Chadwell Heath Muslim Centre & Al-Falah Academy

Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Chadwell Heath Muslim Centre (CHMC) and Al-Falah Academy (AFA) are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with our mosque, madrasa, and associated activities. As a registered charity with the Charity Commission, we adhere to UK safeguarding legislation, best practices, and Islamic ethical principles. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, teachers, trustees, imams, and anyone involved in CHMC and AFA activities.

2. Legal Framework

This policy aligns with:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023)

• The Care Act 2014

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)

• Charity Commission Guidance on Safeguarding (CC3)

3. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:
1. Children & Young People – All under 18s attending the mosque or madrasa.
2. Vulnerable Adults – Individuals at risk due to age, disability, or other factors.
3. Staff & Volunteers – Ensuring a safe and professional environment.

4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Key safeguarding responsibilities include:

4.1 Trustees & Management

• Ensure safeguarding is a priority.

• Approve and review safeguarding policies annually.

• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

4.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) & Deputies

• A DSL is appointed to handle all safeguarding concerns.

• Deputies are trained to support the DSL.

• DSL contact details are publicly available.

4.3 Staff & Volunteers

• Must understand and follow safeguarding policies.

• Attend safeguarding training regularly.

• Report concerns to the DSL immediately.

4.4 Parents & Guardians

• Encouraged to report concerns regarding their child’s safety.

• Informed about safeguarding procedures in the madrasa.

5. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Staff and volunteers must be vigilant for signs of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.

6. Safe Recruitment & DBS Checks

All staff and volunteers must have an Enhanced DBS check.

7. Whistleblowing Policy

Reports can be made confidentially to the DSL or anonymously to external safeguarding authorities.

8. Prevent Duty & Extremism Safeguarding

CHMC & AFA comply with Prevent Duty to ensure individuals are not drawn into extremist ideologies.

9. Health & Safety Measures

Key measures include safe drop-off and pick-up procedures, fire safety plans, and first aid provision.

10. Safeguarding in Specific Activities

10.1 Madrasa (Islamic Education Classes)

• All children must be supervised.

• Attendance Register must be kept daily.

• Teachers must maintain professional boundaries.

10.2 Mosque Activities

• Parents are responsible for children outside structured classes.

• Crowd control measures for Friday prayers and events.

10.3 Youth & Community Programs

• DBS checks for volunteers.

• No unsupervised one-on-one meetings with minors.

10.4 Trips & External Visits

• Parental consent required.

• Risk assessments must be conducted.

10.5 Online Safety & Social Media

• No private messaging between teachers and students.

• Online classes must be recorded.

11. Reporting to Authorities

If abuse is suspected, CHMC & AFA will report to local safeguarding boards, police, or the Charity Commission.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the trustees and updated as needed.

13. Approval & Signatures

This policy is officially adopted by Chadwell Heath Muslim Centre & Al-Falah Academy.

Mohammad Akhtar Hussain – Chairperson
Furad Miah – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Date: 01/04/2025

Key Contacts:

• Local Authority Children’s Social Care: 0208 708 3885/0208 708 5897 (emergency)
• Local Authority Adult Social Care: 0208 708 7333
• Police (Non-Emergency): 101
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 0208 708 5350