Safeguarding Policy

At ASCS, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We believe that all children have the right to feel safe, valued, and respected — both in school and beyond. Our commitment to safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our school remains a secure and nurturing environment for all students.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. This means that every member of our staff is trained and equipped to recognise signs of concern, respond appropriately, and take immediate action where a child’s safety or wellbeing may be at risk. We have a dedicated Safeguarding and Child Protection Team, led by myself as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), alongside Deputy DSLs, counsellors, and key pastoral staff. Together, we ensure that all concerns are handled promptly, sensitively, and in line with both KHDA regulations and UK safeguarding best practices.

We also believe in the power of partnership with parents. You play an essential role in helping us keep children safe — by maintaining open communication, monitoring your child’s online activity, and reaching out to us if you ever have a concern about your child or another student. Our team is always available to listen, advise, and guide you through any safeguarding matter, however small it may seem.

ASCS uses secure monitoring tools such as Blocksi and wellbeing platforms like Komodo to help us identify early signs of distress, unsafe online behaviour, or emotional struggles. These systems allow us to intervene quickly and provide the right support at the right time — ensuring no child is ever left unseen or unheard.

If you would like to learn more about our safeguarding procedures or require support, please visit our Safeguarding Policy page or contact me directly at n.khan@alsalamcommunity.ae

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us maintain a caring and safe school community. Together, we can ensure that every child at ASCS continues to feel safe, happy, and ready to thrive.

With warm regards,

Safeguarding and Child Protection at Al Salam Community School

At Al Salam Community School (ASCS), we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of every child in our care. We believe that every pupil has the right to be protected from harm and to grow and learn in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and respected.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone at ASCS. Our systems, policies, and practices are designed to ensure that:

• The welfare of each child is always paramount.
• All staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and receive regular training.
• Appropriate action is taken promptly to protect children and support families.
• Intimate care is delivered with the utmost dignity and privacy for all pupils who require it.
• Concerns are managed effectively and sensitively, following clear procedures.
• We work in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies to promote children’s safety and wellbeing.

Our approach is guided by key legislation and frameworks, including:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)
• UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law)
• KHDA Guidelines for Child Protection and Wellbeing (2025)
• The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

Our Comprehensive Policies

Our Safeguarding Policy outlines how concerns are identified, reported, and acted upon swiftly, with a clear structure of accountability across all phases of the school. It reflects our commitment to training, supervision, and partnership with parents and external agencies to maintain the highest standards of safety and wellbeing.

This framework encompasses our Student Intimate Care Policy, which ensures that any care tasks associated with bodily functions or personal hygiene are carried out with respect and careful communication. Key principles of the policy include:

• Promoting Autonomy: Encouraging pupils to be as independent as possible given their age and abilities.
• Dignity and Privacy: Ensuring a high level of privacy and that two adults are present where possible when care is required.
• Consistency and Trust: Named staff members known to the pupil will take turns in providing care to discourage over-familiarity.

This comprehensive approach—which includes measures for digital safety, anti-bullying, risk assessments, and safer recruitment—ensures that safeguarding is woven through every aspect of school life.

We believe that protecting children is not just about responding to risks, but about creating a culture where students know they are listened to, respected, and cared for. Every member of our community plays an active role in keeping our school safe and supportive.

Click here to View Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

For more details, please see our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and the Student Intimate Care Policy, available to download or by request at the school reception. Parents can also access the policy at any time through Parent HQ.

Our Safeguarding Team

Safeguarding at Al Salam Community School is a shared responsibility, led by a trained and experienced team who ensure that our policies and procedures are followed consistently across the school. Every member of our community knows who to approach if they have a concern or need support.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Ms. Najda Khan (n.khan@alsalamcommunity.ae) – Oversees all matters of child protection and safeguarding across the school, ensuring that concerns are acted upon promptly and in line with UAE and international standards.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)
Members of the senior leadership and pastoral teams serve as deputies, ensuring coverage across all phases and during all operational hours. They work closely with the DSL to manage cases, provide training, and monitor safeguarding practices.

If you have any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child, please contact our Safeguarding team immediately:

If you are a student, remember that you can speak to any trusted adult in school at any time.

Your safety and wellbeing always come first.