Child Protection Policy

Adhering to our Core values and mission statement, in accordance to governing public
and international schools, Abhyasa International Residential School (The School henceforth) has
adopted a child protection policy. This policy (as follows) will help guide the school towards a
safe and effective practice to safeguarding each students’ well-being, health and safety.

As an institution we acknowledge the guidelines stated by POSCO & Child Protection

Policy (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child). This document will elucidate on
the guidelines for the teaching staff, administrative staff, support staff and students. Along with
these guidelines, details of the establishment of a Child Protection Committee (CPC henceforth)
will also be highlighted.

Guidelines

❖ Teaching Staff

• Academic Staff

1. In view that students spend majority of their time in the classroom it is of

the utmost importance that students feel safe in the environment that
they spend most of their active day in.

2. Interaction while in the Classroom:

▪ The teachers must always be patient with children and never lose their
temper, in any circumstance.
▪ While interacting with students in the classroom (either teaching hours
or prep-time) be cordial do not touch the students in any circumstance.
▪ You can approach the students to ensure that they are completing their
work in due time. Always “Use your words”, even when you show
appreciation or want to reprimand them.
▪ Never abuse the students physically, mentally or verbally. This
includes and not limited to using cuss words, body shaming, sexual
slurs and racial slurs.
▪ In situations where you might visit the student dormitory be aware that
the students are in their personal space and might always not be fully
clothed. Do not touch them, comment on their bodies or create mental
or physical stress for them at any point in these situations.
▪ Do not discriminate between students based on their race, caste, creed,
religion or background.

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 ▪ Keeping in mind, sometimes teachers will require a student(s) to
complete some tasks on their behalf. Ensure that the student can
complete the task without any hinderance and if any assistance is
required, please be present and butt in when necessary.

3. Interaction while not in a classroom:

▪ There are various instances when a teacher will interact with the
children while not in the classroom. Some situations are Meal times,
prep-times, Sunday specialization, field-trips, practice for cultural
events etc.
▪ The same guidelines mentioned above must be adhered to.
▪ Being a residential school, it is important that you ensure that you are
available for the students. That being the case, never touch the students
in-appropriately. In certain situations, it might be imperative that you
touch the students. Exceptions to touch the students are:
i. When the student(s) is in imminent danger that might harm
them physically or are in a physical altercation with their peers
or other teachers. You are not allowed to hit, punch, kick or
cause any physical harm to the student.
ii. When the student is inflicting self-harm or harm to others.
Please remove them from the situation and isolate them from
the incident.
iii. If the students touch you in any situation, do not be alarmed, it
is only natural. Do not reciprocate the touch.

• Physical Education Staff

1. In view that students a considerable amount of their time on the sports
field, it is of the utmost importance that students feel safe in the
environment that they spend most of their active day in.

2. Interaction while on the Ground:

▪ The teachers must always be patient with children and never lose their
temper, in any circumstance.
▪ While interacting with students on the sports field (either coaching or
designated games time) be cordial do not touch the students in any
circumstance.
▪ Never hit the students to motivate them. “Use your words”.
▪ During warm-up and stretching sessions do not touch the students.
Demonstrate it to the students. If the session requires a partner, team-
up with the staff and not the students.

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 ▪ You can approach the students on the field to ensure that they are
participating in sports. Always “Use your words”, even when you
show appreciation or want to reprimand them.
▪ Never abuse the students physically, mentally or verbally. This
includes and not limited to using cuss words, body shaming, sexual
slurs and racial slurs.
▪ In situations where you might visit the student dormitory be aware that
the students are in their personal space and might always not be fully
clothed. Do not touch them, comment on their bodies or create mental
or physical stress for them at any point in these situations.
▪ Do not discriminate between students based on their race, caste, creed,
religion or background.
▪ Keeping in mind, sometimes teachers will require a student(s) to
complete some tasks on their behalf. Ensure that the student can
complete the task without any hinderance and if any assistance is
required, please be present and butt in when necessary.

3. Interaction while not in a classroom:

▪ There are various instances when a teacher will interact with the
children while not on the sports field. Some situations are Meal times,
prep-times, Sunday specialization, field-trips, practice for cultural
events etc.
▪ The same guidelines mentioned above must be adhered to.
▪ Being a residential school, it is important that you ensure that you are
available for the students. That being the case, never touch the students
in-appropriately. In certain situations, it might be imperative that you
touch the students. Exceptions to touch the students are:
i. When the student(s) is in imminent danger that might harm
them physically or are in a physical altercation with their peers
or other teachers. You are not allowed to hit, punch, kick or
cause any physical harm to the student.
ii. When the student is inflicting self-harm or harm to others.
Please remove them from the situation and isolate them from
the incident.
iii. If the students touch you in any situation, do not be alarmed, it
is only natural. Do not reciprocate the touch.

