Safeguarding Policy

Our Commitment

Every child at NOVATECH A.I American College has the right to learn, play and develop in a safe, respectful and supportive environment. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is the responsibility of every adult who works at or visits our school.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers and visitors on school premises. It outlines our duties, procedures and culture of vigilance that ensures children are protected from harm at all times.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is appointed with responsibility for managing and monitoring all child protection and safeguarding concerns. The DSL is the first point of contact for any staff member, parent or visitor who has a concern about a child's welfare.

In the absence of the DSL, a nominated deputy will assume responsibility. All staff are informed of who the DSL and deputy are at the start of each academic session.

Recognising Concerns

Signs that may indicate a child is at risk include:

• Unexplained changes in behaviour, mood or academic engagement
• Social withdrawal, anxiety or fearfulness
• Unexplained physical marks, injuries or poor hygiene
• A child's disclosure — directly or indirectly — that they are being harmed
• Concerning behaviour from an adult who has contact with the child

All staff are trained to identify and respond to these signs sensitively and without delay. Training is updated annually.

Reporting Procedures

Any member of staff, visitor or parent who has concerns about a child's welfare must report them immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Concerns should never be left unaddressed or investigated independently.

All concerns are taken seriously and investigated promptly in line with Nigerian child protection regulations and the Child Rights Act. Where there is immediate risk of harm, the DSL will take swift action including contacting relevant statutory agencies.

Staff are not required to prove abuse before reporting — a reasonable concern is sufficient. The DSL will decide on next steps following a thorough assessment.

Online Safety

NOVATECH takes digital safety seriously. All students receive age-appropriate digital citizenship education, covering responsible internet use, online privacy, social media risks and how to stay safe from online harm.

The acceptable use of technology by all students, staff and visitors is governed by a separate Acceptable Use Policy. Any online safeguarding concern — including cyberbullying, inappropriate contact or harmful content — is treated with the same urgency as any other safeguarding issue.

Confidentiality

All information shared during safeguarding processes is handled with strict confidentiality. Information is shared only with those who need to know in order to protect the child — this may include the DSL, school leadership, parents or legal guardians (where appropriate) and statutory agencies.

Information will never be shared beyond what is necessary, and all records are stored securely in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the school leadership and updated as required by changes in legislation, best practice guidance or school circumstances. It is communicated to all staff, volunteers and — on request — to parents and guardians.

Current version: August 2025. Next review: August 2026.

Report a Concern

If you have an urgent safeguarding concern about any child at NOVATECH, contact the school office immediately. Do not wait.