Safeguarding at GFM

Safeguarding and Child Protection at GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar (GFM)

At GFM, the safety, welfare, and well-being of every student are our highest priorities. We are unwavering in our commitment to creating a secure, nurturing environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This commitment is embraced by all staff and volunteers, each of whom is expected to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

GFM recognizes its legal and moral responsibility to protect and promote the welfare of children, in line with UAE law and guided by key UK statutory frameworks. This is supported through both internal and company-wide policies and regular audits to ensure the highest standards are consistently met.
All individuals working within the school have successfully completed the necessary safeguarding clearances. In addition, all members of the Senior Leadership Team have undergone GEMS Safer Recruitment Training to ensure best practices in hiring staff.

Policies and Procedures

We have a robust safeguarding framework in place, which includes:

• A detailed Child Protection Policy (available on our school website)

• Safer recruitment practices

• Routine staff training on safeguarding and child protection

• Online safety education through curriculum content and workshops

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

Our school culture is built around openness, trust, and respect. We promote:


Open Communication: Encouraging students, staff, and parents to speak freely with trusted staff members about any concerns.


Curriculum Integration: Safeguarding themes are embedded within our curriculum to raise awareness about personal safety, healthy relationships, and well-being.


Collaboration with External Agencies: When necessary, we consult and work closely with external child protection agencies, always prioritizing the child’s welfare. Where possible, concerns are discussed with parents/carers unless doing so would compromise the child’s safety.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

To ensure effective oversight, we have appointed trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) for both Primary and Secondary, along with Deputy DSLs. These professionals are clearly identified throughout the school premises and serve as the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns, ensuring policies are implemented promptly and effectively.


Working in Partnership with Parents and the Community

We believe that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. GFM works in close partnership with parents and carers, maintaining transparent and proactive communication to ensure student well-being remains at the heart of everything we do.


A Rights-Based Approach

GFM is fully committed to promoting children’s rights, particularly their right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child—of which the UAE is a signatory—we aim to nurture responsible, informed, and empowered future leaders.


If you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child at GFM, please contact our Designated or Deputy Safeguarding Leads immediately. Contact details are available on our Contact Us page. We also encourage all families to review our safeguarding policies, accessible via our school website, and to reach out with any questions.