1. Introduction

AIMS OF THIS POLICY

• To ensure that children are effectively safeguarded from the potential risk of harm at School.
• School and that the safety and well-being of the children is of the highest priority in all aspects of the school’s work.
• To  help  the  school  maintain  its  ethos  whereby  staff,  pupils,  parents  and  others  feel  able  to articulate any concerns comfortably, safe in the knowledge that effective action will be taken as appropriate.
• To take the preventive measures to minimize the chances related to safeguard and protection of the child.

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

To ensure that all members of the school community:

• Aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection.
• Know the procedures that should be followed if they have a cause for concern.
• Know where to go to find additional information regarding safeguarding.
• Are aware of the key indicators relating to child abuse.
• Fully support the school’s commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

PRINCIPLE

1. It is obligatory for the educational institution to maintain a statutory duty to promote and safeguard the welfare of children, and have due regard to guidance issued by the supervising departments.
2. This school recognizes its legal and moral duty to promote the well-being of children, and protect them from harm, and respond to child abuse.
3. We believe that every child regardless of age has at all times and in all situations a right to feel safe and protected  from  any  situation or practice  that results  in a child  being physically  or  psychologically damaged.
4. We agree that we have a primary responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of the pupils in our charge, and  we  will  carry  out  this  duty  through  our  teaching  and  learning,  co-curricular  activities, pastoral  care  and  extended  school    In  order  to  achieve  this,  all  members  of  staff  (including Admin  &  supporting  staff) in  this  school,  in  whatever  capacity, will  at  all  time  act  proactively  in  child welfare matters especially where there is a possibility that a child may be at risk of significant harm.
5. The school  seeks  to  adopt  an  open  and  accepting  attitude  towards  children  as  part  of  their responsibility for pastoral care. The school hopes that parents and children will feel free to talk about any concerns and will see school as a safe place if there are any difficulties at home or others areas of concern.
6. Children’s worries and fears will be taken seriously if they seek help from a member of staff. However, staff  cannot  promise  secrecy  if  concerns  are  such  that  referral  must  be  made  to  the appropriate agencies in order to safeguard the child’s welfare.
7. In our school, if we have suspicions that a child’s physical, sexual or emotional well-being is being, or is likely to be, harmed, or that they are being neglected, we will take appropriate action in accordance with the procedures given in MOE Bilo or Circulars issued by ADEC in this regard.
8. As a consequence, we:

• Assert  that  teachers  and  other  members  of  staff  (including  Admin  &  supporting  staff)  in  the school are an integral part of the child safeguarding process.
• Accept totally that safeguarding children is an appropriate function for all members of staff in the school, and wholly compatible with their primary pedagogic responsibilities.

• Recognize  that  safeguarding  children  in  this  school  is  a  responsibility  for  all  staff,  including admin and supporting staff.

• Will  ensure  through  training  and  supervision  that  all  concerned  at    school  are  alert  to  the possibility  that  a  child  is  at  risk  of  suffering  harm,  and  know  how  to  report  concerns  or suspicions

• Will designate a senior member of staff with knowledge and skills in recognizing and acting on child  protection  concerns.  He  or  she  will  act  as  a  source  of  expertise  and  advice,  and  is responsible for coordinating action within the school and liaising with other agencies.

• Ensure  (through  the  designated  member  of  staff)  that  staff  with  designated  responsibility  for child protection will receive appropriate training to the minimum standard set out by the ADEC & MOE.

• Will share our concerns with others who need to know, and assist in any referral process.

• Will  ensure  that  all members  of  staff  and  volunteers who  have  suspicion  that  a  child  may  be suffering, or may be at risk of suffering significant harm, refer such concerns to the designated member of staff, who will handle the case accordingly.

• Safeguard  the  welfare  of  children  whilst  in  the  school,  through  positive  measures  to  address bullying,  especially  where  this  is  aggravated  by  sexual  or  racial  factors,  disability  or  special educational needs, cyber bullying or Internet technologies.

• Will ensure that all staff is aware of the child protection procedures established BY School.

• Will ensure through our recruitment policy and through Security   Agencies employees that all people who work in our school are suitable to work with children.

• Will act swiftly and make appropriate referrals where an allegation is made that a member of staff has committed an offence against a child, harmed a child, or acted in a way that calls into question their suitability for working with children.

• School will record all the cases registered and analyze for further prevention.

