S afeguarding GUIDELINES
Welcome to Doha College.
Please read this leaflet so that you are aware of the key information regarding your own safety and the safety of our pupils.
Doha College is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all pupils and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment. This means we aim to protect all children from harm or injury and allow them to develop safely, free form abuse or neglect.
This leaflet has been produced to ensure you understand what is expected of you. If you are unsure of any of the expectations, please ask a member of staff.
By signing into the school, you are agreeing to follow the advice and guidance in this leaflet.
Safeguarding Advice for Visitors
At Doha College all adults are committed to safeguarding and meeting the needs of our children. All visitors and volunteers are part of this commitment and within these guidelines you will find helpful advice and information to help you support this. Visitors or volunteers who do not display this ethos will be asked to leave the site.
Your Responsibilities
All visitors who work with children will have to complete a safeguarding course, either online or through the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
If you are working with children regularly or on your own, you must provide a police check (or the equivalent) to show you are suitable to work with children as per the volunteer policy. This may be provided through your employer. Without this you cannot be left unsupervised with our students.
If you become the subject of any criminal investigation you must inform the Principal immediately.
What if I am worried about a child?
If, while working with a child, you become concerned about there wellbeing you must report this to the member of staff you work with or the DSL.
Some signs of abuse may be
• Comments made by the child
• Marks or bruising
• Changes of behaviour or personality
• Low self-esteem
• Changes in appearance
• Neglect e.g. no food, dirty clothes, poor hygiene
What do I do if a child tells me that they are being harmed?
Although it is unlikely this may happen, they have trusted you to tell you this and it is important you take the time to listen.
• Stay calm and assure the child they have done the right thing
• Listen carefully, remain calm and accept what the child says
• Do not promise confidentiality
• Try to alleviate any feeling if guilt or shame
• Do not judge the child or the alleged abuser
• Ask open questions to help share the story, but do not investigate
• Explain what happens next, that you must pass this on to anyone from the safeguarding team.
• Make notes ASAP using the child’s words, sign, date them and pass them onto anyone from the safeguarding team.
What if the alleged abuser is a member of staff?
This should be reported directly to the Executive Designatied Safeguarding Lead - Uzma Zaffar. Either visit in her office - CH-113, or call the safeguarding number 856 from any phone in the school. Or email on uzaffar@dohacollege.com.
What if the alleged abuser is the Principal?
This should be reported to the chair of the Governors, Mr Eduardo Vieira (evieira@dohacollege.com).
How do I ensure I always act in an appropriate manner?
If working with a pupil, ensure you are always visible to others, this may mean leaving the door open if in a room alone. Do not engage with students through any social media platforms. Only use official Doha College channels, no personal emails or phone numbers should be shared. Do not photograph students unless this has been agreed and no images should be stored on personal devices. No student data can be shared without school approval.
Site Safety
Please ensure that you wear your visitor lanyard throughout the college at all times. Any visitor not wearing a lanyard will be escorted to reception. All visitors must report to reception on arrival.
If the fire alarm sounds (a siren followed by an Arabic and English evacuation message) make your way to the muster point for further instructions. In Primary this is the MUGA, in Secondary/sport facilities this is the astroturf pitch.
If a lockdown is called over the PA please make your way to the nearest room, lock the door, and await further instructions. Visitors must only use staff toilets, never a student toilet. All visitors must sign out and hand in their lanyard to security.
SAFEGUARDING
If you have any concerns about the health, safety or well-being of any pupil at Doha College, please speak to one of the following immediately:
Danielle Price DSL
Derek Watson Deputy DSL
David Cann Deputy DSL
Sarah Kiernan Webb DSL
Matthew Corke Deputy DSL
Jerome Scafe Deputy DSL
Thomas
Shainaz Dalvi Deputy DSL
Scott McDiarmid Deputy DSL
Christopher Craig Deputy DSL
Sarah Jackson Deputy DSL
David Wallace Deputy DSL
Hannah Wood Deputy DSL
Klelia Antoniou Deputy DSL
Gemma Stroud Deputy DSL
Louise Kotek Deputy DSL
Jane Williams Deputy DSL
Uzma Zaffar Executive DSL
Doha College is committed to safeguarding and protecting all pupils and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment. This means we aim to protect all children from harm or injury and allow them to develop safely, free from abuse or neglect.
Ayeesha Lall Safeguarding Governor safeguardinggov@dohacollege.com