Child Protection Policy

At Together Community Space and Café, located in Aljada, Sharjah, UAE, the safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. This Child Protection Policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children who participate in our play areas, workshops, birthday parties, events, and seasonal camps. We adhere to UAE laws and international best practices to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for children aged 6 months to 10 years and their families.

Last updated: May 05, 2025. We review this policy annually and update it as needed to ensure ongoing protection. We encourage parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and report any concerns immediately.

1. Safeguarding Measures

  • Background Checks: All staff undergo rigorous background checks, including police clearance, before employment to ensure they are suitable to work with children.
  • Identification: Parents or guardians must provide identification when dropping off children for supervised programs (e.g., camps, workshops) to verify authorized pickups.
  • Supervision Ratios: We maintain a 1:5 staff-to-child ratio during supervised activities to ensure close monitoring and immediate response to needs.
  • Secure Environment: Access to play areas and program spaces is restricted to registered guests only, with staff monitoring entry points and using a sign-in/sign-out system for camps and events.
  • Photography Consent: We obtain written consent from parents before taking or using photos of children for promotional purposes, ensuring privacy is respected.

2. Staff Responsibilities

  • Training: All staff receive annual training on child protection, including recognizing signs of abuse, first aid, and emergency procedures, in compliance with UAE regulations.
  • Code of Conduct: Staff are prohibited from being alone with a child outside of supervised group settings and must report any inappropriate behavior immediately to management.
  • Incident Reporting: Staff are trained to document and report any incidents involving child safety (e.g., accidents, behavioral concerns) within 24 hours using our internal reporting system.
  • Supervision Duty: Staff actively monitor children during programs, ensuring they adhere to safety rules and receive appropriate support for their age and needs.

3. Reporting and Response Procedures

  • Reporting Concerns: Any suspected child abuse, neglect, or unsafe behavior must be reported immediately to a manager or supervisor. Parents can also report concerns directly to [Phone number to be updated] or info@togethercommunity.ae.
  • Investigation Process: Reported incidents are investigated confidentially by our management team within 48 hours, with support from local authorities if required under UAE law.
  • Parental Notification: Parents or guardians will be informed of serious incidents (e.g., injuries requiring medical attention) as soon as possible, typically within 1 hour, unless doing so would jeopardize an ongoing investigation.
  • Action Taken: Depending on the severity, actions may include staff disciplinary measures, suspension of involved parties, or referral to UAE child protection services. We prioritize the child’s safety at all times.

4. Emergency Procedures

  • Medical Emergencies: In case of injury or illness, our trained staff will provide first aid and contact emergency services (999 or 998 in UAE) if needed. Parents will be notified immediately.
  • Evacuation Plan: We conduct quarterly evacuation drills, and all staff are trained to guide children to safety in case of fire or other emergencies. Evacuation routes are posted throughout the facility.
  • Lockdown Protocol: In the rare event of a security threat, a lockdown procedure will be activated, with staff securing children in a safe area until authorities clear the situation.
  • Parental Reunification: After an emergency, we use the sign-in system to reunite children with authorized parents or guardians, ensuring accurate identification.

5. Contact and Support

We are committed to transparency and support for child protection. For questions, reports, or feedback regarding this policy, contact us at:

  • Phone: +97152 241 5737, (available Monday-Thursday, 09:00 AM-09:00 PM; Friday-Sunday, 09:00 AM-10:00 PM)
  • Email: info@togethercommunity.ae (responses within 24 hours)
  • In-Person: 

    Visit us at Aljada, Sharjah, UAE, during operating hours to speak with a manager.

We also encourage parents to discuss any specific concerns with our staff to ensure their child’s safety and comfort. Follow us on Instagram @togethercommunity.ae for updates on our safety initiatives.