Brick Lane Jamme Masjid and its Madrasah are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where all students are protected from harm and supported to thrive both educationally and personally.
Safeguarding is understood as the process of protecting children from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their health or development, and ensuring they grow up in circumstances consistent with safe and effective care. The welfare of the child is always the paramount concern.
This policy sets out the Masjid and Madrasah's approach to safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that all staff, volunteers, trustees, and visitors understand their roles and responsibilities in keeping children safe.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all children attending the Madrasah are safeguarded effectively. This includes protecting children from harm, neglect, and abuse, while promoting their welfare and well-being.
The policy provides clear guidance for recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns. It ensures that all staff act promptly and appropriately, in line with statutory guidance and local safeguarding procedures. It also aims to foster a culture where safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of the Masjid and Madrasah's work, and where all members of the community remain vigilant and proactive.
This policy operates within the framework of UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The Madrasah will also follow guidance from the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership (THSCP).
A child is defined as any individual under the age of 18. Safeguarding responsibilities extend to all children regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion, or background.
This policy applies to all individuals involved in the Masjid and Madrasah, including teachers, support staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors, and visitors. It also applies to all students attending the Madrasah and to any activities organised under the Masjid's provision.
Safeguarding responsibilities extend to all environments where children are present, including classrooms, trips, events, and online interactions.
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid and Madrasah operate under key safeguarding principles. The welfare of the child is paramount, and all children have the right to protection from harm. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and all adults must take action where concerns arise.
The Madrasah promotes early intervention, recognising that identifying concerns at an early stage can prevent escalation. A safe learning environment is essential for children to develop confidence, resilience, and success.
We are committed to working in partnership with parents and external agencies, recognising that safeguarding is most effective when there is collaboration and open communication.
Designated Safeguarding Lead. The Madrasah appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead who has overall responsibility for safeguarding. The DSL ensures that concerns are dealt with promptly, provides guidance to staff, liaises with external agencies, and maintains accurate safeguarding records.
Staff Responsibilities. All staff have a duty to safeguard students. They must remain vigilant, recognise signs of abuse, report concerns immediately, and follow safeguarding procedures. Staff must not investigate concerns themselves but must pass information to the DSL without delay.
All staff are required to undertake safeguarding training at induction and receive regular updates to ensure they remain informed about current practice.
Parents and Guardians. Parents and guardians play a vital role in safeguarding. They are expected to ensure their children's safety, work in partnership with the Madrasah, and communicate any concerns about their child's welfare promptly.
Abuse is defined as a form of maltreatment of a child and may occur through action or failure to act.
Staff must be aware of the four main types of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. Signs may include unexplained injuries, behavioural changes, withdrawal, poor hygiene, or inappropriate behaviour for age.
Concerns may arise from disclosures, observations, or information shared by others. Staff must treat all concerns seriously, even if they appear minor.
All safeguarding concerns must be recorded and reported immediately to the DSL. Staff must listen carefully to children, remain calm, and reassure them without asking leading questions.
The DSL will assess the concern and determine the appropriate course of action. This may include referral to children's services, the police, or other relevant agencies.
Where a child is believed to be at risk of significant harm, the Madrasah will follow the procedures set by the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership.
The LADO must be informed where an allegation is made against an adult working with children. This includes situations where an individual may have harmed a child, committed an offence, or behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk.
The Madrasah promotes safe working practices to protect both children and staff. Staff are expected to work in open environments, avoid unnecessary physical contact, and maintain professional boundaries at all times.
Children should not be taken on unaccompanied journeys, and staff must not share personal contact details or communicate with students outside authorised systems.
All allegations or concerns must be recorded and reported without delay.
The Masjid and Madrasah maintain appropriate security arrangements, including controlled access to the premises and supervision of visitors. Visitors must report to reception and be authorised before accessing areas where children are present.
The Madrasah follows safer recruitment practices to ensure that all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children. This includes enhanced DBS checks, verification of identity, right to work, references, and appropriate training.
Regular re-checks and monitoring ensure ongoing suitability.
All staff receive safeguarding training at induction, with regular refresher training and updates. The Madrasah also holds ongoing safeguarding meetings to ensure awareness remains high and practice continues to improve.
Risk assessments are carried out for all trips and activities. Parental consent is required, and appropriate staff-to-student ratios are maintained to ensure safety.
Staff are responsible for ensuring appropriate supervision and responding to any risks identified.
The Madrasah recognises the importance of safeguarding in the digital environment. Students are educated on safe internet use, and appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place. Staff must use approved communication systems and avoid contact with students via personal devices.
All allegations against staff must be reported immediately to the DSL and, where appropriate, referred to the LADO. Investigations will be conducted fairly and thoroughly, with the safety of children as the priority.
If necessary, staff may be suspended while investigations are carried out. Referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be made where required.
Confidentiality is essential in safeguarding; however, the safety of the child takes precedence. Information will be shared with relevant agencies when necessary to protect a child from harm.
All staff are encouraged to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice. The Madrasah promotes a culture where concerns can be reported without fear of reprisal.
Accurate and detailed records of safeguarding concerns, actions taken, and outcomes are maintained securely. These records support effective safeguarding and prevent repeated investigations.
Additional support is provided to children who may be more vulnerable, including those with SEND, those experiencing domestic difficulties, or those at risk of discrimination or exploitation.
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with statutory guidance and best practice to ensure continued effectiveness.
The Madrasah's Designated Safeguarding Lead holds overall responsibility for safeguarding — ensuring concerns are dealt with promptly, guiding staff, liaising with external agencies, and maintaining safeguarding records. All concerns must be reported to the DSL without delay.
Contact the LADO where an allegation is made against an adult working with children.
This policy is reviewed annually and updated in line with statutory guidance and best practice.