Welfare and Safeguarding
We have dedicated staff who do their very best to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child. Our staff are extensively trained in first aid, fire safety, GDPR, as well as trained to relevant and/or specialist level in Safeguarding. We always have a first-aid trained staff member on hand, and at least one fire safety officer in the building at a time. Each of our centres has a Designated Safeguarding Lead available 24/7, to support our team in ensuring your child is best looked after whilst in our care. Students are supervised at all times. They are reminded to make note of our 24-hour emergency telephone number during their school induction, as well as being printed on their Student ID card.
All our homestay hosts are inspected by our experienced accommodation team on a yearly basis, and are required to complete Basic Safeguarding Training in addition to obtaining a clear enhanced DBS check, in accordance with the British Council regulation, before hosting our students.
KKCL is a Bully Free Zone and we operate a zero-tolerance policy for all students and adults. Throughout our centres, we use notice boards and posters to inform students of who to speak to if they have any concerns or worries. Even if it is a common problem such as homesickness, KKCL staff are trained in how to listen and help in different situations, so that the student is able to enjoy their KKCL experience. Our staff are friendly and approachable and support students if they have any worries or concerns.
Health and Safety
At KKCL Juniors we annually update risk assessments for all premises, activities and off-site locations, as well as maintaining health and safety standards to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and happy stay.
Operations and Activities Staff are all trained on how to deal with emergencies and are all familiar with the KKCL Emergency Action Plan, which outlines our arrangement for responding to emergency situations. This plan is also given to group leaders and accompanying adults, who are also required to read and understand this procedure, as part of the Group Leader Welcome Pack.
Pre-Departure
Our Pre-Departure Pack, which includes a comprehensive accommodation profile and guidance on travel from the accommodation to the school, will be sent to all students prior to arrival, to ensure students are well-prepared for their stay.
Arrival
Individual students and groups of 9 or more passengers are met by a member of KKCL staff wearing a staff T-shirt and ID badge to ensure a smooth transition from the airport to the school. Small groups with group leaders or accompanying adults (fewer than 9 passengers) are personally met and greeted by a licensed driver at the arrival gate.
On arrival at our school, students are greeted by a senior member of staff who will be able to answer any immediate questions. All groups and individuals have a brief meeting with a senior member of staff as soon as they arrive at KKCL from the airport. Everyone is provided with a Welcome Pack, which contains useful information about accommodation, the school, the local area, free local SIM cards and our 24-hour emergency number. During the meeting, students are explained how to use London transportation, the school’s emergency number and the homestay rules. Students are also offered help with setting up / topping up SIM cards.
Before the start of their classes, students receive a tour of the school and a full induction covering the school facilities and welfare & safety provision, including emergency procedures – such as what to do if the fire alarm rings. Students are told who to contact if they encounter any problems or need help. Students are also given a Student ID card and KKCL Student Workbook, which includes practical advice, for example on what to do in the event of getting lost.
During the Stay
At School
All breaktimes are supervised by KKCL teachers and staff, to ensure the safety of the students. In addition, students under 18 are not allowed off the school premises. KKCL regularly schedules emergency fire drills, which aim to familiarise everyone with our procedures in case of a real fire. All sports and games are actively supervised, with high-risk sports such as Touch Rugby, Tennis and Rock Climbing, led by carefully selected professionals trained to teach students in a safe way. For daily roll calls, groups are allocated to their meeting points with their group leaders; individual students are allocated to a dedicated staff member who will act as their group leader throughout their stay.
On Trips and Activities
Students and Group Leaders are accompanied on all activities and excursions by KKCL Activities Leaders; all of whom have been trained by our experienced senior Activities Team members. They utilise many prevention techniques, to ensure students stay safe throughout their time with us. These include planned itineraries, dedicated meeting points at each location, allocated staff looking after individual students, regular headcounts etc. Staff also wear bright T-shirts or jackets with the school logo and often carry KKCL umbrellas so they are visible at all times.
Whilst these measures are in place to keep students safe from the very start, emergencies may arise out of our control. In this case, staff are also trained in how to deal with emergency situations, using role-play methods in accordance with our emergency procedure.
At your Accommodation
Our Homestay Manager, together with our Accommodation Team are on hand to liaise between students and homestay hosts to keep close communication and resolve any issues that may arise. Our homestay and residential accommodation arrangements ensure supervision by homestay hosts / residential staff who are available 24-hours a day in case of emergency. Curfews are in place for all junior students, who are expected to follow them.
Daily student schedules are available on our website with live updates, allowing students, parents, hosts and staff to have access to clear and accurate information about a student’s schedule. This allows us to locate a student at any given moment, as well as giving parents peace of mind.
Daily transfers between our school and homestay or hotel accommodations are available upon request. This service is compulsory for students under the age of 12 without accompanying adults.
