PEAS joined Global Schools Forum’s final Community of Practice (CoP) session on Child Safeguarding, where we presented our Safeguarding Standards and approach and shared experiences with partner organisations, including Enko Education.
PEAS’ commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
At PEAS, safeguarding and child protection have always been at the core of our operations. We take a zero-tolerance and student-centred approach to safeguarding, achieved through our robust policies, training and support and supervision. Our approach is monitored through regular data collection, based on PEAS’ Safeguarding Standards, and strengthened through collaboration with local government, community development officers and the police.
What are PEAS’ safeguarding standards?
PEAS’ safeguarding standards are just one element of our approach. The Standards, accredited by “Keeping Children Safe”, consist of over 20 indicators that define best practice in our schools. They are a practical framework which support school staff to understand the expectations and take ownership over their school’s policies and practices. External evidence indicates that our schools have stronger child protection policies, training, and implementation than non-PEAS schools (EPRC, 2018).
Collaboration with Enko Education
GSF’s CoP provided a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. One collaboration resulting from the CoP is with Enko Education, a network of African international schools with a mission to increase access to the world’s best universities for learners across Africa. They offer an inclusive education, of outstanding quality, so that learners can access the world’s best universities and successful careers.
As a fast-growing organisation, Enko is looking to strengthen their safeguarding systems and practices. PEAS and Enko collaboratively reviewed PEAS’ resources, including our Safeguarding Standards Monitoring Tool, which holds schools accountable for adhering to the standards and strengthening their practices. Enko Education is now working to adapt this tool for their own use, so that they can monitor their own systems.
Shared lessons
Through our conversations with Enko Education, we have collaboratively identified three critical lessons learned that we share as organisations committed to safeguarding and child protection:
- Have clear policies in place at school level that all school staff are aware of and understand. Included in this awareness should be campaigns that promote a culture of safeguarding and make learners aware of their rights and responsibilities.
- Use practical tools to continuously monitor safeguarding in schools allows for leaders to keep improving the safety of their schools.
- Establish a clear and effective reporting procedure for child protection matters. Ensure learner and school safety are first and foremost.
PEAS is committed to sharing our expertise and learning from others to create safer educational environments for all young people. If you’re interested in finding out more about our approach, or partnering with us, please contact partnerships@peas.ork.uk.