INTRODUCTION

Hira Foundation School (HFS) fully recognises its religious, moral, and legal responsibility to protect and safeguard all students from harm. In accordance with our Islamic values and national child protection frameworks, safeguarding is a priority in ensuring the well-being, dignity, and holistic development of every child under our care.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children means:

• Providing timely support to address issues as soon as they arise,
• Protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect—whether at home, school, online, or in the community,
• Preventing harm to children’s physical and mental health and development,
• Ensuring safe, nurturing environments that allow all children to thrive,
• Taking appropriate action to secure the best possible outcomes for every child.

POLICY STATEMENT

Hira Foundation School upholds an environment rooted in respect, Islamic ethics, mutual cooperation, and care for each child’s individual needs. Our policy supports the core values of compassion, justice, and personal accountability, drawing from both Shariah principles and statutory requirements under Pakistani law.

HFS welcomes students irrespective of socio-economic status, or ethnicity. 

This policy applies to:

• Teaching and non-teaching staff,
• Administration, security, and support personnel,
• Contractual service providers and volunteers,
• Visitors and third-party educators,
• Any adult or youth working on behalf of or under the authority of Hira Foundation School.

POLICY AIMS

The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at HFS aims to:

• Make all stakeholders aware of their role in keeping children safe.
• Train staff and volunteers to identify and report abuse confidently.
• Establish clear and confidential procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Support children’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.
• Prevent exposure to extremism, violence, harassment, or exploitation.
• Maintain a secure learning environment aligned with Islamic adab (ethics).
• Collaborate with local welfare agencies, child protection units, and law enforcement authorities where required.

We are committed to nurturing a positive and vigilant culture, where staff maintain the mindset: “It could happen here.”

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

Safeguarding is achieved through:

1. Education & Curriculum:

Through our Tarbiyah-infused curriculum, students are taught to understand personal boundaries, respect others, and report misconduct or abuse. Lessons within Islamic Studies, Character Building, and Computer classes address topics like digital safety, bullying, and emotional awareness. b. Safer Recruitment:

All staff appointments are made after:

• Background checks (Police Verification, if required),
• Reference verification,
• Interview screenings for ethical conduct,
• Compliance with HFS’s Islamic code of conduct and child protection clause.

RAISING AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS

At Hira Foundation School (HFS), we foster an environment of open communication where students feel respected, heard, and empowered. We integrate Islamic Tarbiyah (character building) with modern child protection practices to help our students make informed, morally guided decisions and recognize harmful or inappropriate behaviours.

• Students are regularly guided on topics like personal boundaries, peer pressure, bullying, online safety, and recognizing abuse.
• Sessions on mutual respect, emotional intelligence, and empathy are embedded in both the PSHE curriculum and Islamic Studies.
• Students are informed about trusted adults (teachers, school counsellors, and class mentors) they can speak to regarding any concern.
• The school designates a Tarbiyah Coordinator available for confidential student concerns. Contact details are displayed in school corridors and common areas.

CHILDREN WITH WELFARE OR PROTECTION NEEDS

Some students may face abuse, trauma, or complex family challenges that impact their safety, behaviour, or academic progress.

• Taebiyah coordinator will identify and support such students with early intervention and individual welfare plans.
• Where necessary, HFS will liaise with:

o Social Welfare Departments (e.g., Child Protection Unit Sindh), o Child Protection Officers at Police Stations, o Local NGOs, shelters, and helplines like Madadgar.

STUDENTS NEEDING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Mental health is integral to the well-being of our learners. Emotional or behavioural changes may indicate abuse, bullying, neglect, or digital exploitation.

HFS has:

• A trained School Counselor/Psychologist for mental health referrals,
• A confidential referral process (via teachers or self-request),
• Protocols for urgent cases involving trauma, self-harm, or suicidal behaviour,
• Partnerships with external mental health NGOs, Islamic counselors, and clinics as needed.

Staff are trained to spot signs such as anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, or absenteeism, and refer promptly to the counseling team.

SAFER RECRUITMENT PRACTICES

HFS strictly follows safer recruitment protocols to protect students from exploitation or harm.

Recruitment Includes:

• Police Character Certificate verification (local or district level),
• Original CNIC/Family Registration Certificate checks,
• Reference checks from past employers (at least 2),
• Face-to-face interview covering Islamic values, ethical conduct, and child safety awareness, Signed declaration of agreement to follow HFS’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy.