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❖ Administrative Staff

• Matrons & Wardens

1. In view that students live in a dormitory with their peers, it is of the
utmost importance that their private space is respected, and they do
not feel uncomfortable while they stay away from home.

2. Interaction while in a dormitory:

▪ The matrons/wardens must always be patient with the children and
never lose their temper.
▪ Never hit the students to wake them up or shake them disturbingly.
Rely on the dormitory leaders to ensure that the students wake up,
do not create any disturbing sounds to wake them up.
▪ Never touch the students (especially) when they are not dressed
fully. An exception to this case is when younger students have
trouble dressing themselves. You can help them put their clothes
on but do not touch them inappropriately.
▪ During ‘bath-time’ do not enter the bathroom un-announced. Let
he students know that you are going to enter the bathroom and then
enter.
▪ Always “Use your words”, even when you show appreciation or
want to reprimand them.
▪ Never abuse the students physically, mentally or verbally. This
includes and not limited to using cuss words, body shaming, sexual
slurs and racial slurs.
▪ Do not discriminate between students based on their race, caste,
creed, religion or background.
▪ Keeping in mind, sometimes matrons will require a student(s) to
complete some tasks on their behalf. Ensure that the student can
complete the task without any hinderance and if any assistance is
required, please be present and butt in when necessary.

3. Interaction while not in a dormitory:

▪ There are various instances when a teacher will interact with the
children while not on the sports field. Some situations are Meal
times, prep-times, Sunday specialization, field-trips, practice for
cultural events etc.
▪ The same guidelines mentioned above must be adhered to.
▪ Being a residential school, it is important that you ensure that you
are available for the students. That being the case, never touch the

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 students in-appropriately. In certain situations, it might be
imperative that you touch the students. Exceptions to touch the
students are:
i. When the student(s) is in imminent danger that might harm
them physically or are in a physical altercation with their
peers or other teachers. You are not allowed to hit, punch,
kick or cause any physical harm to the student.
ii. When the student is inflicting self-harm or harm to others.
Please remove them from the situation and isolate them
from the incident.
iii. If the students touch you in any situation, do not be
alarmed, it is only natural. Do not reciprocate the touch.

• SAT Team
1. In view that SAT team members are responsible for the welfare and
well-being of students overall, it is imperative that the guidelines are
enforced and are followed by the team.

2. Interaction with students:

▪ The team must always be patient with children and never lose
their temper, in any circumstance.
▪ While interacting with students on the campus, be cordial do not
touch the students in any circumstance.
▪ You can approach the students to ensure that they are completing
their work in due time. Always “Use your words”, even when you
show appreciation or want to reprimand them.
▪ Never abuse the students physically, mentally or verbally. This
includes and not limited to using cuss words, body shaming, sexual
slurs and racial slurs.
▪ In situations where you might visit the student dormitory be aware
that the students are in their personal space and might always not
be fully clothed. Do not touch them, comment on their bodies or
create mental or physical stress for them at any point in these
situations.
▪ Do not discriminate between students based on their race, caste,
creed, religion or background.
▪ Keeping in mind, the SAT team will require a student(s) to
complete some tasks on their behalf. Ensure that the student can
complete the task without any hinderance and if any assistance is
required, please be present and butt in when necessary.

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 • Interaction while not in a classroom:
1. There are various instances when a teacher will interact with the children
while not in the classroom. Some situations are Meal times, prep-times,
Sunday specialization, field-trips, practice for cultural events etc.
2. The same guidelines mentioned above must be adhered to.
3. Being a residential school, it is important that you ensure that you are
available for the students. That being the case, never touch the students in-
appropriately. In certain situations, it might be imperative that you touch
the students. Exceptions to touch the students are:
▪ When the student(s) is in imminent danger that might harm them
physically or are in a physical altercation with their peers or other
teachers. You are not allowed to hit, punch, kick or cause any
physical harm to the student.
▪ When the student is inflicting self-harm or harm to others. Please
remove them from the situation and isolate them from the incident.
▪ If the students touch you in any situation, do not be alarmed, it is
only natural. Do not reciprocate the touch.

