A new scheme to protect and safeguard international students at UK boarding schools has been launched by the national body representing boarding.
In a speech at the Annual Conference for Boarding in Nottingham on 28-29 January, the Director of BSA (The Boarding Schools’ Association) launched the guardian membership scheme for schools.
BSA Director, David Walker said: “The BSA’s School Guardianship Membership Scheme will enable UK boarding schools to demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of international students. The scheme will work in harmony with our existing Certified Guardian scheme.”
BSA School Guardianship Membership will recognise boarding schools who work with carefully vetted educational guardians with robust safeguarding practices for young people studying away from home. Particularly pertinent, given the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has called for a system of licensing and registration of educational guardians for international students in residential schools.
This pioneering scheme – free for BSA members – promotes safe recruitment and comprehensive training of guardians, robust safeguarding policies, clear communications with parents and families, and the provision of support mechanisms for students.
David continues, “The new membership will recognise BSA member schools who go beyond the minimum requirements, actively promoting a culture of safety and trust, and offering international students a secure environment where they can thrive academically and personally.”
BSA also now offers families members or close friends who act as guardians but are not registered as such, the opportunity to undergo online safeguarding training and a DBS check for a small fee, giving schools a further tool to ensure peace of mind.
Click here for more information on the Guardianship Membership Scheme.
