Student Protection

At Nishimachi, we are committed to providing and maintaining a safe school environment for all of our students. Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to the highest standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to student protection.

Please take a moment to read through our Student Protection Policy.

All Students Are Protected
In accordance with the Japanese Law Act. No 82 of May 24, 2000 (the Child Abuse Prevention Act) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), all students at Nishimachi International School have a right to be safe and free from harm and abuse. This right exists in their home, in their daily lives, while at school, and while on any school-related activities. 

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an important agreement by countries that have promised to protect children’s rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child explains who children are, all their rights, and the responsibilities of governments. All the rights are connected, they are all equally important and they cannot be taken away from children. (Source: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child- children’s version)

Duty of Care
The school has a duty of care to protect all students and prevent them from experiencing harm, and to act with a sense of urgency if a student is at risk of harm. An inquiry will be undertaken, for all concerns and issues raised, no matter how minor. International school communities have unique characteristics of which school personnel must be aware in terms of the individuals who are around our children. As an international school, we are sensitive to the vulnerability of international school families who are often separated from their extended families and usual support networks.

Who is Bound by this Policy?
This policy and procedures will apply to all persons associated with Nishimachi including but not limited to all employees, parents, volunteers, visitors and persons interacting with students. All community members are responsible for keeping the school informed and play a role in safeguarding the students.

We are committed to encouraging and maintaining a culture where people feel able to raise a safeguarding concern. You might be the first to recognize that something is wrong but feel that you cannot express your concerns as this may be disloyal to other community members or you may be concerned that you will be the victim of harassment as a result.

All students at risk need their welfare to be a priority. All concerns will be taken seriously and there will not be any consequences if concerns raised are unfounded.

All Nishimachi employees (including part-time teachers, cleaners, coaches, and after-school program instructors), have a contractual obligation and duty to defend and uphold this right for all students to be safe and free of harm.

Nishimachi employees are all mandatory reporters of any suspected abuse or neglect, as outlined by Japanese law. Nishimachi employees must report any suspected abuse, occurring on or off campus, to the Head, relevant principal or the Director of Business Operations. 

Please also find our Health and Wellness Curriculum which includes the outcomes for Child Protection from the AISA (Association of International Schools in Africa.)

All applicants for employment positions at Nishimachi are asked to provide/verify appropriate student protection or "working with children" certification as part of their application. All staff must complete Student Protection training and sign the Employee Code of Conduct annually.

Below you will find our Child Protection Policy and Volunteer Declaration form in English and Japanese, as well as the Nishimachi Employee Code of Conduct.