❖ Support Staff
1. In view that support staff ensures that students do not face any
hinderances in the campus life, it is imperative that the following
guidelines are followed by the support staff.
2. It is imperative that proper background checks are conducted for any
member of the support staff before hiring them to the system.
3. Interaction:
▪ The support staff (cleaning, mess, electrical etc.) can never touch
the students.
▪ No use of cuss words while at work, especially in front of students.
▪ In situations where the support staff might visit the student
dormitory be aware that the students are in their personal space and
might always not be fully clothed. Do not touch them, comment on
their bodies or create mental or physical stress for them at any
point in these situations.

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General Guidelines:

1. A timely safety and security audit of the school premises must be conducted from the
local police station or qualified personnel, to ensure that students are safe.
2. Ensure that the support staff is hired after proper background checks.
3. Constitute a parent-teachercommittee to ensure and address the safety needs of students
and take regular feedback from parents.
4. Control the entry and exit of visitors.
5. Timely training to all the employees to discharge their responsibilities properly and
protect children from any form of abuse.
6. Implement guidelines for effective use of internet and establish moral guidelines for the
students.

Guidelines for Students:

1. It is of the utmost importance that students live in safe spaces and positive
environment. Given the responsibilities of the staff, it is imperative that the students
involve in creating a safe environment themselves.

2. No student in any circumstance can touch another student with an intent to cause harm,
either it be malicious or in jest. Camaraderie and friendship can be understood, but there
should be no violation of personal rights of every child.

3. Under no circumstance will a student cause mental, physical or psychological harm to

his/her peers. This includes and is not limited to cuss words, racial slurs, sexual slurs,
bullying, blackmail and coercion.

4. Any cyber-bullying brought to the notice of the school shall be dealt with by the CPC.

5. No students will sleep on the same cot/bed during night-time.

6. No student should touch any other student in-appropriately

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Child Protection Committee (CPC)
The school believes that abuse in any form is a crime and will deal the issue with empathy and
professionalism.

The following committee has been constituted to adhere to all the procedures for child
protection.

Members of the committee -

Academic

1. Dean (Academic)
2. Vice Principal
a. Senior Class 9 – 12 (Male & Female teacher each)
b. Junior Class 4 – 8 ( Male& Female teacher each)

Administration:

1. Dean Student Welfare

2. Registrar
3. Administrative Staff - (1 Male & 1 Female each)

Student Representatives

1. Head Boy / Girl

2. Student Discipline Manager

Counselor:

1. Psychologist
2. Training / Workshop

Lawyer:

1. Updating with regards to Child Abusive Acts in School from time to time

School Governing Body:

1. Mr. Vinayak Kalletla CEO & Founder Director

2. Dr. R. Prabhakar Rao I.P.S. (Retired)

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PURPOSE

Having the responsibility for students during a large part of every day, it is our primary duty to
safeguard individual student and address concerns regarding the students emotional or physical
well-being.

The policies of the Child Protection Committee apply to all Teaching, Administrative and
Support Staff working in the school.

The guidelines set out in this policy is to safeguard and protect our students toensure that every
staff who works in our school – teachers, non-teaching staff ,warden / matron has clear guidance
on the action which is required where abuse of a student is suspected.

A student may suffer or be at risk of suffering from one or more types of abuse and abuse may
take place on a single occasion or over a period, either by staff or by peers.

PROCEDURE

• The Child Protection Policy is made available to all parents via school portal.
• Parents are made aware that staff are advised against any physical contact with students.

• If a complaint is against a student, the parents will be informed action will be initiated
immediately by the CPC.

• A counsellor will interact with the child within 48 hours of the incident to ascertain the
mental state of the child and the nature of abuse.

• The staff accused found guilty, services will be terminated immediately.

• Any complain of student abuse will be addressed within 48 hours after reporting the incident.

Responsibilities of CPC

• Update the school’s Child Protection Policy from time to time.

• Provide training to all school staff and students regarding child protection - An awareness of
Child rights and child abuse; an understanding of how to respond to perceived threats; care in
regard with e-safety; and the development of standards behavior that propagate a safe
environment for the children.

• Be available to discuss the child protection concerns.

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• Maintain confidentiality of the Child Protection Concerns

• In the event of any emergency, the minimum quorum (2/3) of the committee should be
maintained and 50% of the committee will comprise of women.

Definition of Terms

Child Protection is a broad term used to describe philosophies, policies, standards, guidelines
and procedures to protect children from both intentional and unintentional harm. In this
document the term “child protection” applies to protection of children The School. Please note
that this definition also includes harm to self.

