Child Protection Safety

New Life International School's vision to empower students through quality Christian English education in a safe, loving, family-like environment for both students and teachers is a top priority. To maintain a secure environment, teachers and staff believe it is essential to be prepared for any emergency or critical incident. The teachers continually work to improve our school's safety regulations so that NLIS will continue its reputation as a safe place to learn. Below are some of the policies that New Life International School follows.

The school:

Works with the community to address equality issues, promote positive values, and encourage a culture of respect;
Creates conditions in which the students can aspire to and realize safe and healthy relationships;
Establishes a culture where students can share their concerns openly in a non-judgmental environment.

New Life International School teachers have written a "Child Protection Policy Handbook," a "Critical Incident Management Plan," and an "E-Safety Policy." The following is taken from these handbooks.

Basic Policies and Procedures

The following assures the children at New Life International School of a safe learning environment:

1. Restroom Policy

Adult Use of Restroom Facilities
To ensure a safe environment for all students, adults at New Life International School use designated adult restrooms whenever possible. Adult restrooms are located in the gym locker room and the annex building storage area.

If these facilities are unavailable, an adult may temporarily use a student restroom only when no students are present. Before entering, the adult must clearly call out, "Hello—anyone here?" to confirm the restroom is empty. The adult may then enter and lock the door to prevent student access. At no time may an adult and a student share the same restroom facility.

2. Anti-Bullying Policy

New Life International School has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. No student may be bullied, teased, insulted, or excluded for any reason, including differences in appearance, speech, behavior, beliefs, culture, language, family, or background.

Bullying is not tolerated by students or supported by parents in any form. All incidents are addressed promptly, firmly, and with care. If bullying is reported or suspected, teachers take immediate action to protect the student involved, separate the students as needed, and guide them toward resolution.

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated, including physical, verbal, or social harm.

3. Annual First Aid Training and Annual Updates on all Protection Plans

All teachers and staff have training in first aid annually. All teachers, staff, and board members review the student protection policies annually and work to improve the guidelines as needed. First aid kits are kept in every classroom and regularly maintained and kept filled with band-aids, gloves, antiseptic spray, gauze pads, adhesive tape, tweezers, ice packs (in the freezer), itch cream or after-bite ointment, fever-reducing gel sheets, a forehead thermometer, and a CPR mask kit.

Teachers received training from the local police on how to deflect a knife attack.

4. Annual Protection Activities:

New Life International School conducts regular earthquake, fire, and lockdown drills for all students.
Fire safety lessons led by the local fire department are provided for Grades 1–6 every other year, either on campus or at the Kofu Station fire department.
School facilities are regularly inspected by licensed professionals to ensure all alarms, emergency lighting, exit signs, and fire extinguishers are operational.
Child protection lessons are taught annually at all grade levels and address physical, emotional, and sexual safety using age-appropriate instruction, including the "no, go, and tell" strategy. Puberty education is provided for students in Grades 4–12.
The school maintains emergency supplies for shelter-in-place situations, including water, food, and cooking equipment.
Classrooms, the gym, and offices maintain clear lines of sight to prevent the creation of isolated spaces.
Supervision procedures ensure that no adult is ever alone with a student.

5. Field Trip Policy

NLIS field trips are designed to support student learning while ensuring their safety and well-being at all

times. The following guidelines outline supervision expectations, required preparations, and first-aid

procedures for both teachers and accompanying parents.

Supervision Ratios

• Grades 1–6: One adult for every ten students

• Grades 7–12: One adult for every ten to fifteen students

For younger students, continuous supervision is required. At amusement parks or similar venues, it is

acceptable for the supervising adult to remain nearby while students ride, as long as they can clearly see the

children.

Risk Assessment Requirement

Before any field trip, an NLIS staff member must complete a Risk Assessment for the location, including

a physical inspection, identification of risks, and confirmation of available medical services, or an

alternative emergency plan.

First-Aid Care on a Field Trip

Teachers Must Bring:

• A stocked first-aid kit

• A fully charged phone

• The field trip permission slip with parent contact information

Guidelines for Teachers and Parents:

• Treat minor injuries when possible; if unable, take the student to someone who can. Use a nurse station if available.

