CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING POLICY

We believe that all the children in our Madrasah have the right:

to grow up in a safe, secure and loving environment.
to be protected from all kinds of harm, neglect, abuse and exploitation.
to be listened to and heard
to grow up having their culture, background and experience, valued and respected to be considered as individuals with particular needs, and to be given opportunities to reach their full potential

We believe that it is the responsibility of all adults in our Madrasah:

to ensure that children are protected
to provide a safe, secure and loving environment
to provide support, encouragement and stimulation to enable each child to reach his/her full potential

WE DEFINE CHILD ABUSE AS FOLLOWS:

Neglect occurs when adults fail to meet the child’s essential needs such as providing adequate shelter, food, warmth, clothing and medical care. It also includes leaving young children who cannot look after themselves, alone or without proper supervision.
Physical Abuse is when a person injures or harms a child or does not knowingly prevent it.
For example: using excessive force, hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning, biting, suffocating or drowning. It includes allowing inappropriate use of drugs, medication or alcohol by children.
Sexual Abuse takes place when a child is forced to take place in sexual activity, using the child to satisfy sexual desires. It is also an abuse to allow children access to obscene books, videos and other materials.
Emotional Abuse occurs when adults persistently fail to show the child love and affection. For example, they may threaten, taunt or shout causing the child to lose self confidence, and to become nervous or withdrawn.

Children need love, praise and affection from adults, or there may be serious consequences for their development.

Broad Guidelines:

If any member of the Madrasah team suspects child abuse they should speak to the Head or the designated person with responsibility for Child Protection straight away.
We have a male and female “Designated Safety Officer”
All reported concerns are recorded in the Child Protection Book, which is kept in the Office.
The Head teacher or designated person will then take action in line with the statutory local safeguarding code of conduct.

To ensure that children are protected at all times when in our care:

We will ensure that all adults working with children or accompanying them will be DBS cleared.
If a child soils him/her self we will send for the child’s parents to deal with cleaning and changing of clothes (staff will not be permitted to do this).