Safeguarding is a vital component of how all schools operate - including international schools around the world.

Of course, working with a diverse array of pupil cohorts, ever-changing teacher workforces and parent communities brings its challenges to this already complex area of school focus.

To find out how schools are managing this, we’ll be talking to leaders across the globe about their safeguarding practices, the challenges they face and the solutions they’re adopting to stay ahead in this vital area.

In the first piece, we head to Malaysia to chat with James Worland, principal of The International School @ ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur, to find out why “affluent neglect” is a big issue, as well as looking at the importance of regular staff training and the challenge of creating a safeguarding culture in a school with 60 different pupil nationalities.

What are some of the common safeguarding issues you deal with?

To speak generally for international schools in southeast Asia, a common issue can be affluent neglect.

Often parents are highly successful, with many involved in professions that require a significant amount of time in the workplace or travelling away from home.

This can result in the needs of children being pushed down the priority order, often through no intentional fault of the parent. Children can then experience issues as they are not receiving the parental attention they require.

This is considered a priority in international school environments.

How do you ensure a consistent approach to safeguarding?

A whole-school approach is crucial when it comes to safeguarding as issues can arise in any place at any time.

All stakeholders must be aware of appropriate processes and procedures to ensure matters are handled correctly. This is applicable to staff, students, parents and visitors to the school site.

Strong policies underpin everything we do and within those is a commitment to frequent training and constant safeguarding awareness. A culture of prioritising safeguarding is something all schools should be actively pursuing.

Have you seen online safeguarding issues grow post-pandemic? If so, how?

The prevalence of online safeguarding issues naturally increases year on year, given technology’s ever-growing role in our day-to-day lives, but there is no doubt that the pandemic has influenced these rates too.

Access to online platforms was critical to school-led education continuing throughout the Covid period but we are now seeing some negative impacts of the embedded use of technology.

Online issues present challenges for all schools as they often take place outside of school hours, but then make their way into wider school social circles, putting pressure on schools and families.

The key to resolution is cooperation between home and school, and keeping the student concerned at the centre of all decisions.

How do you stay aware of new and emerging safeguarding issues?

In an age where information is more accessible than ever before, there are excellent resources and forums available online to discuss safeguarding and to share good practice.

Following safeguarding networks and renowned leaders in the field via social media channels such as LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook means current safeguarding issues and related good practices are brought to your attention frequently.

Many international schools also belong to wider networks, such as the Federation of British International Schools in Asia, the Council of British International Schools and the Council of International Schools, and these bodies are proactive in sharing information related to safeguarding.

How do you ensure staff training is kept up to date?

As a school we have a responsibility to ensure all staff are adequately versed in safeguarding good practice and the associated training for this occurs regularly. Staff training is mandatory and occurs at least annually for all employees. We keep detailed records of all training undertaken, mandatory and otherwise.

Staff in key safeguarding posts are encouraged to participate in forums both locally and internationally to keep up to date with course provider options.

We constantly review our training allocation to ensure that what we offer staff is of the highest standard and appropriate for our school context.

Does the mix of nationalities among pupils present an extra challenge?

Despite the obvious positives associated with being a school containing more than 60 nationalities, it does present challenges when it comes to safeguarding.

What is deemed acceptable and normal in some cultures can be viewed entirely differently in others, so as a school we must be culturally aware and sensitive, yet remain diligent in our safeguarding duties and upholding school policies.

Language barriers can present challenges in the handling of incidents so we must take out time at each stage to ensure that students are aware of what is occurring and why.

What about with parents?

The diversity of parent backgrounds in an international environment can create challenges when addressing safeguarding issues owing to varying cultural expectations of behaviour and risk perception.

To bridge these gaps, we prioritise open and respectful communication with parents, aiming to find common ground and educate them about our school’s safeguarding policies.

When it comes to serious safeguarding concerns, such as child abuse, we adhere to local laws and international best practices, even if cultural differences may pose challenges.

Disclosures of safeguarding issues are treated with confidentiality and care, with the utmost commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all students, regardless of their cultural backgrounds.

What are your processes for following up on any incidents?

As most schools now do, we have an online platform for the reporting of all safeguarding concerns and disclosures. Staff are educated in how and what to log frequently to ensure the correct use of the platform.

Based on the classification of the log, notifications will then go to relevant, pre-assigned staff. From that, the incident is viewed and the appropriate course of action is put into place.

After an outcome has been reached, we always ensure there is an opportunity for practice to be reviewed to confirm that the matter was handled in the optimum manner.

How do you keep your safeguarding knowledge up to date?

All school leaders should remain committed to prioritising a safeguarding culture in their schools and this involves a personal commitment to remaining on the cutting edge of new developments.

Regular training is an obvious step that is sometimes overlooked owing to the busy nature of a school leader’s position.

Engaging in formal and informal safeguarding-related forums means there is a constant flow of current safeguarding issues and related good practices are brought to your attention frequently.

James Worland is the principal of The International School @ ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur. He tweets @jamesworlandedu