriate; 
8. Ensure that they do not knowingly access, download, or otherwise have in their possession while engaged in school activities inappropriate and/or illicit materials/images in electronic or any other format; 
9. Ensure that they do not practise while under the influence of any substance which impairs their professionalism;
10. Not use insensitive, derogatory, or sarcastic comments, or profanity while in the workplace; and
11. Not threaten, intimidate, assault, or engage in physical and/or verbal violence with anyone.

Acceptable behaviors 

All teachers and staff must:  

1. Contact designated child protection school personnel if a child is observed to be at immediate risk of abuse and ensure that appropriate actions are taken and followed through;
2. Adhere to the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and commit to child safety at all times;
3. Take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse;  
4. Conduct themselves in a manner befitting and consistent with their position as a teacher or staff member and a positive role model to children and young people and their families; 
5. Work towards the achievement of the aims and purposes of the School; 
6. Be responsible for relevant administration of programs and activities in their area; 
7. Maintain a duty of care towards others involved in the School’s programs and activities;  
8. Establish and maintain a child-safe environment in the course of their work;  
9. Be fair, considerate, and honest with others;  
10. Treat children, young people, and their families with respect and value their ideas, opinions, and backgrounds;  
11. Promote the safety, participation, and empowerment of children with difficulties and/or disabilities; 
12. Listen and respond to children’s views and concerns, particularly those concerning their safety and/or indicating a potential case of abuse whether to themselves or other children;  
13. Ensure (as far as practicable) that adults are not alone with a child;  
14. Comply with all mandatory reporting obligations under the School’s policies and procedures;
15. Raise concerns about suspected abuse with an immediate supervisor or the designated Child Protection Coordinator as soon as they arise;  
16. Record and act upon all allegations or suspicions of abuse, discrimination or harassment and, if an allegation of child abuse is made, ensure as quickly as possible that the child/children are safe; 
17. Be professional in their actions  and maintain strict impartiality;  
18. Comply with the School’s guidelines on contact with children, including via electronic media;  
19. Respect confidentiality when sharing children’s information in accordance with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedure and reporting obligations; and 
20. Maintain a child-safe environment for children and young people  under the School’s policies and guidelines.

Unacceptable behaviors 

All teachers and staff must not:  

1. Ignore or disregard any suspected or disclosed child abuse;  
2. Put a child at risk of abuse (for example, by locking doors for an improper reason);
3. Speak to a child in such a way that is or could be construed by an observer as harsh, threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, degrading, or humiliating (examples include swearing or using inappropriate language in the presence of a child; yelling at a child, except in an emergency where the child's safety may be at risk; dealing with a child with temper; and using hurtful sarcasm); 
4. Express personal views on cultures, race, or sexuality in the presence of a child (unless the child is a member of their immediate family);  
5. Discuss sexual activities with a child; 
6. Have contact with a child or their immediate family outside the School’s activities, unless the child is a member of their immediate family (accidental/incidental contact, such as seeing the child on the street or at social events or any other incidental contact that is outside of their professional relationship with the child but not for improper purpose, is allowed);
7. Have any online contact with a child (including through social media, email, instant messaging, etc.) or their immediate family unless necessary for service delivery, unless the child is a member of their immediate family; 
8. Use any personal communication channels and/or devices, such as a personal email account, to communicate with a child, unless the child is a member of their immediate family; 
9. Exchange personal contact details, such as phone numbers, social network handles or email addresses, with a child, unless the child is a member of their immediate family; 
10. Use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol while in the presence of or while supervising a child (unless their contact with the child is accidental/incidental and they are not performing their professional obligations); 
11. Use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs while in the presence of or while supervising a child; 
12. Enable or allow a child to smoke and/or consume alcohol and/or illegal drugs; 
13. Initiate unnecessary physical contact with a child, or undertake actions of personal nature for him/her that he/she can do for him/herself (unless the child is a member of their immediate family); 
14. Engage in rough physical games, hold, massage, kiss, cuddle, or touch a child in an inappropriate and/or culturally insensitive way; 
15. Engage in any sexual contact with a child; 
16. Take a child to their home or encourage meetings outside the School’s activities (unless the child is a member of their immediate family or a written parental permission has been provided);  
17. Be naked in the presence of a child;
18. Access sexually explicit materials on the School’s IT systems; 
19. Possess sexually explicit materials, including but not limited to magazines, cards, videos, films, clothing, etc.;
20. Sleep on the same bed or in the same sleeping bag or room with a child (unless the child is a member of their immediate family); 
21. Discriminate against any child because of his/her age, gender, sex, race, culture, religion, sexuality, and/or disability;  
22. Engage in any activity with a child that is likely to be physically or emotionally harmful; 
23. Be alone with a child unnecessarily and for more than a very short time (unless the child is a member of their immediate family;
24. Develop a ‘special’ relationship with a specific child for their own needs (unless the child is a member of their immediate family);  
25. Show favoritism through the provision of gifts and/or inappropriate attention (unless the child is a member of their immediate family); and
26. Photograph and/or video a child without the consent of the child and his/her parents or guardians. 