Child Protection Policy is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to protecting

students from harm (to self and from others) and makes clear to all what is required in relation to
the protection of students. It serves to create a safe and positive environment for children and to
demonstrate that the school is taking its duty and responsibility seriously.

Child protection concerns include suspected, alleged, self-disclosed, or witnessed abuse of a

child by anyone associated within or outside the school which must be investigated and followed
by appropriate action.

Child Abuse - According to the World Health Organization, child abuse constitutes “all forms of
physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment orother
exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or
dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.”

A person may abuse a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may
be abused in a family or in an institutional (e.g. school) or community setting; children may be
abused by individuals known to them, or more rarely, by a stranger. Often children may
experience multiple forms of abuse simultaneously, further complicating the problem.

Most child abuse is inflicted by someone the child knows, respects or trusts. International school
communities have unique characteristics of which school personnel must be aware in terms of
the individuals who are around our children. School personnel should be knowledgeable of the
potential reasons why children may not be able to talk about any victimization they might have
experienced.

To increaseawareness, this policy focuses on four main categories of abuse and provides basic
information about the physical and behavioral signs associated with each type.

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I. Physical abuse may involve hitting, punching, shaking, throwing, poisoning, biting, burning
or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing intentional physical harm to a child.
(These symptoms could also indicate harm to self, such as, cutting and suicide ideation). Possible
Signs of physical abuse:

▪ Bruises, burns, sprains, dislocations, bites, cuts

▪ Improbable excuses given to explain injuries
▪ Injuries which have not received medical attention
▪ Injuries that occur to the body in places that are not normally exposed to falls, rough
games, etc.
▪ Repeated urinary infections or unexplained stomach pains
▪ Refusal to discuss injuries
▪ Withdrawal from physical contact
▪ Arms and legs kept covered in hot weather
▪ Fear of returning home or of parents being contacted
▪ Showing wariness or distrust of adults
▪ Self-destructive tendencies
▪ Being aggressive towards others
▪ Being very passive and compliant
▪ Chronic running away

II. Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child and cause severe and
adverse effects on a child’s emotional development. It may involve: conveying to children that
they are worthless or unloved; that they are inadequate or valued only insofar as they meet the
needs of another person; age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on
children; causing children frequently to feel frightened; or the exploitation or corruption of
children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill-treatment of a child
(including and not limited to blackmail), though it may also occur alone.

Possible Signs of emotional abuse:

▪ Physical, mental and emotional development is delayed

▪ Highly anxious
▪ Showing delayed speech or sudden speech disorder
▪ Fear of new situations
▪ Low self-esteem
▪ Inappropriate emotional responses to painful situations
▪ Extremes of passivity or aggression
▪ Drug or alcohol abuse
▪ Chronic running away
▪ Compulsive stealing
▪ Obsessions or phobias

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 ▪ Sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration
▪ Attention-seeking behavior
▪ Persistent tiredness
▪ Lying

III.Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether the
child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including
penetrative (i.e. rape) or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as
involving children in the production or viewing of pornographic material or encouraging children
to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. Children involved in commercial sex work are victims
of sexual abuse, whether they perceive themselves as victims or not.

Possible Signs of sexual abuse:

▪ Pain or irritation to the genital area

▪ Difficulty with urination
▪ Infection, bleeding
▪ Fear of people or places
▪ Aggression
▪ Regressive behaviors, bedwetting or stranger anxiety
▪ Excessive masturbation
▪ Sexually provocative
▪ Stomach pains or discomfort walking or sitting
▪ Being unusually quiet and withdrawn or unusually aggressive
▪ Suffering from what seem physical ailments that can’t be explained medically
▪ Showing fear or distrust of a particular adult
▪ Mentioning receiving special attention from an adult or a new “secret” friendship with an
adult
▪ Refusal to continue with school or usual social activities
▪ Age inappropriate sexualized behavior or language

IV.Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or physiological needs, likely
to result in serious impairment of the child’s health or development.