No staff (teaching or non-teaching) can begin duties until full clearance is granted.

TRANSPARENCY AND WHISTLEBLOWING

Hira Foundation School fosters a culture of accountability, Islamic integrity (Amanah), and open reporting.

• Staff, students, and parents are encouraged to report concerns about:
  • Unsafe behaviour by adults or peers, o Potential breaches of safeguarding or school ethics, o Negligence in supervision or record keeping.
• Reports can be made to:
  • The Head of Section o The Principal/Academic Head

All concerns will be handled confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

Anonymous whistleblowing is allowed through written or digital reporting options.

In serious cases involving negligence or cover-up by senior staff, reports may be directed to:

• School Management

INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS: STAFF CODE OF CONDUCT

During induction and annual reviews:

• Staff are trained on boundaries, respectful behaviour, and avoiding situations that may be misunderstood.
• Guidance is provided on handling sensitive situations, including reporting mechanisms and consultation with the Tarbiyah Department.

All staff must:

• Take responsibility for their actions and avoid behaviour that may be misinterpreted.
• Act openly, transparently, and consistently with Islamic and professional standards.
• Keep written records of incidents or concerns.
• Follow legal and institutional frameworks at all times.

FIRST AID  

• Only trained first-aiders may administer first aid, except in emergencies.
• All incidents are logged and shared with parents/guardians when needed.

WHAT IS SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION

Safeguarding at Hira Foundation School refers to all the policies and practices we implement to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of every student. It includes protection from abuse, harm, neglect, exploitation, and dangerous ideologies or environments.

It is our duty to protect children from:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Neglect and maltreatment
• Child exploitation (labor, trafficking, harassment)
• Harmful online content or cyber grooming
• Radicalization, sectarianism, or hate-based ideologies
• Violence or harmful peer influences

This includes protecting students from threats arising from within the family, school, society, or digital platforms.

DEFINITION OF CHILD ABUSE

Child abuse occurs when a child is harmed by another person—adult or child—through physical, emotional, or sexual mistreatment, exploitation, neglect, or exposure to harm. This may occur at home, in the community, in an institution, or online.

Child abuse includes but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Domestic violence exposure
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Radicalization and online harm

Note: Children may suffer from multiple forms of abuse simultaneously.

 TYPES OF ABUSE

1. Physical Abuse

Deliberate infliction of pain or injury such as hitting, burning, shaking, or poisoning.

Warning Signs:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Repeated injuries in a pattern (e.g. belt marks)
• Burns, fractures, or bite marks
• Flinching, fearfulness, or withdrawal
• Fear of going home or avoiding certain people

2. Emotional Abuse

Consistent rejection, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or verbal harm affecting a child’s emotional development.

Warning Signs:

• Frequent sadness, low self-esteem
• Excessive need for approval or withdrawal
• Delays in development or social skills
• Fearfulness or hyper-compliant behaviour
• Emotional over-dependence or aggression

3. Sexual Abuse

Any sexual activity involving a child, including inappropriate touching, grooming, exploitation, and digital sexual abuse.

Warning Signs:

• Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
• Genital pain, bleeding, or discharge
• Bedwetting, nightmares, anxiety
• Sudden behavioural shifts or depression
• Possession of unexplained gifts or money
• Avoidance of school or physical contact

Note: Both males and females can be perpetrators. Abuse may be in-person or online.

4. Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical, emotional, medical, or educational needs.

Warning Signs:

• Constant hunger or malnutrition
• Dirty clothing, poor hygiene
• Unsupervised or exposed to danger
• Medical needs left untreated
• Frequent school absence or late pickups

5. Harmful Online Conduct & Radicalization

Children may be manipulated through social media, gaming, or messaging apps to adopt:

• Extremist beliefs (religious, political, sectarian),
• Participate in violence, hate speech, or harmful online groups,
• Engage in cybercrime, harassment, or sexting.

STAFF AWARENESS

All HFS staff are trained on:

• Types of abuse and warning signs
• Reporting and record-keeping procedures
• Child sexual exploitation and grooming indicators
• The role of online safety and radicalization awareness
• Cultural and gender-specific risks in Pakistani society

SERIOUS VIOLENCE AND GANG INVOLVEMENT

At Hira Foundation School, we recognize the rising risk of serious violence affecting children both inside and outside school, especially in urban settings.