All teachers and staff are prohibited from using physical discipline in any way for behavior management of children. This prohibition includes spanking, slapping, pinching, hitting, pushing, or the use of any other physical force as retaliation or corrective action for children’s inappropriate behaviors. 

Physical contact, however, may be used in an emergency situation to remove children quickly from danger or the threat of danger. 

Appropriate contact between teachers, staff, students, and children, such as touching a child to gain his/her attention or provide comfort at times of distress, is part of normal human relationships. Some considerations and guidelines for such contact includes:  

1. Consider the child's age, developmental level, maturity, and needed level of care;
2. Such contact should take place in an open environment (for example, in confidential interviews or a one-to-one meeting, the door should be kept open with visual access (exceptions apply where strict confidentiality is required);  
3. Be alert to cues from children to gauge  how comfortable they are in your proximity and respect their need for personal space;  
4. Be sensitive when interacting with children who may have the potential to misinterpret your actions, such as those traumatized by abuse or adolescents seeking attention from a member of the opposite sex;
5. Be aware of cultural norms that may influence the interpretation of your behavior; 
6. Be cautious when making physical contact in games or practical instruction. If physical contact is necessary for demonstration purposes, explain the activity and your course of actions and maintain a safe and appropriate distance;
7. Physical contact should only be made in a way that makes children feel comfortable. Examples include hands shaking, a congratulatory pat on the back, or a rub on the side of their arm for reassurance; and
8. Massaging a child or allowing a child to massage you is an inappropriate physical contact (unless the child is a member of your immediate family and you comply with all relevant policies or procedures).

All forms of physical contact should be avoided where possible. 

 

Transportation and off campus events

Other than in an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances in which no other option could reasonably be made  available, children must not be transported without a written permission from their parent, carer, or guardian. 

It is prohibited to have unnecessary and/or inappropriate physical contact with children while in vehicles. 

If, for some specific reason, transportation is provided for a child, he/she should be taken directly to his/her destination. No stops should be made other than those that are reasonably scheduled for meals or comfort stops. This obligation does not apply to children who are members of your immediate family.

Children must not stay overnight at the residence of a teacher or staff member without prior permission from their parent or guardian. Changing and shower facilities or any such arrangements for adults must be separate from facilities and/or arrangements for children (unless the children are members of your immediate family).

All vehicles used during off-campus events should have the appropriate teacher-student ratio to allow for effective supervision.

NIVA follows serious recruitment procedures to ensure that all teachers and staff, including outsourced personnel employed by the school, are suitable to work with children. All teachers and staff are required to submit a self-disclosure declaring their criminal records, educational background, work experience, visa compliance, state of health, and other relevant information of their past or profile that could affect the reputation of the school and the wellbeing of its community members.

In support of the Child Protection Act of Thailand, B.E. 2546 (CPA) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), NIVA has adopted a child protection policy and will follow the procedures outlined below:

Recognizing Abuse

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect: 

The Child: 

1. Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance; 
2. Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention; 
3. Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes; 
4. Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen;
5. Lacks adult supervision; 
6. Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn; and/or 
7. Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

The Parent: 

1. Shows little concern for the child; 
2. Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child’s problems at school or home; 
3. Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves; 
4. Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome; 
5. Demands an excessive level of physical and/or academic performance which the child cannot achieve; and/or
6. Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.

