Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy 

1. Framework & Dubai Context – Keeping Children Safe in Education

At Al Fanar , we acknowledge that for our students, high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friendships, and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult help to prevent abuse.

Our school will therefore:

• Establish and maintain an environment where students feel safe and secure, are encouraged to speak, and are listened to.

• Ensure that students know there are trusted adults within the school they can approach if worried or in difficulty.

• Include in the curriculum activities and classes to support student wellbeing and understanding.

• Wherever possible, make every effort to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from external agencies.

Safeguarding and child protection is the responsibility of all adults, especially those working with children. The development of appropriate procedures and the monitoring of good practice are the responsibilities of the Principal and the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

In the UAE, the infrastructure for educational child protection and social care services is developing. Following a number of publicised cases, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum supported the drafting of a Federal law to ensure a secure and stable future for children in the UAE.

In December 2015, The Child Rights Law (formerly Wadeema’s Law) was passed by the Federal National Council. In March 2016, Federal Law No. 3 – 2016 on the Rights of the Child came into effect, applying to all children residing in the UAE, regardless of religion or nationality. The UAE is also a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

2. UN Convention for the Rights of the Child

Values Statement: Rights of the Child

At Al Fanar, we uphold the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child. Every child has the right to health, education, family life, play and recreation, and to be protected from abuse and harm.

This policy addresses safeguarding and child protection in general. Different types of child abuse are listed in Appendix A. We foster children's rights through:

• A robust screening process for all adults working at school

• Regular professional development for all staff

• A comprehensive safeguarding and child protection policy

• A school culture rooted in wellbeing and inclusion

• A recruitment policy focused on hiring staff who prioritize student wellbeing

3. Connected Policies

This policy is reviewed regularly and aligned with the National Child Protection Policy in Educational Institutions in the UAE (September 2022).

Linked school policies include:

• Relational Practice (Positive Behaviour) Policy

• Digital Awareness Policy

• Anti-Bullying Policy

• Missing Child Policy

• Risk Assessment Policy

• Crisis & Disaster Management Plan

• Fire Drill, Evacuation & Lockdown Policy

• Guest Safeguarding Policy

• Mental Health Policy

• Intimate Care Policy

4. Safeguarding Team

Roles and Responsibilities

All adults working at  Al Fanar are responsible for safeguarding children. Key personnel have additional responsibilities:

Central Office

Responsible for safe recruitment practices, including:

• Enhanced police checks

• Statutory lists for all staff working with students

• Oversight of child protection policies and HR compliance

• Hosting termly safeguarding meetings across the  network

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

• Vice Principal & Principal: School-based DSLs

• Senior DSL: Holds overall safeguarding responsibility
  Together, they form the Safeguarding Core Group.

Deputy Safeguarding Officers

• Includes other leaders and the school nurse

• Support the DSL team in cases and attend weekly meetings

Key Responsibilities of the Safeguarding Team

• Maintain effective policies and procedures

• Provide guidance and support on cases

• Meet with parents regarding relevant safeguarding issues

• Liaise with police and external agencies

• all documentation up to date on CPOMS

• Submit annual safeguarding reports and lead regular reviews

• Ensure staff follow the safeguarding policy and receive annual training

• Organise child protection conferences when necessary

• Deliver monthly safeguarding training for new staff and regular visitors

• Embed safeguarding awareness into the curriculum

• Maintain a confidential register of students at risk (CPOMS)

5. Professional Confidentiality

Staff must:

• Never promise confidentiality to students

• Only share disclosures with the safeguarding team

• Hold all case information in confidence and on a need-to-know basis

6. Recording and Monitoring

All child protection records must be:

• Stored on the safeguarding tab in CPOMS only

• Clear, concise, and factual

• Logged immediately following a disclosure or observation

On student transfer:

• Files are forwarded confidentially to the new school's DSL

• Admissions contact previous schools to check for existing concerns

7. Building Relationships with Students

We promote trust and openness through:

• Strong student–adult relationships

• A culture aligned with our mission and values

• Clear systems for students and parents to raise concerns

• Social and emotional support following any abuse or trauma

8. A Safe and Caring Environment

The school ensures:

• A physically safe and secure campus

• Police-verified and referenced staff

• Regular staff training in wellbeing and safety

• Guest awareness and induction in safeguarding

• Student education on relationships, emotions, and personal safety

• Support for online safety in remote settings

• Strengthened home–school partnerships

9. Confidentiality with Students

Children should understand:

• Safeguarding concerns must be shared

• The safeguarding team will act in their best interest

Staff must:

• Reassure the student

• Report concerns to the DSL without delay

10. Use of School Premises by Other Organisations

External users of school premises must provide evidence of:

• Up-to-date child protection policies and procedures

11. Whistleblowing

If concerned about a colleague:

• Contact Mr. Adib (unless the concern is about the Principal)

• If the concern is about the Principal, contact Hira

• DSLs will handle the matter with discretion

12. Allegations Against Staff

All allegations:

• Are taken seriously and handled confidentially

• Require fair and consistent processes

• Should follow professional conduct procedures

Note: All one-on-one interactions between staff and students should:

• Have another adult present or

• Take place with the door open

• Be recorded by CCTV in all classrooms

13. End-of-Day Collection Procedures

Teachers must:

• Maintain and refer to an accurate collection list

• Confirm unfamiliar adults with parents

• Ensure lists are accessible for cover teachers

• Require written consent if students walk home alone

14. The Role of the Teacher

During safeguarding assessments, teachers may be asked to provide:

• Observations on attendance, mood, academic and social development

• Relationships with peers and adults

• Information about family background and home routines

15. The Role of Parents

Parents are expected to:

• Provide physical and mental health support

• Meet their child’s basic needs

• Collaborate with the school

16. The Role of Guests

Guests must:

• Be aware of safeguarding expectations

• Use designated toilets

• Refrain from taking photos of students

• Report concerns to the safeguarding team

17. Management of Suspected Abuse

The following may indicate safeguarding risk:

1. Neglect

2. Physical Abuse

3. Sexual Abuse

4. Emotional Abuse

5. Self-Harm or Abuse

Refer to Appendix A for further signs.

Staff must:

• Use open-ended questions

• Avoid investigating

• Report concerns directly to the DSL

18. Self-Harm and Associated Risks

Examples of self-harm include:

• Cutting, hair-pulling, substance misuse, eating disorders, neglecting health

Staff should watch for:

• Unexplained injuries

• Covering up

• Emotional distress or mood changes

All concerns must be reported immediately to the safeguarding team and logged on CPOMS.

19. Information Sharing

Sensitive safeguarding information may include:

• Abuse concerns

• Custody-related issues

• Behavioural concerns

Information is shared only on a professional, need-to-know basis.

20. Record Transfers

Safeguarding files will only be passed to new schools at the discretion of the safeguarding team.

21. Reporting Procedures

All external referrals follow UAE's National Child Protection Policy.

Key Contacts

• Dubai Safeguarding Toll-Free: 800 988

• CDA Toll-Free: 800 2121

• Email: child@cda.gov.ae

• Website: www.cda.gov.ae

• In-Person: Al Hudaibah Awards Building, Blocks A & C (Mezzanine Floor)

Closing Note

At , our safeguarding practice is built not only on legal and procedural frameworks, but also on our commitment to the Head, Heart, and Hands model — fostering a safe, emotionally intelligent, and hands-on environment where all children can flourish.