Safeguarding Policy

At K. International School Tokyo (KIST), we are committed to providing a safe, secure, healthy, and caring environment for all students. In alignment with our mission to nurture competent, academic, and compassionate individuals who make meaningful contributions to our global community, we actively uphold the highest standards in child protection and safeguarding.

Safeguarding at KIST includes promoting student wellbeing and encompasses:

• Protecting children from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Preventing harm to children’s health and development
• Ensuring children grow up in a safe and supportive environment
• Taking action to secure the best possible outcomes for every child

Child protection refers to the specific measures we take to prevent and respond to incidents of maltreatment, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or involving neglect or self-harm.

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy—based on Japanese law, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and international best practices—guides all KIST employees, volunteers, and service providers in maintaining professional boundaries and acting with accountability. All concerns regarding student safety are addressed through a clear reporting and investigation process led by our trained Child Protection Team.

Mr. Akinari Hirano (Former Inspector, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

At KIST, our faculty and staff work diligently together to maintain the highest standards of safety and security, ensuring a protected and focused learning environment for all students. To further strengthen our staff's ongoing efforts with specialized external guidance, we have appointed Mr. Akinari Hirano, a former Inspector of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, as our dedicated School Advisor.

With 32 years of distinguished service at the forefront of the Metropolitan Police Department—including extensive experience in the Organized Crime Control Department—Mr. Hirano brings invaluable expertise in risk management and investigative oversight.

As part of our commitment to community well-being, KIST provides a direct channel for parents to consult with Advisor Hirano regarding any concerns or troubles related to their children or school life. This unique system, where the school and an external expert work in close coordination, serves as a vital pillar of support, ensuring that every family in the KIST community can enjoy peace of mind.

All faculty and staff at KIST receive safeguarding training, and new employees complete comprehensive orientation in our Safeguarding Code. Designated staff receive advanced training to fulfill specialized roles in student protection.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP), KIST follows rigorous recruitment procedures. These include criminal background checks, reference verification, and screening for understanding of safeguarding practices. All hires must sign our Code of Conduct and agree to uphold our safeguarding standards.

Our full safeguarding policy is available to current families through the MyKIST Family Schoology page.