• For non-serious issues, contact parents first; with permission, call an ambulance if needed.

• For life-threatening injuries, call an ambulance first, then inform parents.

• Medication cannot be dispensed without parental permission. For minor discomforts, help students feel comfortable with water, shade, rest, or simple snacks.

• Parents joining the trip must read, sign, and date this policy sheet to confirm understanding (not liability).

6. Safe Recruitment Procedures

Employee Screening and Background Checks
All employees who work with or regularly interact with students are screened in accordance with the Student Protection Policy. Employees who have lived outside Japan in the past 12 months must submit a police clearance from their previous country (when available) and an Employer Declaration Regarding Student Protection confirming their suitability to work with students. Because Japan does not currently offer a national background check system, employees who are Japanese citizens or who have lived in Japan for more than 12 months are asked, whenever possible, to submit:

a signed Employer Declaration Regarding Student Protection, and
a recent written reference from a school leader or employer confirming suitability to work with students.

References must be dated within the past year, signed on official letterhead, and include full contact details.

7. Intimate Personal Care Procedures

School staff may assist students with personal care, accidents, or first aid when necessary. When providing such assistance, staff will follow these safeguards:

• A second adult will be present whenever possible.
• If another adult is unavailable, a second student will be present, or the staff member will step out while the student cares for themself, when appropriate.
• All incidents will be documented.

8. E-Safety Policy

Student behavior is guided by clearly defined expectations that promote responsible decision-making. This includes the appropriate and responsible use of technology. These expectations apply to all IT devices used at school, including personal devices.

All students in Grades 1 through Junior High have daily access to a school-provided computer. High school students are required to bring a personal laptop to school each day.

Students are expected to follow the Student Safe Internet Use Agreement and the school's E-Safety and Acceptable Use Policies, and to use technology responsibly, ethically, and safely in accordance with school policies and applicable Japanese and international laws. This includes respecting intellectual property and copyright, protecting data and network security, honoring the privacy and rights of others, and using devices, images, and digital tools appropriately for educational purposes. Students must properly acknowledge sources, refrain from unauthorized recording or software use, report misuse or inappropriate content, and use technology in ways that prevent harm, including cyberbullying.

These expectations apply to all devices—school-owned or personal—and to both on- and off-campus use of school technology or platforms, supporting a safe, respectful, and secure learning environment.

8. E-Safety Policy Cont.

Faculty and Staff are responsible for ensuring the school promotes safe, responsible, and ethical use of technology. Any suspected misuse or concerns are reported to the E-Safety Officer or Head of School for appropriate action.
Staff use only official school systems for professional digital communication with students. E-safety is integrated into the curriculum and school activities, including guidance on responsible use of mobile phones, cameras, and digital devices.
Teachers guide students to appropriate online resources, address unsuitable content if encountered, and teach responsible research practices, including proper citation and avoiding plagiarism. All staff and students are expected to understand and follow the school’s E-Safety and Acceptable Use Policies.

9. Policy on Smart or Mobile Phones and Other Handheld Devices

Mobile phones and other handheld devices are increasingly common, and New Life International School recognizes their educational value when used appropriately. Faculty and staff may carry and use these devices during breaks and, in moderation, for instructional purposes. Photos or recordings may be taken for educational or school-related purposes only when parental media permission has been granted. This applies to staff, approved helpers, and visiting guests.

Students may bring mobile phones to school for emergencies, but may not use them during the school day unless authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes. Other personal handheld devices, such as tablets or gaming consoles, are not permitted at school and may be confiscated if brought. All student devices must remain on manner mode, and the school is not responsible for loss or damage.

Student safety policies take precedence at all times. Devices may be temporarily confiscated when necessary to protect the safety or well-being of students, staff, or the learning environment.

10. Student Welfare:

Students may not do the following:

Leave the school's supervision before regular closing times
Be in contact with unknown persons
Be released to unknown persons or an estranged parent not legally responsible for the child without express written permission from the legally responsible parent or guardian.

Tel. 055-287-9577