Safeguarding Report Summary
Tim Gerrish from our consulting company, International Child Protection Advisers (ICPA) visited recently to conduct an audit of our Safeguarding procedures and approaches. He interviewed a wide range of adults and children, conducted a site inspection, and examined documentation and policies. One of the many very positive comments he made in his verbal feedback was that ‘this community really gets it.’ In his subsequent report, he highlighted the following.
Commendations:
- The depth of understanding by staff was impressive.
- Staff members commented “I feel protected by the schools safeguarding measures”. “Safeguarding here is strong, safe for everyone, always present”. The profile of the Safeguarding team amongst staff was very high and staff knew they could report concerns to their respective officer.
- There is evidence of a continued commitment by the senior management team to strengthen DCSL child safeguarding processes.
- DCSL senior management are continually developing safeguarding procedures. They are leading on initiatives linked to low level concerns.
- Safeguarding is included as a standing agenda item on meetings across the College.
- The College has some very experienced and highly respected staff leading on Safeguarding who should be commended for their work in strengthening systems at the College.
- Reporting posters are visible and well placed around the College.
- Clear lines of reporting are understood and the distinction between reporting concerns about a child and an adult have been well communicated. Staff knew if the concern was about an adult, it should be reported to the Head of College.
- A well-prepared Visitors Code of Conduct is used at the College entrance whilst signing in. Positively, this is proactively delivered by the Security Officers, another example of excellent practice.
- The College is thoughtful about its use of images on social media and other outlets.
- The marketing and communications staff have excellent innovative skills which could be used to further support, compliment, and reinforce the great work already being done within the College to promote Child Safeguarding generally.
- Students spoken with feel safe within the College. They have a good level of confidence in reporting matters that worry them to staff in college.
Recommendations include:
- Further refinements and developments in obtaining, recording, and monitoring recruitment information.
- Ensure greater consistency in Safeguarding recruitment procedures for outsourced staff.
- Provide more situation specific training for outsourced provider staff.
- Further encourage students to identify a trusted adult in school as well as at home to whom they would pass on concerns.
- Further develop inclusive attitudes amongst the student body.
- Ensure that new families are given a link to the Safeguarding Policy document upon joining the College.
- Parents to notify the College of any permanent and temporary changes to guardianship, such as being away on business and children being are left in the care of another adult.
- Visitors and parents should not take their children into adult washrooms. If they need to help to find a children’s washroom or if they need to help a younger child, they should ask a member of staff.
Term 3 – ECA Bus
The ECA bus (4.30pm) will run from 17 April to 9 June, 2023. If your child/children participate in an ECA (3.30pm – 4.30pm), their bus time will automatically be switched to the 4.30pm bus.
For late activities including ECAs and Sports Squads that finish at or after 5pm, students will be removed from bus lists automatically, and they must be picked up.
School bus change
Morning bus: If your child is sick in the early morning and unable to take the bus, please contact your morning bus driver or monitor directly.
Afternoon bus: Please be informed that any changes of bus service (e.g. time change or pick-up) should be requested through Schoolsbuddy no later than 1pm on the day you want to make the change. This will ensure that your request receives our immediate attention.
Special note for Senior School (Year 7 ~ Year 13)
Please remind the students that they must go to their bus as quickly as possible, as other children are waiting for them. If they are not there by 3.40pm / 4.40pm, then the bus will leave without them.
For other bus-related matters or any emergency changes, please contact the College Bus Department at:
Email: Buses@dulwich-seoul.kr / Telephone: 02-3015-8563
Road Work
In light of upcoming road work that will likely reduce traffic to one lane near the school, we strongly encourage parents to consider utilising public transportation or signing up for the school bus service to avoid severe traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times. By making the switch sooner, we can work together to alleviate traffic disruptions and ensure a smoother journey for everyone until the end of Term 3. To sign up for the bus service, please email bus@dulwich-seoul.kr with your child’s name and your address, and our bus team will promptly get back to you. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Annual School Portraits – Save the Date
Please take note that our school photographers will be on campus from Tuesday 2 May to Wednesday 4 May for the annual school portraits for all students (except Year 11 and Year 13, who have already had theirs done). In the coming weeks, we will provide further details regarding the schedule, available packages, and any additional information necessary to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Interview with Ms Suzy Pugh by The Kiwi Chamber
We are excited to share this great interview with our Head of Senior School, Suzy Pugh, featured in The Kiwi Chamber (NZ Chamber of Commerce in Korea)‘s Inspire with Innovation series! As Suzy’s first year with Dulwich College Seoul unfolds, we wanted to give our community a chance to get to know her better and learn about her educational philosophy.
In the video, Suzy discusses her passion for the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and how it nurtures critical thinking, global awareness, and lifelong learning in our students, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.
We invite you to watch the interview and learn more about Suzy’s vision for our Senior School. We believe her experience and commitment will undoubtedly contribute to our students’ growth and achievements.
Special thanks to Tony Garret, Head of the Kiwi Chamber, for expertly conducting the interview.
Dulwich Talk – Catherine Shin
We were honoured to have Catherine Shin, a UN senior political affairs officer with over two decades of experience in peace, security, human rights, and development, as our guest speaker at today’s Dulwich Talk Thought Leadership Series. Addressing students from Year 7 to Year 10, Catherine candidly and earnestly shared her experiences from various conflict zones and discussed her current work in South Sudan, highlighting the difficulties faced in the region and the ongoing efforts towards a peace agreement. The students were full of great questions, and Catherine shared some deeply moving personal stories about her life at the UN.
Dulwich Photo Competition
Get ready for this year’s 10th anniversary edition of the Dulwich Photo Competition, part of our Worldwise Events programme! This year, we’re celebrating our incredible history by featuring popular themes from the past decade while emphasizing global citizenship values. Plus, your submissions will contribute to our Green Initiative, helping to grow the Dulwich Forest. So, grab your cameras and showcase your unique perspectives on our world—let’s make this anniversary year one to remember! Entries close Monday 24 April.
Social Coffee Morning & Used Uniform Sale
New Parent Coffee Morning
[Community Bulletin]
VfL Wolfsburg Youth Soccer Camp
If you’re a young soccer player looking to improve your skills, don’t miss the VfL Wolfsburg Youth Soccer camp in Korea! The 2nd ISEA – VfL Wolfsburg Soccer Camp will take place from 15 to 22 April, 2023 in Seoul.
Led by Pierre Littbarski and a team of qualified youth coaches, this program offers an opportunity to discover and develop your talents in the German football program. The camp features top-class coaches and first-team scouters in Korea, providing an ideal environment for player scouting.
To apply, contact ISEA International Sports Exchange Association at +82-2-566-0905 or iseakorea@gmail.com. For more information, visit their website at www.i-sea.or.kr. This is a great opportunity to improve your soccer skills and learn from some of the best coaches in the game.