Child Safeguarding at Graded

Graded is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and protective environment for all students, in accordance with both international best practices and Brazilian law. Our Child Safeguarding Program is grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Brazilian Statute of the Child and Adolescent (Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente – ECA).

The Child Safeguarding Handbook outlines preventive measures designed to promote student well-being, as well as procedures for responding to concerns related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or maltreatment. All adults who interact with students—including employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors—are expected to comply with Graded’s Child Safeguarding Policy and uphold the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Graded provides training, guidance, and resources to ensure that all members of the school community understand their safeguarding responsibilities and contribute to maintaining a positive and secure learning environment where students can thrive.

Guiding Frameworks

Graded’s Child Safeguarding Program aligns with Brazilian legislation and is informed by internationally recognized standards and best practices, including:

  • The Brazilian Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA), which establishes the rights and legal protections afforded to children and adolescents in Brazil.
  • The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which defines the fundamental rights of children and the responsibilities of adults and institutions to protect and promote those rights.
  • The Council of International Schools (CIS), the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC), and the International Task Force on Child Protection (ITFCP) provide internationally recognized safeguarding standards and guidance for schools through the Education Portal and related child protection initiatives.

Graded embraces the principles of both the ECA and the UNCRC and recognizes that helping students develop the confidence and skills to advocate for themselves and others is an essential part of their education. To support this goal, the school implements a comprehensive safeguarding program that engages students, employees, families, and visitors in developing a shared understanding of child protection and student well-being.

Visitors

Graded regularly welcomes visitors to campus for athletic, cultural, academic, and community events. To ensure the safety and well-being of all students, the following visitor procedures apply.

Visitors Affiliated with Schools or Organizations
Visitors participating in athletic competitions, cultural events, academic programs, or other school-sponsored activities through institutions that conduct their own safeguarding and background-screening procedures are not subject to additional screening requirements and do not need to be accompanied while on campus.

Accompanied Visitors
Visitors who are not affiliated with an organization that conducts background checks or safeguarding screening must be accompanied at all times by a Graded employee or current parent/guardian throughout their visit.

Visitor Registration
All visitors and volunteers must sign in at the Reception Office located in the Parking Garage upon arrival. Reception staff will:

  • Verify the visitor’s identity, as appropriate.
  • Ensure the visitor reviews the Visitor Guidelines.
  • Issue a visitor badge that must be worn at all times while on campus.

Visitor Guidelines
The following guidelines are printed on all visitor badges and apply to all campus visitors:

  • Wear your visitor badge and lanyard at all times.
  • Use designated visitor restrooms only.
  • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of students and staff.
  • Do not photograph or record students without prior authorization.
  • Follow all emergency procedures and instructions provided by school personnel. Designated evacuation areas are the Main Field and the Lower School Playground.
  • Comply with all directions provided by school administrators and staff.
  • If required to be accompanied, remain with your host throughout your visit.

Mandated Reporting 

Protecting students is a shared responsibility of every member of the Graded community.

All Graded employees are required to immediately report any suspected child safeguarding concern or violation to a divisional counselor, administrator, supervisor, or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Graded's DSL is Sarah Thawley (sarah.thawley@graded.br).

Parents, volunteers, contractors, visitors, and other community members who have concerns about a student’s safety or well-being should report those concerns to a teacher, counselor, administrator, supervisor, or the DSL.

Upon receiving a report, the Designated Safeguarding Lead and a counselor will review the information and determine the appropriate next steps, including whether to convene the Child Safeguarding Response Team (CSRT).

All reports will be managed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Child Safeguarding Handbook. Any required documentation, investigation records, or follow-up reports will be completed by the DSL or designated members of the CSRT.

Concerns Involving Adults in the School Community
If a safeguarding concern involves a Graded employee, volunteer, contractor, or visitor, the Designated Safeguarding Lead must be notified immediately. The DSL will inform the Superintendent and determine the appropriate response process in accordance with school policy.

Who to Report to If You Have a Concern 

If you have concerns regarding a student’s safety, well-being, or protection, report them immediately to a counselor, administrator, supervisor, or the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Prompt reporting enables the school to assess concerns appropriately and provide support when needed.