The British School of Amsterdam

Wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of the school, rooted in pastoral care that prioritises the physical and emotional welfare of every student. Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education equips students with essential knowledge and skills to make confident decisions amidst external pressures. Initiatives like Wellbeing Week and dedicated weekly PSHE lessons reinforce emotional wellbeing, and assemblies reflect the core values of nurture, inspire, and empower. A safeguarding team supports staff and parents in addressing students' safety, while a school nurse and a team of trained counsellors provide on-site health and emotional support. Parent workshops strengthen home–school partnership to support student wellbeing.

We are non-selective and inclusive, providing support to pupils with mild to moderate educational needs. We strive to ensure access to all aspects of school life and follow a Graduated Approach to SEND, aligned with the SEND Code of Practice. Needs are grouped into four broad areas: communication and interaction; cognition and learning; social, emotional and mental health; and sensory/physical needs. A named Learning Support Coordinator (SENDCo) in Early Years and Junior School and a Head of Learning Support in the Senior School lead provision; they work with teachers and families to plan and review targeted support and liaise with external agencies when needed. Teaching is planned to be differentiated to meet needs, with monitoring and coordination at school leadership level.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is recognised as a strength, and EAL pupils have equal access to the full curriculum. EAL provision is fully integrated into inclusion, safeguarding, and equality commitments. The school identifies EAL needs on entry, with data on home language(s) and baseline assessments, and maintains a central EAL register. EAL progress is monitored termly using appropriate descriptors and staged grids. EAL is delivered through Quality First Teaching, with dedicated EAL groups; EY/Junior students have EAL twice weekly alongside Dutch, while Seniors have EAL as a language option with four lessons every two weeks. The policy distinguishes EAL from SEND and involves parents in supporting learning.

The mental health and wellbeing of pupils is a priority, guided by UK and international frameworks to ensure best practice in international schools. The Senior Mental Health Lead oversees and implements the school's mental health strategy, supported by a team of on-site mental health professionals and a Counselling Team for confidential brief intervention and signposting to external services. Mental health is addressed across the curriculum through PSHE, assemblies, and dedicated events, with awareness activities and resources signposted to pupils and parents. The school provides quiet spaces for emotional regulation and access to ongoing pastoral support from Heads of Year and pastoral staff. Progress is tracked using validated tools, and staff receive training to identify and respond to concerns.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The school provides a safe and secure environment and a safeguarding team supports staff and parents. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs coordinate safeguarding across all sections; staff receive safeguarding training and adhere to safer recruitment policies. The school bases safeguarding on Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE) and the Dutch Meldcode, with clear step procedures for responding to concerns and collaboration with safeguarding partners. The policy sets out roles for all staff, from the Principal to teaching and support staff, and requires timely recording and reporting of concerns.