15 October, 2025

Prioritising Every Child’s Wellbeing

Safety on campus

At Dalian American International School, as well as in other school of the Nord Anglia Education Group, we uphold a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students. Our approach resonates deeply with Nord Anglia’s educational philosophy which states that every child should be safe, feel supported, and be empowered to succeed. We believe that students thrive best when they learn in an environment where their wellbeing is prioritised and where they are nurtured academically, socially, and emotionally. We actively cultivate a culture of safety and wellbeing in both physical and emotional spaces, addressing every concern with care, guided by the fundamental principle that “the child’s welfare is paramount.” 

Simran Monica Daryani, Regional Director of Safeguarding, China International Schools: “Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. At China International Schools, we aim to provide a world-class, safe and happy environment, enabling our students to thrive, learn confidently and grow into compassionate leaders of tomorrow. As communities of learners, we are committed to nurturing not just successful learners, but empowered individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.”

safe

SAFE: Creating the Foundations of Trust 

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Creating safe environments begins with a solid foundation of people, policies, and procedures. Each of our schools has a dedicated safeguarding team led by trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), who work closely with regional and global Nord Anglia networks. Together, we uphold the highest standards as part of our safeguarding policy and practices. Our teams are well-versed in international best practices while remaining sensitive to the unique local contexts in which they operate. 

Safety begins with a proactive approach. We implement rigorous recruitment processes from the outset and conduct ongoing safeguarding training. Every member of staff, from teachers to administrative staff, understands their role in keeping children safe. Our campuses are physically secure, with robust site security measures, monitored visitor guidelines, and clearly communicated safety protocols such as emergency drills. 

Emotional safety is equally important. Through age-appropriate education and student engagement, we promote children’s agency, enabling them at the same time to voice concerns and confidently seek guidance from trusted adults. Tools to support our learners range from schools introducing specific programmes from Early Years, such as the Zones of Regulation, alongside the use of digital platforms, journals and communication boxes. Wellbeing assessments are among the resources also incorporated into Secondary. All our strategies are aimed at fostering students’ social and emotional growth. 

supported

SUPPORTED: Nurturing Every Child Together 

We believe that student wellbeing is sustained through a network of support. That includes every member of our community. Our pastoral care systems are carefully structured to ensure every child feels valued and supported at every step of their journey. From class teachers, Form Tutors and Heads of Year to wellbeing leads, a collaborative web of care surrounds each learner.

Wellbeing is not a standalone initiative; it is woven into the everyday experiences of school life. Regular wellbeing check-ins provide our students with vital emotional support and when needed, individualised and strategic interventions are integrated. Our teams offer both short-term support and referrals for longer-term care where necessary, facilitating students’ emotional regulation, strengthening healthy relationships, and transforming pressure into opportunities for growth. 

Our schools partner with families as integral collaborators, promoting student wellbeing through open communication and shared learning opportunities. As part of our stance, we offer a range of related workshops aimed at equipping parents with practical resources to assist their child within the realms of personal, social and emotional development. Workshop topics have included managing online safety, supporting everyday wellbeing routines and building resilience. 

This shared framework helps us create an inclusive, compassionate school culture where students, staff, and families work together to nurture each child’s growth. 

successful

SUCCESSFUL: Creating Confident, Resilient Learners 

Teaching and learning are at the heart of our mission, and wellbeing is inseparable from academic success. When students feel safe and supported, they are more likely to engage, take risks, and develop into self-directed learners. 

Our curriculum drives academic excellence while also equipping students with essential life skills. Interwoven across our lessons, particularly in the PhysicL and Health Education (PHE) curriculum, key components of learning include emotional regulation, digital citizenship, healthy relationships, and risk awareness. These lessons provide students with a sturdy springboard for navigating both personal and societal challenges.

Beyond the classroom, we provide leadership opportunities that empower students to take ownership of their learning and wellbeing. Through student councils, wellbeing programmes, and peer mentoring initiatives, students become active contributors to shaping safe, respectful school communities.

Our students do not just understand the importance of safety and wellbeing - they live it daily. They graduate as confident, empathetic, and competent individuals, prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Prioritizing every child's wellbeing

Together, We Champion Every Child

Our commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing is at the cornerstone of our school culture. By embedding safety, support, and success into everything we do, Nord Anglia’s China International Schools create an environment where students do not just learn — they thrive.

When a child feels safe, is surrounded by support, and is empowered to succeed, anything is possible. We are helping them to create their future.

A child’s welfare is paramount, and each student at Dalian American International School has the right to be protected from harm and exploitation. We adopted the Nord Anglia Education Guidance and Procedure for Safeguarding, Protecting and promoting the welfare of our students, and every person who works at DAIS is committed to follow this policy.

If you encounter any safeguarding concerns, please feel free to approach any of the staff member listed on the poster below or report anonymously by scanning the QR code or emailing Mr. Stephen Cairns, our Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Designated Safeguarding Leads at DAIS