Staff must be alert to warning signs including:

• Increased absenteeism or truancy
• Unexplained injuries or signs of assault
• Possession of new items (e.g., mobile phones, branded clothes, cash)
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Association with older peer groups or strangers
• Emotional distress, self-harm, or aggression

CHILD-ON-CHILD ABUSE

Child-on-child abuse is taken very seriously at HFS. It includes:

• Bullying (in-person or cyber)
• Physical aggression (hitting, biting, hair-pulling, etc.)
• Sexual harassment or inappropriate touching
• Hazing, intimidation, or humiliating rituals

Staff must never dismiss such incidents as “normal” behaviour or “just banter.” Immediate Action Protocol:

• Secure both the alleged victim and perpetrator safely and separately
• Begin documentation and investigation
• Inform parents/guardians as per school policy
• Involve police or social welfare authorities when required

Note: Staff must use non-judgmental, sensitive language and ensure victims feel heard and protected.

KNIFE POSSESSION / WEAPON RISK

Possession of knives or dangerous items is strictly prohibited.

Three categories of knife-carrying may arise:

1. Children recruited into criminal groups or gangs
2. Children seeking protection or influenced by social media
3. Children innocently carrying tools (e.g., gifted items)

4. Regardless of motive, staff will:

• • Confiscate the item
  • Immediately report to the Section Head/Lead
  • Notify local police (if threat is serious)
  • Assess whether expulsion, suspension, or referral to external agencies is needed

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON STUDENTS

Domestic abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse between intimate partners or family members.

Children may suffer by:

• Witnessing violent incidents at home
• Being used to threaten or manipulate a parent
• Suffering from depression, PTSD, or anxiety

Staff must be trained to recognize:

• Sudden drop in confidence or performance
• Fear of going home
• Aggression or withdrawal
• Absenteeism or running away from home

If abuse is suspected:

• The Section Head will engage child protection protocols
• Provide emotional counselling support at school

 STUDENT SEARCHES AND LEGAL RIGHTS

In line with local law and ethical Islamic values, HFS ensures that any student search or police investigation is carried out with:

• Parental involvement
• The presence of a trusted adult / appropriate adult
• Transparency and safeguarding at every stage

If police are called:

• The Section Head ensures the student’s rights are protected
• School staff remain present during questioning
• Searches are conducted respectfully, preserving student dignity

MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

At Hira Foundation School, we recognize that mental health and safeguarding are closely linked. Children experiencing trauma, neglect, violence, or abuse may show signs of:

• Anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
• Anger or violent behavior
• School avoidance or academic decline
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts Staff Role:
• Observe and document behavior changes
• Refer cases of concerned Section Head
• Avoid diagnosing — only licensed professionals may assess mental illness
• Work with psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists, and child welfare services to support the child

PREJUDICE-RELATED BEHAVIOUR

We define prejudice-related bullying as any conduct that causes exclusion, intimidation, or emotional harm due to:

• Religion or sect
• Ethnicity or language
• Gender or gender identity
• Socio-economic background
• Disability or learning differences

Such behavior is unacceptable in our Islamic values-based school environment. Disciplinary and counselling action will be taken under the Behaviour and Safeguarding Policy.

Islamic Perspective:

Our Prophet ﷺ emphasized modesty and safeguarding personal boundaries. Harassment is a serious violation of Shariah and school rules.

School Response:

• Staff must not downplay behavior as “banter”
• Reports must be taken seriously and acted on promptly

 RESPONDING TO VICTIMS OF ABUSE

• Respecting the Victim’s Process: Victims may disclose abuse gradually. Staff must keep communication open, show empathy, and avoid pressuring the child for immediate details.
• Trusted Adult Support: Victims will be offered a trusted adult (e.g. Tarbiyah Coordinator) of their own choice, wherever reasonably possible. This adult will serve as a confidential support person throughout the process.
• Trauma-Sensitive Environment: Victims may struggle with normal classroom settings. Hira Foundation will:
  • Avoid isolating victims from friends or peers.

• Provide optional withdrawal spaces for privacy or emotional recovery.
• Respect requests for reduced academic load or schedule changes if these arise from trauma.

• Long-Term Support & Referral: Where necessary, we will work closely with:
  • Child Protection Units, local police, or social welfare departments. o Trauma counselors or Islamic therapists, as available.
  • Parents/guardians, while respecting confidentiality and the child’s emotional readiness.
• Bullying Protection: The school will ensure victims are protected from peer bullying, mocking, or retaliation. Any such behavior will result in disciplinary action as per the school’s behavior policy.
• Alternate Provision: If a student cannot cope within the school environment despite support:
  • Alternate schooling or distance education may be arranged with full consent of the student and parents.
  • The school remains responsible for the child’s safeguarding during this transition.
  • The DSL will liaise with the receiving institution to transfer child protection files securely and responsibly.

