Child Protection
Safeguarding
At Dubai Heights Academy, safeguarding underpins everything we do. The safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child and member of the school community is our highest priority. As a British international school, we follow 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (KCSIE 2025), British Schools Overseas expectations, COBIS guidance, and the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education to ensure the highest standards of child protection and care.
Safeguarding Responsibility
The Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead have overall responsibility for safeguarding across the school. They are supported by a team of Level 3 trained Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads who work across all phases. The safeguarding team works closely with all staff to ensure concerns are identified early and responded to promptly.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All staff receive regular safeguarding and child protection training, including recognising signs of abuse or neglect and understanding reporting procedures. Staff are trusted adults and students are encouraged to speak to any member of staff if they feel worried or unsafe.
A Proactive Safeguarding Culture
Safeguarding at Dubai Heights Academy is embedded within our curriculum, pastoral systems, meeting agendas and the wider school culture. Through lessons, assemblies, themed days, and enrichment activities, students learn about online safety, anti-bullying, respectful relationships, and children's rights.
As a diverse and multicultural community, we promote mutual respect, tolerance, and inclusion while ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and supported. Parents are actively involved through information sessions, workshops, and regular safeguarding communications.
Safeguarding Leadership Team
Recruitment
Safer Recruitment
We follow robust safer recruitment procedures for all staff and volunteers. These include enhanced background checks, verification of qualifications, and comprehensive reference checks. All leaders involved in recruitment complete safer recruitment training, ensuring that only suitable adults work with our students.
Report a Concern
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you have a concern about a child's safety or wellbeing, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or any member of the safeguarding team immediately. Concerns can also be raised through the school reception. No concern is too small and early reporting allows appropriate support to be put in place quickly.
For Visitors
Visitor Expectations
All visitors to Dubai Heights Academy are expected to uphold our safeguarding standards. Visitors must:
Sign in with security and wear a visitor lanyard visibly at all times.
Follow staff instructions and remain in authorised areas only.
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to a member of staff.
Model appropriate professional behaviour to all students.
Keep mobile phones silent at all times.
Ask permission before taking any photographs on site.
Use designated visitor bathrooms only.
Our Commitment to Children's Rights
Dubai Heights Academy is fully committed to upholding the rights of every child. We actively promote the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (to which the UAE is a proud signatory) and work in partnership with families to ensure a safe, caring, and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
