`In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)1, 1989, under the Policy a child is defined as anyone who has not reached their 18th birthday. Although the national laws in countries that we work in may have different ages at which a child is considered an adult, or at which a child can give consent or is responsible, we use the definition of a child according to international law as set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child`

Our principles and values when safeguarding children

  • Best interests of the child are paramount and shall be the primary consideration in our decision making. 
  • Respect for children’s rights, including the right to protection and the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.
  • Equality of opportunity to ensure that all children can enjoy our activities safely regardless of their gender, ability, race, ethnicity, circumstances or age. Vulnerable children require particular attention in order to optimise their safety and protection and promote their access to opportunities. 
  • Consultation with children and their families regarding the implementation of the Policy and procedures developed to support its implementation. 
  • Cultural sensitivity and recognition of local context in decision making and in informing our procedures. 
  • Accountability and being responsible in order to meet our obligations regarding our duty of care towards children and acting where we believe that a child is at risk or has been harmed. 
  • Working in an honest and transparent way by informing those we work with, including children, about our Safeguarding Policy, and explaining how we work to safeguard children. 
  • Ensuring confidentiality to protect sensitive personal data. Information will only be shared and handled on a need to know basis - access to information must be necessary solely for the conduct of official duties.
  • Working together to safeguard children both across the British Council and with other organisations. This includes law enforcement and specialist child welfare agencies where necessary.

The British Council is committed to:

  • valuing, respecting, and listening to children and adults, maintaining confidentiality, and acting proportionately 
  • maintaining strong protection systems, procedures and minimising and managing situations where abuse could occur through planning, risk assessment and safeguarding systems 
  • sharing safeguarding best practice and information regarding safeguarding concerns with relevant parties and involving children and adults where appropriate 
  •  actively investigating suspected abuse

We will:

  • look after your child from when they arrive until the class is over and they have left the premises.
  • only let your child go home alone if you have told us they can (if they are 11 years old or older).
  • only let your child go home with the people you have told us about.
  • speak to you if your child has hurt him/herself.

We’d like you to:

  • bring and collect your child on time.
  • Complete the Permission to leave form to tell us who will be collecting your child (you can name three ‘designated guardians’)
  • If your child is younger than 11 years old, you can name three ‘designated guardians’, who will collect them
  • let us know if your child will be absent for one or more lessons.
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