2. DESIGNATED MEMBERS OF STAFF

1. The designated senior member of staff (designated person) for safeguarding protection in this school is  Ms. Saleha Qureshi. In their absence, these matters will be dealt with by: – Ms. Zahida Majeed. The designated person is key to ensuring that proper procedures and policies are in place and are followed with regard to child safeguarding issues. They will also act as a dedicated resource available for other staff.

2. The school recognizes that:

• The designated person need to be a teacher but must have the status and authority within the school management structure to carry out the duties of the post – they must therefore be a senior member of staff in the school.
• All members of staff must be made aware of who this person is and what their role is.
• The designated person will act as a source of advice and coordinate action within the school over child protection cases
• The designated  person will  need  to  liaise  with  other  agencies and  build  good  working  relationships with colleagues from these agencies.
• They should possess skills in recognizing and dealing with child welfare concerns.
• Appropriate training and support should be given.
• The designated person is the first person to whom members of staff report concerns.
• The designated  person  is  responsible  for  referring  cases  of  suspected  abuse  or  allegations  to  the relevant investigating agencies according to the procedures established by the School

3. To be effective they will:

• Act as a source of advice, support and expertise within the school and be responsible for coordinating action  regarding  referrals  by  liaising  with  Children’s  Social  Care  and  other  relevant  agencies  over suspicions that a child may be suffering harm.
• Where they  have  concerns  that  a  referral  has  not  been  dealt  with  in  accordance  with  the  child protection procedures, ask the Head of School to investigate further.
• Ensure each member of staff at the school, and other concerned are aware of and can access readily, this policy.
• Liaise with  the  Principal   (if   not  head  teacher)  to   inform   him/her  of   any   issues   and   ongoing investigations and ensure there is always cover for the role. 
• Ensure that  this  policy  is  updated  and  reviewed  annually  and  work  with  the  designated  person  for child protection. 
• Be able to keep detailed accurate secure written records of referrals/concerns, and ensure that these are held in a secure place. 
• Ensure parents  are  aware  of  the  child  protection  policy  in  order  to  alert  them  to  the  fact  that  the school  may  need  to  make  referrals.  Raising  parents’  awareness  may  avoid  later  conflict  if  the  school does have to take appropriate action to safeguard a child. 
• Where children leave the school roll, ensure any child protection file is transferred to the new school as soon as possible but certainly within the 15 day national requirement, separately from the main file, and addressed to the designated person for child protection. 
• Where a child leaves and the new school is not known, ensure that the local authority is alerted so that the child’s name can be included on the database for missing pupils.

4. The  designated  person  also  has  an  important  role  in  ensuring  all  staff  and  volunteers  receive appropriate training.

• They should Attend training in how to identify abuse and know when it is appropriate to refer a case
• Have a  working  knowledge  of  how  School  operates  and  the  conduct  of  a  child  protection  case conference and be able to attend and contribute to these when required.
• Attend any relevant or refresher training courses and then ensure that any new or key messages are passed to other staff, volunteers and Administration.
• Make themselves  (and  any  deputies)  known  to  all  staff,  volunteers  and  governors  (including  new starters)  and  ensure  those  members  of  staff  have  had  training  in  child  protection.  This  should  be relevant to their needs to enable them to identify and report any concerns to the designated teacher immediately.

3. PRINCIPAL

3.1 Where appropriate, the Principal will ensure that sufficient resources are made available to enable

the necessary tasks to be carried out properly.

3.2 The Principal will ensure that the designated member of staff for child protection is given sufficient time to carry out his or her duties, including accessing training.

3.3 The  Principal will review  safeguarding  practices  in  the school on a  regular basis,  and  no  less  than annually, to ensure that:

• The school is carrying out its duties to safeguard the welfare of children at the school;
• Hold a termly monitoring meeting with designated safeguarding lead with an agreed focus.
• Members of staff and volunteers are aware of current practices in this matter, and that staff receive training where appropriate;
• Child protection is integrated with induction procedures for all new members of staff and volunteers
• The school follows the procedures agreed by Concerned Authorities and any supplementary guidance issued by the Local Authority

• Only  persons  suitable  to  work  with  children  shall  be  employed  in  the  School  or  work  here  in  a voluntary capacity

• Where safeguarding concerns about a member of staff are raised, take appropriate action.

4. RECRUITMENT

4.1 In order to ensure that children are protected whilst at this school, we will ensure that our staff is

carefully selected, screened, trained and supervised.