Possible indicators of neglect:

• Medical needs unattended

• Lack of supervision
• Consistent hunger
• Inappropriate dress
• Poor hygiene
• Inadequate nutrition
• Fatigue or listlessness

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 • Self-destructive
• Extreme loneliness
• Extreme need for affection
• Failure to grow
• Poor personal hygiene
• Frequent lateness or non-attendance at school
• Low self-esteem
• Poor social relationships
• Compulsive stealing
• Drug or alcohol abuse

Long term impact of unmitigated child abuse The impact of child abuse can persist for a lifetime
after the abuse has been committed. Some victims of abuse are resilient and thus manage to
function and survive. Much research has established the relationship between long-term child
abuse and life-time health and well-being, especially if the children do not get appropriate
support to help them cope with the trauma. The most important point to consider is that children
often are exposed to multiple forms of abuse and suffer a myriad of symptoms. Furthermore, all
forms of abuse have the potential for long-term impact on the victimsand can affect the victim's
ability to function as a human being. Abuse challenges the self-value, self-esteem, and sense of
worth of its victims, rendering them hopeless, helpless and unable to live a complete life.

Warning signs to look out for in potential offenders:

▪ Signs of offenders (students)

• Unusual interest in sex, sexualizing inanimate objects and activities
• Does not stop sexual misbehavior when told to stop
• Uses force and coercion in social situations
• Unusual intensity when discussing sex and sexuality
• Socializes with children much younger
• Gives gifts, requires secrecy in relationships

▪ Signs of offenders (adults)

• Has “favorite” student or child
• Attempts to find ways to be alone with children
• Inappropriate language, jokes and discussions about students/children
• Sexualized talk in the presence of students/children
• Gives private gifts or has private chats on Facebook/internet.

What happens when a teacher has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused?

These indicators of abuse and neglect will be used by the staff member as a guideline for
reporting to the team, who will determine if the case needs further attention. A report must be

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made when a staff member has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or
neglect. All reports are confidential.

What happens after suspected abuse or neglect is reported?

Where there is cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, it is the responsibility of the staff
member to report their suspicions to a member of the team and the Head of School. All staff,
faculty and administrators are mandated to report incidences of abuse and neglect. All of The
School’s employees are also required to report suspicion of abuse or neglect. All reports of abuse
and neglect must be made to the counsellor within 48 hours for immediate response.

Procedures for reporting suspected cases of child abuse or neglect

Step 1:

• When a child reports abuse or there is reasonable cause to believe that abuse is occurring, the
teacher will seek advice from the counsellor within 48 hours.
• The counsellor will take initial steps to gather information regarding the reported incident
and in cases of serious physical or sexual abuse or neglect, will immediately inform the Head
of School and together they will set up a school-based response team to address the
allegation.
• The response team will include the school nurse, counsellor, principal and other individuals
as the Head of School sees fit. In all cases, follow up activities will be conducted in a manner
that ensures that information is documented factually, and that strict confidentiality is
maintained.
• The following procedure will be used:
▪ Interview staff members as necessary and document information relative to the case.
▪ Consult with school personnel to review the child’s history in the school.
▪ Determine the course of follow-up actions.

Step 2

a) Minor Cases Most minor cases of suspected abuse or neglect will be handled by school
counselors, such as those involving:
• Student relationships with peers
• Parenting skills related to disciplining children
• Student-parent relationships
• Mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem, grieving.

Some cases will be referred to outside resources, for example: • Mental health issues such as
depression, psychosis, dissociation, suicidal thoughts.

Depending upon the age of the child, these discussions may include drawing pictures and playing
with dolls to elicit more information as to what may have occurred.
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 • In-class observations of the child by the teacher, counselor, or administrator
• Meetings with the family to present the School’s concerns.
• Referral of the student and family to external professional counseling.

b) Serious Allegations More serious allegations will involve reporting to outside resources:

• Severe depression
• Severe and/or ongoing physical abuse or neglect
• Sexual abuse and/or incest.

The following actions will be taken:

• Reporting to the social services where the law requires it.

• Reporting to the police authorities where the law requires it.
• Potential consultation with the consulate of the country of the involved family (where
applicable).
• Consultation with the school’s attorney or another attorney

Subsequent to a reported and/or substantiated case of child abuse or neglect:

• The counselor will maintain contact with the child and family to provide support and
guidance as appropriate.
• The counselor will provide the child’s teachers and the Head of School with ongoing
support.
• The counselor will provide resource materials and strategies for teacher use.
• The counselor will maintain contact with outside the rapists to monitor the child’s
progress. All documentation of the investigation will be kept in the child’s school
confidential records file

Important Note:

If found that a student is the offender, the student shall be removed from the premises until
the investigation is completed to ensure the safety of the abused child.

If found that a teacher is the offender, the teacher shall be removed from the premises until
the investigation is completed to ensure the safety of the abused child

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