The Parent and Child: 

1. Rarely touch or look at each other; 
2. Consider their relationship entirely negative; and/or 
3. State that they do not like each other.

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child: 

1. Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, and/or black eye(s); 
2. Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school; 
3. Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home;
4. Shrinks at the approach of adults; and/or
5. Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver. 

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

1. Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury; 
2. Describes the child as “evil,” or in some other very negative way; 
3. Uses harsh physical discipline with the child; and/or 
4. Has a history of abuse as a child.

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child: 

1. Is frequently absent from school; 
2. Begs or steals food or money; 
3. Lacks needed medical and/or dental care, immunizations, and/or glasses; 
4. Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor; 
5. Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather; 
6. Abuses alcohol or other drugs; and/or
7. States that there is no one at home to provide care.

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver: 

1. Appears to be indifferent to the child; 
2. Seems apathetic or depressed; 
3. Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner; and/or 
4. Is abusing alcohol or other drugs.

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child: 

1. Has difficulty walking or sitting; 
2. Suddenly refuses to change for PE class or participate in physical activities; 
3. Reports nightmares or bedwetting; 
4. Experiences a sudden change in appetite; 
5. Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior;
6. Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease;
7. Runs away; and/or 
8. Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver. 

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver: 

1. Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child’s contact with other children, especially those of the opposite sex; 
2. Is secretive and isolated; and/or 
3. Is jealous or controlling with family members.

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child: 

1. Shows extremes in behavior, such as being overly compliant, demanding, aggressive, or passive;
2. Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example); 
3. Is significantly delayed in physical or emotional development; 
4. Is suicidal and/or has attempted suicide; and/or
5. Reports a lack of attachment to the parent. 

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver: 

1. Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child; 
2. Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s problems; and/or 
3. Overtly rejects the child.

Other Concerns That Will Require Child Protection

While abuse is of utmost concern when it comes to child protection policy, there are other concerns that may also cause harm or undue stress on children and young people, including:

1. Confrontational situations that happen at the School without the mediation of appropriate school personnel;
2. Death in the family or School community;
3. Self-harm or suicidal behavior;
4. Bullying or cyberbullying;
5. Risks associated with the School’s facilities and events, use of outsourced transportation, members of staff, etc.;
6. Outbreak of contagious diseases.

Reporting Abuse

In the event that a potential case of abuse is recognized or observed, the initial role of any teacher or staff is not to verify or investigate the situation, but rather to report the concern and enable the child to receive immediate help and mitigation. The same focus is given to disclosures of any form of abuse.

Any teacher or staff should immediately report potential cases of abuse to their immediate supervisor or the designated Child Protection Coordinator. The same applies to disclosures of any form of abuse. The matter will then be recorded in a document that provides the following important details:

1. Name, age and grade level of the child;
2. Date, time and place of abuse or observation of possible abuse;
3. Name of any other person present;
4. What happened/how;
5. The child’s appearance, behavior, speech, mood, obvious injuries, etc. A body map must be used to mark the observed injuries; 
6. If a child or any other adult speaks, take note of all the details as they are said rather than your personal interpretation.

The Child Protection Team will review the report and make administrative decisions that may include contacting appropriate authorities.

Once a case has been reported to the authorities, the School’s role becomes limited as teachers and staff will not take part in the investigation. They may, however, be required to give information as needed, or to provide support to the concerned child.

 

Confidentiality and Recordkeeping

Confidentiality is a matter that should be thoroughly discussed and understood by all teachers and staff, especially if it concerns child protection. Any report or disclosure regarding any form of abuse must be kept confidential for the benefit of the child.  But the concerned child/student should not be guaranteed that the situation will be kept secret, as proper recording and reporting will be required for further investigation by the School’s Child Protection Team as well as the appropriate authorities. 

Pertinent information will be shared with other teachers or staff on a “need to know basis” only. Teachers and staff with access to any sensitive information are required to observe confidentiality at all times. 