4.2 We accept that it is our responsibility to follow the guidance set out in “Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education”, in particular we will ensure that the following checks are satisfactorily completed before a person takes up a position in the school:

• Identity checks to establish that applicants are who they claim to be.
• Academic qualifications, to ensure that qualifications are genuine
• Professional and character references prior to offering employment
• Satisfy conditions as to health and physical capacity
• Previous employment history will be examined and any gaps accounted for.

5. INDUCTION & TRAINING

5.1 All new members of staff will receive induction training, which will give an overview of the

organization and ensure they know its purpose, values, services and structure, as well as identifying and reporting abuse, and confidentiality issues.

5.2 All new staff at the school will receive child protection information work at the school.

5.3 All staff will be expected to attend training on safeguarding children that will enable them to fulfill their responsibilities in respect of child protection effectively.

5.4 Staff will attend refresher training every three years, and the designated person every two years.

5.5 Staff visiting the school for short periods of time e.g. 1 day supply cover, will receive information in relation to designated safeguarding and expected procedures.

5.6 All adults are strongly encouraged to attend safeguarding training. Attendance at school training will be  open  to  parent  helpers,  and  any  other  parties  that  come  in  to  contact  with  children  on  a  regular basis

6. DEALING WITH CONCERNS

6.1 Members of staff must not investigate suspicions; if somebody believes that a child may be suffering, or  may  be  at  risk  of  suffering  significant  harm,  they  must  always  refer  such  concerns  in  line  with Procedures. A ‘Cause for Concern’ is an action, observation or discussion that makes you feels anxious or worried about the well-being or safety of a child.

6.2 To this end, volunteers and staff will follow the procedures below;

• All causes for concern must be recorded immediately and in writing on the cause for concern record sheet by the person with the concern. Paper copies will be kept in classrooms.
• This must then be passed to the designated teacher immediately, who will decide on the appropriate actions, completing the ‘for designated teacher use’ section of the cause for concern sheet.
• Even if this results in no further action a vulnerable pupil file would be raised. This will include:

1. Vulnerable Pupil Information Sheet
2. Monitoring record sheet
3. Cause for Concern Form
4. Sticker on the front of the folder indicating any other siblings
5. This folder is placed in the ‘live’ vulnerable pupils and families section
6. Make other staff aware that a vulnerable pupil file has been raised as appropriate

Any  further discussions,  telephone  calls or meetings in  relation  to  the  child must  be  recorded  on the monitoring record sheet.

Designated  leads  and  other  appropriate  adults  will  hold  a  monthly  meeting  to  discuss  and review all live and dormant case files. This provides the opportunity for designated teacher to:

• Monitor that agreed actions have taken place

• Evaluate the impact of these actions

• Agree next steps

• Quality assure written records

All further involvement and documentation must be stored in this file and nowhere else. Files will be stored in a secure place.

6.3 We will ensure that all members of staff and employees are familiar with the procedures for keeping a confidential written record of any incidents and with the requirements of MOE & ADEC.

6.4 Where any member of staff fails to report their concerns, this may be dealt with as a disciplinary matter.

7. SAFEGUARDING IN SCHOOL

7.1 As well as ensuring that we address child protection concerns, we will also ensure that children who

attend the school are kept safe from harm whilst they are in our charge.

7.2 To this end, this policy must be seen in light of the school’s policies on:

• Personal, Social and Health Education and Sex and Relationships Education; child protection issues will be addressed through all the available means & resources.
• Bullying; the school will also ensure that bullying is identified and dealt with so that any harm caused by other pupils can be minimized. We will pay particular attention to sexualized behaviour, or bullying that is homophobic in nature, cyber bullying or where there appear to be links to domestic abuse in the family home.
• Safe recruitment and code of conduct for staff.
• Racist incidents
• Confidentiality
• Behaviour and discipline
• Health & Safety
• Physical Intervention
• Allegations against members of staff
• E-safety
• Whistle Blowing
• Visitors policy
• Induction policy
• Information sharing policy
• Supervision Policy
• Children Missing Education

8. PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDREN

8.1 We understand that parents like to take photos of or video record their children in the school play,

or at sports day, or school presentations. This is a normal part of family life, and we will not discourage

parents from celebrating their child’s successes.

8.2 However, if there are Health and Safety issues associated with this – i.e. the use of a flash when taking photos could distract or dazzle the child, and cause them to have an accident, we will encourage parents to use film or settings on their camera that do not require flash.

8.3 We will not allow others to photograph or film pupils during a school activity without the parent’s

permission.

