Safeguarding Policy

1. Our Commitment

North American International School Dubai is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. We believe that every child has the right to learn in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, free from harm, abuse, or neglect. The safety and wellbeing of our students is the responsibility of every member of our school community.

Our Safeguarding Policy aligns with the requirements of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Dubai Child Protection Law (Law No. 3 of 2016), and international best practice standards including those of Cognia and our accreditation bodies.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled at NAIS Dubai from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and covers all school activities including:

• On-campus learning and activities during school hours.
• School-organised trips, excursions, and events.
• After-school programmes and extracurricular activities.
• Online learning and digital platforms used by students.

3. Types of Abuse

Staff are trained to recognise and respond to all forms of abuse, including:

• Physical abuse: Any act that causes physical harm or injury to a child.
• Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional ill-treatment causing severe or persistent adverse effects on a child's emotional development.
• Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical, emotional, or educational needs.
• Sexual abuse: Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.
• Bullying and cyberbullying: Repeated behaviour intended to hurt or intimidate another person.

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

NAIS Dubai has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for overseeing all safeguarding matters at the school. The DSL is a member of the senior leadership team and has received specialist safeguarding training.

All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the DSL in the first instance. The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving and recording all safeguarding referrals and concerns.
• Liaising with external agencies, including KHDA and Dubai Police, where required.
• Ensuring staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and updates.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential safeguarding records.

5. Staff Responsibilities

All staff at NAIS Dubai — including teachers, support staff, and volunteers — are required to:

• Complete safeguarding training before working with students, and refresher training annually.
• Report any safeguarding concern immediately to the DSL without delay.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students at all times.
• Never use physical punishment or any form of degrading treatment.
• Adhere to our Acceptable Use Policy for all digital communications with students.

6. Safer Recruitment

NAIS Dubai is committed to safe recruitment practices. All staff appointments involve:

• Enhanced background checks and criminal record checks in all countries of prior residence.
• Verification of identity, qualifications, and professional references.
• KHDA mandatory police clearance certificates.
• Safeguarding induction before commencing work with students.

7. Student Education

Students at NAIS Dubai receive age-appropriate education on personal safety, online safety, healthy relationships, and how to speak up if they feel unsafe. This is embedded in our PSHE curriculum and school assemblies throughout the academic year.

8. Online Safety

We take online safety seriously. Our approach includes:

• Filtered internet access on all school devices and the school network.
• Clear Acceptable Use Policies for students and staff.
• Regular digital literacy and e-safety lessons.
• Monitoring of school-issued devices and platforms in accordance with UAE law.

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information is kept strictly confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis. However, confidentiality is never maintained where doing so would put a child at risk. The safety of the child always takes precedence over confidentiality.

10. Reporting a Concern

If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a student at NAIS Dubai — whether you are a parent, student, staff member, or member of the community — please do not hesitate to report it.

11. Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually by the School Leadership Team and updated to reflect any changes in legislation, KHDA guidance, or best practice. All updates are shared with staff, and parents are notified of significant changes.