Safeguarding at UIS

Child Protection and Safeguarding at UIS

At GEMS United Indian School, Abu Dhabi, safeguarding is central to our ethos and underpins all aspects of school life. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and young person in our care.

We believe that every student has the right to learn in a safe, supportive, respectful and nurturing environment where they feel listened to, valued and protected. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we expect all members of our school community — staff, students, parents and visitors — to share this commitment.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to creating and maintaining a school culture in which:

Students feel safe, supported and respected
Students are listened to and their views are taken seriously
Concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly
Staff are well trained and vigilant in recognising signs of abuse, neglect or vulnerability
Safeguarding procedures are clear, robust and consistently followed
Students are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online

Safeguarding is embedded in our daily practice and remains a key priority across all areas of school life.

Safeguarding Team

Our Safeguarding Team, led by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), has overall responsibility for child protection and safeguarding across the school.The team ensures that all concerns are managed appropriately, sensitively and in line with school procedures. They work closely with staff, parents and, where appropriate, external agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students. If you have any concern regarding the welfare of a child, please contact a member of the Safeguarding Team without delay.

Our Approach

At GEMS United Indian School, Abu Dhabi, we safeguard our students through a comprehensive and proactive approach that includes:

Clear Child Protection Procedures

We have clear systems in place to ensure that any concerns relating to a child’s welfare are identified, recorded, reported and acted upon promptly. All safeguarding concerns are recorded securely on the school’s safeguarding platform and managed by the safeguarding team.

Staff Training and Awareness

All staff receive regular safeguarding training to ensure they can recognise and respond appropriately to abuse, neglect, exploitation or risk.

Safer Recruitment

We follow robust safer recruitment procedures, including background checks, reference checks and safeguarding-focused interview practices, to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children.

Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Support

We promote a strong culture of care and wellbeing in which students feel confident speaking to trusted adults and know that their concerns will be heard and acted upon.

Online Safety

Students are taught how to use technology safely and responsibly. Through our curriculum and pastoral provision, we help students understand online risks and develop the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves in digital environments.

Safeguarding Policies

Our safeguarding practice is informed by a range of key school policies, including:

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Safer Recruitment Policy Anti-Bullying Policy
Attendance Policy

These policies are available to view on the school website.

Reporting a Concern

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, please contact the school immediately.

All concerns are treated seriously and managed sensitively. Information is shared on a strict need-to-know basis in accordance with safeguarding and data protection guidance.

Important:

In line with UAE law, all school staff have a legal duty to report concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. Staff cannot promise confidentiality and must share concerns with the safeguarding team in order to keep children safe.

Where necessary, the school will seek advice from and work in partnership with relevant external safeguarding agencies and authorities.

Email: [School Safeguarding Email]

Telephone: [School Contact Number]

In the event of an immediate risk of harm, appropriate emergency services should be contacted without delay.

Allegations Against Adults

The school has clear procedures for managing concerns or allegations regarding the behaviour of adults working with children.

All such concerns are taken seriously and are managed in line with safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students.

Working in Partnership with Parents

We recognise that safeguarding is most effective when schools and families work together.

We value the support of parents and carers in promoting the wellbeing of our students and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. We encourage parents to speak to the school if they have any concerns or require support relating to a child’s welfare.