Children may feel vulnerable and anxious when getting changed in shared spaces. Supervision in changing rooms is a sensitive matter, and approaches will be based on the age and the developmental needs of the children. The following are guidelines for changing practices that may ensure both children and adults are safe:

A. On-Site Changing Areas

1. Nursery and Kindergarten students are to change clothes as needed inside the classrooms with the help of teachers and authorized housekeeping staff.
2. Full support with intimate care is necessary for school children ages 2 - 3 years old. School children ages 4 - 5 are most likely capable of managing themselves with regards to intimate care with some support. Supervision and facilitation of independence is applicable for this age group. The same applies to children with disabilities.
3. Although lower elementary school children ages 6 - 8 are more independent, they may still require some support from time to time as appropriate and necessary.
4. Upper elementary school children up to secondary school are to be supervised only from a safe distance for the following reasons:

1. To maintain proper behavior and order as needed;
2. To ensure the presence and help of an adult in case of an emergency;
3. To check that the room is clear after everyone has finished changing. 

 

B. Off-Site Changing Areas

1. Students should not share changing facilities with members of the public. Proper arrangements should be made to ensure that students are not with strangers or individuals who are not part of the group.
2. For inter-school events, alternate arrangements for students changing in shared facilities should be made.

 

C. Supervision Roles for Teachers, Staff, and Other Authorized School Personnel

1. Where possible, ensure that students use single-gender changing rooms or areas. This applies to and is appropriate for older students (elementary to secondary).
2. Treat all students fairly with respect for their privacy and dignity.
3. Make sensitive arrangements for changing, taking into careful consideration the needs of students with disabilities, different religions, beliefs, cultural backgrounds, or gender identity.
4. Shower or change privately and never in the same space as the students.
5. Maintain a safe distance from the students when they are changing. Being inside the changing rooms is not necessary.
6. Set behavioral expectations during changing and ensure students know and understand them.
7. Leave the changing room door slightly open to ensure immediate access in response to a disturbance or an emergency.
8. If there is a need to enter the changing room, alert students before doing so to make the students aware of your presence and for them to have the opportunity to cover themselves.
9. Where possible, ensure that female staff supervise girls and male staff supervise boys.
10. All adults, particularly those of the opposite gender, should avoid standing in the changing room and watching the students or repeatedly going in and out without any good reason.
11. Listen to students who express concerns about the behaviour of a teacher or staff or any other school personnel and report where appropriate.

NIVA prepares all students to become effective users of technology. Teachers use technology as an essential tool to facilitate 21st century learning and equip students with the appropriate skills necessary for responsible use of technology resources.

Members of the School community are reminded of the risks and possible dangers of internet usage and that everyone is expected to be mindful and sensible when engaging in online activities, including accessing websites, searching for information, and social networking.

Students are taught digital citizenship skills in their respective homerooms and in IT classes. However, as NIVA recognizes the fact that internet usage cannot be limited to only at the School, all members of the School community are encouraged to be responsible and apply appropriate discretion whenever they are online.

The following are guidelines applicable to all members of the School community:

1. Acceptable internet use

1. During School hours, web browsers are to be used for educational/learning purposes only. Under no circumstances will any member of the School community be allowed to access inappropriate internet content/material;
2. Usernames or passwords are not to be shared between the School community members, with the exception of an individual inquiry involving safety concerns;
3. All members of the School community should only use/access recommended or mandatory internet platforms, such as Google classroom, Renweb, other appropriate research databases, or weblinks;
4. Never attempt to access other members’ username or password;
5. Know and understand online plagiarism and its consequences;
6. Always use appropriate language and be respectful when communicating online; making, using or sharing posts on social media; and be a responsible and positive representative of the School community;
7. All members of the School community are not allowed to take photos or videos of other members, most especially students, without explicit permission from the authorized School personnel in charge and those concerned, including the students’ parents or guardians.
8. No member of the School community is allowed to post or share any pictures or videos of other members on any social media platform without explicit permission from those concerned, especially if the said photos or videos can cause harm, create problems, or put the School or the concerned individuals in a compromising situation;
9. The School reserves the right to request any of its members to remove certain social media posts if they could potentially cause harm or create problems, even if the post was done outside School hours.

 

2. Connecting personal laptop computers/tablets with the school’s internet

1. The IT department has enabled web access filtering to monitor students’ internet access, prevent unauthorized downloads, and block inappropriate internet content, websites, or web links;
2. All students are required to connect to the School’s wifi when using their laptops or tablets at the School;
3. The use of personal SIM cards on tablets is prohibited.