8.4 We will not allow images of pupils to be used on school websites, publicity, or press releases, without express permission from the parent, and if we do obtain such permission, we will not identify individual children by name.

8.5 The school cannot however be held accountable for photographs or video footage taken by parents or members of the public at school functions.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY and INFORMATION SHARING

9.1 The school, and all members of staff at the school, will ensure that all data about pupils is handled in

accordance with the requirements of the law, and any national and local guidance.

9.2 Any member of staff who has access to sensitive information about a child or the child’s family must take all reasonable steps to ensure that such information is only disclosed to those people who need to know.

9.3 Regardless of the duty of confidentiality, if any member of staff has reason to believe that a  child may be suffering harm, or be at risk of harm, their duty is to forward this information without delay to the designated member of staff for child protection.

10. CONDUCTS OF STAFF

10.1 The school has a duty to ensure that high standards of professional behaviour exist between staff

and children, and that all members of staff are clear about what constitutes appropriate behaviour and professional boundaries.

10.2 At  all times, members of staff are  required to  work in a professional way  with children. All  staff should be aware of the dangers inherent in:

• Working alone with a child

• Physical interventions

• Cultural and gender stereotyping

• Dealing with sensitive information

• Giving to and receiving gifts from children and parents

• Contacting children through private telephones (including texting), e-mail, MSN, or social media networking websites.

• Disclosing personal details in appropriately

• Meeting pupils outside school hours or school duties

10.3 If any member of staff has reasonable suspicion that a child is suffering harm, and fails to act  in accordance  with  this  policy  of  School  &  procedures,  it  will  be  view  as  misconduct,  and  appropriate action will be taken against him/her.

10.4 An agreed code of conduct in relation to safeguarding has been agreed and adopted by all adults working with children at School. Any member of staff who does not adhere to the policy will be subject to disciplinary procedures

10.5 An agreed Whistle Blowing policy  in relation to safeguarding to supplement  the  corporate policy has  been  agreed  in  order  to  support  the  school  ethos  where  pupils  and  staff  can  talk  freely  about concerns knowing they will be listened to and appropriate action taken.

10.6 There are a range of mechanisms in place to ensure that pupils feel comfortable to express  their concerns to adults for example:

• Through encouragement to discuss issues at school assemblies
• Via the school council meetings
• An open approach to discussing issues with staff

11. PHYSICAL CONTACTS AND RESTRAINT

11.1 Members of staff may have to make physical interventions with children. Members of staff will only do this in line with school policy.

12. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MEMBERS OF STAFF

12.1  If  anyone  makes  an  allegation  that  any  member  of  staff  (including  any  volunteer  or  other)  may have:

• Committed an offence against a child
• Placed a child at risk of significant harm
• Behaved in a way that calls into question their suitability to work with children

12.2 The allegation will be dealt with in accordance with guidance and agreements, as implemented by School or concerned authorities.

12.3 The Principal, rather than the designated member of staff will handle such allegations, unless the allegation is against the Principal, when the Competent Authority will handle the school’s response.

12.4  The  Principal  (or  Competent  Authority)  will  collate  basic  information  about  the  allegation,  and report these without delay to the Local Authority Designated will discuss the concerns and offer advice and guidance on how the situation will be managed and if a strategy meeting will be required.

13. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

13.1 Where the Principal transfers control of use of school premises to bodies (such as sports clubs) to provide out of school hours activities, we will ensure that these bodies have appropriate safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures, and that there are arrangements in place to link with the school on such matters. Such considerations will be made explicit in any contract or service level agreement with the bodies.

14. CONTRACTED SERVICES

14.1 Where the Governing Bodies contracts its services to outside providers, we will ensure that these providers have  appropriate  safeguarding  and child  protection  policies  and  procedures,  and that there are  arrangements in  place  to  link  with the  school on  such  matters.  Such  considerations will  be  made explicit in any contract or service level agreement with the provider.

15. PARENTS & CARERS

15.1  This  policy  will  be  available  for  the  parents  or  other  involved  and  can  get  on  request  from  the school office. A parent friendly leaflet in easy language will be prepared for parents only Urdu literates.

15.2 Statement will be provided in in the school prospectus.

16. PROVISIONS TO HELP PUPILS STAY SAFE

16.1 Safeguarding permeates through all aspect of the wider school curriculum. The following examples

are not exhaustive but give a flavor for how safeguarding is promoted at Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al-Ain.

