Safeguarding & Child Safety
At Machabeng College International School, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every student are our highest priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding children and young people throughout their educational journey, in line with the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011 (Lesotho) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Safeguarding at Machabeng is a shared responsibility between the school, families, and the wider community.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
Machabeng College is committed to:
- Creating a safe, caring, and supportive environment for all students
- Protecting students from abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying, and harm
- Promoting students’ physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing
- Acting promptly and responsibly when safeguarding concerns arise
- Safeguarding principles are embedded across school life, policies, teaching practices, and community engagement
What Safeguarding Means at Machabeng
Safeguarding includes protection from:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse and neglect
- Sexual abuse and exploitation
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Discrimination and harmful practices
- Online and digital risks
- We recognize that safeguarding is both preventative and responsive, requiring vigilance, education, and clear procedures
Safeguarding & Child Protection Team
The College has a dedicated Safeguarding and Child Protection Team, appointed by the Board of Governors and led by a designated safeguarding lead.
The team is responsible for:
- Managing safeguarding concerns and referrals
- Liaising with government child protection authorities
- Supporting students and staff
- Ensuring safeguarding policies are implemented and reviewed
- All safeguarding matters are handled confidentially and professionally
Reporting Concerns
All members of the Machabeng community have a duty to report concerns about a student’s safety or wellbeing.
Concerns can be raised with:
- A teacher or boarding parent
- The Safeguarding & Child Protection Team
- The Head of School
- Reports are taken seriously and acted upon promptly in accordance with national legislation and school policy
Anti-Bullying & Online Safety
Machabeng College has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, including cyberbullying.
We are committed to:
- Promoting respect, empathy, and inclusion
- Educating students about responsible digital behaviour
- Protecting students’ personal data and online privacy
- Clear procedures are in place for reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying incidents
Supporting Student Wellbeing
We recognize that students who experience harm may need additional care and reassurance.
The College provides:
- A safe and supportive environment
- Access to counseling and mental health support
- Ongoing monitoring and pastoral care
- Strong partnerships with parents and external support services
- Students are encouraged to speak up and seek help without fear
Safer Recruitment & Staff Training
Machabeng College follows strict safer recruitment practices to ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children.
All staff receive:
- Safeguarding training
- Clear guidance on professional conduct
- Ongoing updates on child protection responsibilities
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
Our Promise
Safeguarding at Machabeng College is not just a policy — it is a core value. We remain committed to protecting every child, listening to their voices, and ensuring they learn and grow in a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment.