 SAFEGUARDING & SUPPORTING ALLEGED PERPETRATORS (CHILDREN)

• Balanced Safeguarding: The school recognizes its dual responsibility:
  • To protect the victim and school community.
  • To ensure the alleged perpetrator receives due process, education, counseling, and spiritual/moral rehabilitation.
• Case-by-Case Approach: Each case will be handled individually, considering:
  • The child’s age, developmental maturity, and emotional wellbeing. o The nature, context, and frequency of the harmful sexual behavior (HSB). o Guidance from police, social services, or trauma counselors if needed.
• Understanding Root Causes: Many perpetrators are also survivors of abuse. Support may include:
  • Trauma counseling o Faith-based mentorship o Behaviour therapy and self-regulation skills o Structured Islamic character-building programs (Akhlaq and Adab)
• Continued Access to Education: Unless removal is deemed necessary for safety, the child will remain enrolled under a Safeguarding Support Plan. Exclusion (if ever needed) must be:
  • Lawful and documented o Approved by the Head and DSL jointly o Accompanied by a reintegration or alternative education strategy
• Onward Transfers: If a perpetrator transfers schools:
  • The DSL will inform the new institution (within data protection boundaries).
  • All safeguarding documents will be confidentially transferred.

 SUPPORTING VICTIMS IN THE CLASSROOM

Teachers play a vital role. Key strategies include:

• Believe the child: Even if the story seems fragmented.
• Be emotionally available: Use non-verbal cues, avoid interrogating.
• Avoid blame: Victims must never be held responsible.
• Foster self-esteem: Recognize strengths, give affirmations like:
  • “You are brave.” o “You’re not alone here.”

• “You matter to us.”

• Build identity: Offer art, journaling, nasihat circles, Islamic stories.
• Teach social skills: Encourage peer interaction in safe settings.
• Include the child: Don’t let them feel “different” or “wrong”.
• Monitor emotional regulation: Children may act out to regain control.

SUPPORTING CHILD PERPETRATORS

Support may include:

• Structured counselling sessions
• Faith-based accountability (Islamic perspective on zina, haya, repentance)
• Journaling: “What went wrong?” / “What should I do next time?”
• Victim empathy sessions (age-appropriate)
• Disciplinary measures (as per behavior policy)

The goal is prevention of future harm while restoring emotional and moral growth.

RECORD KEEPING

• All incidents must be documented with:

o Summary of concern o Actions taken o Outcomes and follow-ups

• Files must be securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.

 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES IN SCHOOL

Hira Foundation School promotes a “Safe Islamic School Environment” by:

• Embedding child protection in Islamic Studies
• Conducting workshops on modesty, respect, bullying, digital safety
• Facilitating student councils to review rules and suggest safety improvements
• Making teachers available and approachable without bias
• Using a strict “No Banter Policy” around gender, body shaming, or harassment

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. All Staff Responsibilities

All teachers and staff must:

• Report concerns to the Section Head without delay
• Watch for signs of abuse, neglect, bullying, or radical behaviour
• Guide students on personal safety, lawful conduct, and Islamic manners
• Document all disclosures, concerns, or interventions confidentially
• Uphold public trust, good character, and appropriate interactions with students

Responsibilities

Tarbiyah Coordinator:

• Lead all child protection and online safety concerns
• Maintain case files, contact with agencies, and investigation records

IT Manager:

• Enforce secure internet use
• Update firewall, filtering, and monitoring logs
• Provide alerts on suspicious activity

Teachers and Staff:

• Model good digital practices
• Reinforce online safety during lessons
• Report any suspicion of grooming, abuse, or online risk

Students:

• Sign and follow the Acceptable Use Policy
• Report any peer concerns or online issues
• Participate in online safety workshops

 Commitment to Islamic Values

At Hira Foundation School, all safeguarding practices are guided by the core Islamic values of protection (ظتﺎﻔﺣ), justice (دلﻋ), accountability (تﯾﻟوﺋﺳﻣ) and mercy (تﻣﺣر). Every child is an amanah (trust) upon us, and all staff are expected to uphold these values in every decision made during safeguarding inquiries.