In the second part of our Safeguarding Around the World series, we head to Bahrain to hear from Kate Moskwa, principal at Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School (ARKIS), about how she makes sure that safeguarding practice remains consistent and thorough across the school.
She highlights the importance of regular staff training and creating new pupil training programmes to tackle online safeguarding issues, and explains that cultural sensitivity training is a must when you have a diverse pupil and parent community.
What are some of the common safeguarding issues that you face?
Common safeguarding issues that we deal with in our international school include child protection, bullying, online safety, mental health concerns and cultural sensitivities.
We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all our students, and our staff are trained to identify and address these issues promptly and effectively.
How do you ensure a consistent approach to safeguarding?
To ensure a consistent school-wide approach, we have implemented comprehensive policies and procedures that outline the expected behaviours and responsibilities of staff and students.
These policies are regularly reviewed and updated to align with best practices and legal requirements.
We provide ongoing training to all staff members, including annual refreshers, to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to address safeguarding concerns.
Have you seen safeguarding issues grow post-pandemic?
Yes, we have observed an increase in online safeguarding issues following the pandemic. The shift to online learning and increased use of technology have created new challenges, such as cyberbullying, online grooming and exposure to inappropriate content.
We have implemented additional measures, such as digital citizenship programmes and increased monitoring, to address these emerging issues and educate students about responsible online behaviour.
How do you ensure that staff are aware of new safeguarding issues?
We actively engage with relevant professional networks, attend conferences and workshops, and collaborate with other schools and organisations.
We also stay updated on relevant research, publications and guidance from reputable sources.
Regular communication with our staff, students and parents allows us to gather insights and address any emerging concerns promptly.
How do you ensure that staff training is kept up to date?
Staff training is kept up to date through a combination of internal and external professional development opportunities.
We provide regular training sessions, workshops and seminars specific to safeguarding, ensuring that staff members are equipped with the latest knowledge, skills and strategies to address safeguarding issues effectively.
Training needs are identified through ongoing assessment and feedback, enabling us to tailor the training to the specific needs of our staff.
Does the mix of nationalities among your pupils make safeguarding more challenging?
The mix of nationalities does present an extra challenge. For example, cultural differences can impact perceptions of acceptable behaviour, and language barriers may affect communication and understanding.
We address these challenges through cultural sensitivity training for our staff and by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel comfortable reporting concerns.
We also work closely with parents and guardians to ensure a collaborative approach in addressing safeguarding issues.
Does the variety of parent backgrounds make it hard, too?
Yes, this can sometimes make discussions around safeguarding issues challenging. We strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where parents feel comfortable discussing their concerns and expectations.
We take cultural differences into account and work together with parents to find common ground while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of all students.
What are your processes for following up on any incidents?
Our processes include thorough documentation and reporting. We have a designated system for logging and tracking incidents, ensuring that they are properly recorded and escalated as necessary.
We have a dedicated safeguarding committee. We conduct investigations, provide support to those involved, and take appropriate disciplinary or remedial actions based on the severity and nature of the incident.
We also conduct debriefing sessions to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. Safeguarding is always on the agenda for all meetings, whether academic or operational.
How do you ensure that your safeguarding knowledge is up to date?
As a leader, I ensure that my safeguarding knowledge up to date through CPD. I actively engage in relevant training programmes, attend conferences and seminars, and stay updated on the latest research and best practices in safeguarding.
I also participate in professional networks and collaborate with other leaders in the field to share knowledge and insights.
Regular self-assessment and reflection help me to identify areas for growth and ensure that I remain informed and effective in my role as a safeguarding leader.
Kate Moskwa is the principal at Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School (ARKIS) in Bahrain