EXAMPLE  –  SCHOOL  SPECIFIC  PARAGRAPH REQUIRED  – Through  a more  personalized  Child  Protection and  safeguarding  programme  that  specifically  meets  the  needs  of  our  children,  they  learn  to  engage with  others  in  a  moral  way.  Our  robust  anti-bullying  policy  is  reinforced  regularly.  Pupils  who  have particular needs or difficulties in these areas are supported by a range of social and emotional support strategies  and  programmes,  as  well  as  receiving  additional  individual  support  from  parents  and  staff. Initiatives  such  as  Peer  Mediators,  playground  leaders  and  School  Council  along  with  highly  effective work with other agencies ensure  that children are well-placed to keep themselves and other children safe in their everyday lives.

17. IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW

17.1 All adults in school will receive a copy of this policy and will be asked to sign to say that they have read and agree to follow its procedures. It will be discussed at least annually at staff meetings.

17.2  The  effectiveness  of  the  policy  will  be  reviewed  and  evaluated  by  the  Competent  Authority annually in light of any specific incidents or changes to local/national guidance.

17.3 The designated person for safeguarding will monitor  one  aspect  of the school’s work  termly  and report back to the Principal.

17.4 The Principal will report on safeguarding matters through the termly report and safeguarding will be a standing item on the agenda at each full governing body meeting.

17.5 Parents will be consulted via parent’s meetings, the letters and induction meetings.

Appendix 1

Safeguarding Children: Whistle Blowing

Staff must acknowledge their individual responsibility to bring matters of concern to the attention of the Principal. Although this can be difficult and particularly important where the welfare of children may be at  risk. You may be the first to recognize that something is wrong but may not feel able to express your concerns  out  of  a  feeling  that  this  would  be  disloyal  to  colleagues  or  you  may  fear  harassment  or victimization. These feelings, however natural, must never result in a child or young person continuing to be unnecessarily at risk. Remember it is often the most vulnerable children or young person who is targeted. These children need someone like you to safeguard their welfare.

Don’t think what if I’m wrong – think what if I’m right

Reasons for whistle blowing

• Each individual has a responsibility for raising concerns about unacceptable practice or behavior.
• To prevent the problem worsening or widening.
• To protect or reduce risks to others.
• To prevent becoming implicated yourself.

What stops people from whistle blowing

• Starting a chain of events which spirals.
• Disrupting the work or project.
• Fear of getting it wrong.
• Fear of repercussions or damaging careers.
• Fear of not being believed.

How to raise a concern

• You should voice your concerns, suspicions or uneasiness as soon as you feel you can. The earlier a concern is expressed the easier and sooner action can be taken.
• Try to pinpoint exactly what practice is concerning you and why Approach the Principal.
• If your concern is about your immediate head or you feel you need to take it seriously rush to Head of Institution.
• Make sure you get a satisfactory response – don’t let matters rest.
• Put your  concerns  in  writing,  outlining  the  background  and  history,  giving  names,  dates  and  places where you can.
• A member of staff is not expected to prove the truth of an allegation but you will need to demonstrate sufficient grounds for the concern.

What happens next?

• You should be given information on the nature and progress of any enquiries.
• Your employer has a responsibility to protect you from harassment or victimization.
• No action  will be  taken against  you  if the  concern  proves  to  be  unfounded and  was  raised  in  good faith.
• Malicious allegations may be considered as a disciplinary offence.

Self-reporting

There may be occasions where a member of staff has a personal difficulty, perhaps a physical or mental health  problem,  which  they  know  to  be  impinging  on  their  professional  competence.  Staff  has  a responsibility to discuss such a situation with their line manager so professional and  personal support can  be  offered.  Whilst  such  reporting  will  remain  confidential  in  most  instances,  this  cannot  be guaranteed where personal difficulties raise concerns about the welfare or safety of children

Further advice and support

It is recognized that whistle blowing can be difficult and stressful. Advice and support is available from your line management.

Definitions and Symptoms of Abuse

There are four main categories of abuse – physical injury, neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. The  list  of  symptoms  given  is  not  exhaustive  or  comprehensive  but  consists  of  frequently  observed symptoms.  It  is  important  to  remember  that  most  abuse  involves  more  than  one  main  type,  for example, sexual and emotional abuse may be recognized together. These symptoms, for example cuts and grazes, may also be accidental and not a sign of abuse.

18. Application

The Governing Management of Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al-Ain, is fully aware of its responsibility regarding the Child Protection Policy and fully committed to it.

Note: The previously introduced policy is reviewed and modified during the 1st  week of November, 2023.