Foreign children less savage (6)

I believe the answer is:

kinder

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'foreign children' is the definition.
'kinder' can be an answer for 'children' (I have seen 'German children' mean 'kinder' so perhaps 'children' could also mean 'kinder'). I am unsure of the 'foreign' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for kinder that I've seen before include "Scout may follow this" , "more pleasant" , "with less severity" , "More considerate and helpful" , "More agreeable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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