School safety: a comprehensive approach
What is most important to parents choosing a school for their child? The level of education? The atmosphere in the classroom? Strong teachers?
Yes. But there is something even more important, and it becomes the basis for the realisation of everything else. It's safety. Physical, psychological and emotional.
Without this foundation, a child will not be able to learn successfully and discover his or her talents, and parents will not be able to relax while the child is in school.
We believe that school safety is not a luxury, but a basic standard that should be provided comprehensively.
Security is not just about guards at the entrance
Many people understand security to mean turnstiles, security guards and video cameras. These things are important, but they are only the tip of the iceberg.
A comprehensive approach to security includes:
🔹 Physical security - site inspection, modern access control systems (permit system), qualified guards.
🔹 Emotional safety - when a child is sure that he/she will not be humiliated, will not be left alone with a problem, will not allow bullying to destroy his/her self-esteem.
🔹 Information safety - protecting pupils' and parents' personal data, safe use of gadgets, media literacy. This could also include the safe use of the internet during computer science lessons.
🔹 Psychological safety - access to a school psychologist, help with adaptation, support in difficult situations.
What does this look like in practice?
In schools with a real commitment to safety, you will see:
✅ A permit system and a site inspection before the school day.
✅ Clear evacuation plans and regular fire drills.
✅ Having qualified staff who know how to deal with emergency situations.
✅ Observing the atmosphere in classrooms and corridors: caring teachers who recognise signs of bullying.
✅ Media literacy classes that teach safe communication on the Internet.
✅ A friendly school counsellor to whom children can turn without fear or shame.
✅ A team that liaises with parents, keeps them informed and responds quickly if their child has difficulties.
Why it's important
A child who feels secure can learn, make friends, explore the world and be themselves. Parents can work and go about their business with peace of mind knowing that their child is safe at school. It is important for us at CIS to create an atmosphere where school is a home that fosters the right values, self-confidence and a love of learning. And it is only when all safety standards are met that the all-round development of children is possible.
Teaching children about safety
As safety is always achieved through two-way communication, we not only provide the highest level of safety, but also teach children to take the topic seriously and not to ignore safety norms. We regularly arrange anti-bullying programmes where we dedicate a whole day or week to this topic. Students learn the basics of tolerance and empathy towards their peers. They are told about different behavioural strategies if they feel unsafe or if they notice such a situation in someone else.
It is important to note that during lessons, especially in physics, chemistry and PE, children should be equipped to avoid injury. At CIS during chemistry lessons, for example, teachers always distribute safety goggles, gowns, gloves, and during PE lessons we always check the shoes that children come in as they should not slip.
Medical staff on duty at the school is also an important factor for parents when choosing a school. It is also important to ensure that the school canteen menu is safe, allergen-free, compliant and tasty and nutritious. These are the aspects we always draw parents' attention to when they visit the school. You can't remember everything at once, and some things you may forget to ask, but CIS staff have extensive experience in providing high quality education, so we are proud to share our inner workings and uphold the principle of transparency and openness throughout our co-operation.
