Embedding a Culture of Safeguarding at NAS Dubai
Our Commitment to Student Wellbeing
At NAS Dubai, safeguarding is not just a policy – it’s a culture that informs everything we do. We believe that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive, both academically and personally.
Our school is committed to providing a nurturing environment where students, staff, and the wider school community understand the importance of safeguarding and play an active role in ensuring student safety. From implementing strong policies to fostering a culture of care and accountability, safeguarding is embedded into daily life at NAS Dubai.
Reflecting on Safeguarding: Insights from Nord Anglia Education
Nord Anglia Education’s latest Insights features Sir Peter Wanless, a leading advocate for child protection, discussing the vital role that schools play in protecting and nurturing young people. His conversation underscores the fact that safeguarding is not just about compliance – it is about creating an environment where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Recently, Sir Peter Wanless was appointed as Nord Anglia Education’s Independent Safeguarding Advisor, further strengthening NAE’s commitment to ensuring best practices in child protection across its schools worldwide. His extensive experience in safeguarding and child welfare brings invaluable expertise to the Nord Anglia community, reinforcing the shared responsibility of keeping students safe.
At NAS Dubai, we align with this philosophy and continually reflect on how we can enhance our safeguarding practices. By staying informed about the latest research and best practices in child protection, we ensure that our approach remains comprehensive, proactive, and responsive to the needs of our students.
A Holistic Approach to Safeguarding
Beyond Compliance: Building Trust and Support
Safeguarding at NAS Dubai extends far beyond meeting regulatory requirements. It is about fostering genuine connections with students, ensuring they feel comfortable expressing concerns, seeking guidance, and trusting the adults around them.
Cheryl McSweeney, Regional and NAS Dubai Safeguarding Lead, explains:
"True safeguarding goes beyond compliance – it’s about building relationships where students, staff, and all members of our community know they are seen, heard, and supported every step of the way."
By prioritising open communication and trust, we create a school environment where safeguarding is not just a rule but a shared responsibility that involves students, teachers, parents, and leadership teams.
Embedding Safeguarding into Everyday School Life
We take a proactive approach to safeguarding, ensuring that it is not just a topic discussed in training sessions but a lived experience for all members of our community. Our safeguarding practices include:
- Dedicated Safeguarding Leads: A highly trained team that supports student welfare and responds to concerns effectively.
- Regular Training & Workshops: Ongoing professional development for staff to stay up to date with the latest safeguarding strategies.
- Student Voice & Advocacy: Encouraging students to speak up about their experiences, ensuring they feel heard and valued.
- Parental Engagement: Working closely with parents to ensure they understand safeguarding policies and how they can support their child’s wellbeing at home.
Through these initiatives, we ensure that safeguarding is a continuous, school-wide effort rather than a reactive measure.
Why Safeguarding Matters More Than Ever
The role of schools in safeguarding has become even more crucial in today’s world, where students face challenges both online and offline. Issues such as cyber safety, mental health awareness, and emotional resilience are now fundamental aspects of safeguarding.
By fostering a culture of openness, support, and vigilance, we equip students with the tools to navigate these challenges confidently. We believe that when students feel safe and valued, they can focus on achieving their full potential both academically and personally.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Our Commitment
At NAS Dubai, safeguarding is not a one-time action – it is an ongoing commitment that we continuously strive to strengthen. Moving forward, we aim to:
- Expand student-led safeguarding initiatives, giving students a more active role in promoting wellbeing.
- Integrate technology and AI to enhance digital safety and prevent online risks.
- Further develop community partnerships to create a stronger network of support for students and families.
We recognise that safeguarding is a collective responsibility, and by working together, we can ensure that every student at NAS Dubai experiences a safe, nurturing, and empowering school environment.
Read more about safeguarding from Nord Anglia Education here: NAE Insights Article