 

3. Cellphones

1. The use of cellphones, including for taking unnecessary photos and/or videos, is prohibited during school hours inside the classrooms to eliminate distractions during class times. The same applies to smart watches that are used for any purpose other than checking the time;
2. For emergencies, parents should contact their child/children through the School. Emergency contact numbers are made available for all School community members.

 

4. Cyberbullying

According to stopbullying.gov, “Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through SMS, text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying also includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.”

Cyberbullying is unacceptable, and appropriate disciplinary action will be given to any member of the School community who will engage in such activity.

 

5. Privacy Disclosure

NIVA is committed to ensuring that the personal information of all its community members is protected. Information is collected during admissions, or when inquiries are made. However, all pertinent data will be kept confidential and will not be shared with any third parties without permission.

Written consent from parents or legal guardians is required before any photographic or video record of students and/or their activities can be made by any member of the school community except where the records are for personal use and taken by  members of the same family of the subject concerned (in which case a verbal consent must be obtained prior). 

The following rules and procedures are to be followed when making photographic or video records of students and/or their activities:

A. When Recording

1. Students must be appropriately dressed.
2. The recording must focus on the activity or event, not the students themselves.
3. Ensure that the students are participating safely in the activity being recorded.
4. The records must be stored safely in accordance with the relevant Personal Data Protection Act. 
5. School’s visitors are not permitted to take photographs or videos of students.
6. Those making the recording must have a clear purpose in doing so and must be able to state such purposes if and when requested.

 

B. Before Publishing

1. Written consent from parents or legal guardians must be obtained prior to the publication of any media featuring students. The parents, legal guardians. or students at all times have the right to revoke their consent and can do so by informing the school in writing. 
2. No recording in any media of students is to be published electronically or in any other form without the expressed, written permission from their parents or legal guardians.
3. Personal details of the students, such as home address, email address, telephone numbers, or other contact details, must not be included in the publication.
4. Where possible or applicable, ask for the concerned student’s permission to make him/her aware that his/her image is to be used and for what purpose.
5. Apply technology features such as watermarking to dissuade third parties from using, duplicating or attempting to access the recording.

NIVA’s buildings and facilities are equipped with CCTV to maintain a safe learning environment. For privacy purposes, the CCTV is monitored by the IT department, and access to files are limited to authorized School personnel only. 

Verifying incidents or accidents through the CCTV can only be done by authorized School personnel as appropriate and necessary. Should parents request for verification of an accident or incident involving their child, the homeroom teacher should coordinate with the principal and proceed as follows:

1. Parents should make an appointment with the school; 
2. The homeroom teacher will verify the accident/incident, including the date, time and place of occurrence;
3. Check the CCTV and capture only the concerned situation;
4. Parents will be shown only the footage relevant to the concerned situation;
5. The homeroom teacher or any other teacher with information relevant to the situation may discuss the details with and answer any questions that the parents may have;
6. Copies of the CCTV footage will not be shared for safeguarding and privacy reasons. Only when there is a legal investigation will the CCTV footage be shared, with such sharing will be limited to authorized personnel or the appropriate authorities.

Only authorized parents and/or guardians are allowed to collect students in between or at the end of School day. Other individuals, such as drivers and nannies, who may be required to collect students on behalf of the authorized parents and/or guardians must register themselves in advance. In addition, a formal notification through email is required from the authorized parent or guardian prior to such collection. For safety and security reasons, the school reserves the right to withhold a child from being collected if the required procedures are not followed.

Parents are not allowed to collect any child except their own, except in the event of an emergency and as authorized by the parent of that child.

All members of the School community can enter the School’s premises during School hours, provided they have their official NIVA ID issued by the main office. Parents are allowed inside the School during drop off and pick up hours, and if they have a scheduled appointment. Their access however, is limited to the front office, school store, and ground floor area only. 

Visitors will be allowed access to the School provided they follow the entry procedures with the front office. All visitors must be escorted by authorized school personnel while within the school’s premises.

All teachers and staff will be given appropriate safeguarding and child protection training by outsourced child protection experts.

Child protection will be an agenda during teacher’s orientation as well as at other teachers and staff meetings.

Child Line 1387

The Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights Foundation

ECPAT International

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