Safeguarding
The welfare of the students entrusted to our care is our absolute highest priority. La Garenne operates a child-centred and coordinated approach to safeguarding. At its heart, our safeguarding policy creates an environment where our students feel they are respected and listened to, so that if anything goes wrong, they can report it and be taken seriously. Our procedures ensure that all staff from cleaners to teachers, from the catering team to boarding house staff, and the whole admin team understand their responsibilities.
New staff are subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity, criminal background (as well as a special extract from the Swiss criminal records for people working with children), qualifications and employment checks. All staff are required to complete regular training programmes.
La Garenne’s unique mission is underpinned by our belief and commitment that all our students will thrive in the safest possible environment. The students are empowered to make decisions for themselves and are educated about consent and how to keep themselves safe through PSHE and E-Safety awareness as well as during whole-school and key stage assemblies.
La Garenne International School's Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually.
Medical Care
The on-site Health Centre team includes a qualified nurse. We provide round the clock care for minor ailments and illnesses. We have close links to the local medical centre and world-class hospitals are nearby. Staff members are trained annually in First Aid. Practices and procedures on and off campus are carefully designed to minimise risk. Risk assessments are undertaken before every school trip. Emergency procedures are well displayed around the school and rehearsed, and all main buildings have a defibrillator. In school we take care of:
- Health and hygiene education
- Organising appointments with specialists
- Accompanying students to the doctor
- Monitoring and administering treatments and medication
- Communicating with parents and staff
- Monitoring each child’s growth (height/weight)
- Updating allergy records and arranging special dietary requirements
Counselling
Our in-school counselling service supports students with academic, social and emotional issues. The service is open to all. We always respect students' privacy and need for confidentiality. The trust built between counsellor and student is key. Sometimes we need to contact outside agencies for more in-depth support - this is always done with student and parental consent - but we find that most issues can be dealt with successfully here at La Garenne. Our team includes a psychologist and our excellent special needs and disability specialists. We offer a package of wellness therapies for older students. Read more here.