Policies

Child safeguarding policy

Last updated: 7 November 2026

Our commitment

A child's safety comes before everything else at MERAS. This policy applies to everyone who works with us: trainers, staff and volunteers, in and outside sessions, in person and online.

Safeguarding lead

MERAS has a named safeguarding lead who receives and follows up every concern. Reach them on WhatsApp at +20 10 4152 1717.

Safer recruitment

Nobody works with children before: an interview, a demo lesson in front of a panel, reference checks, a recent criminal record certificate, signing this policy and the code of conduct as part of their contract, and an induction on both.

In sessions

Sessions take place in an open, known space, and no adult is alone with a child behind a closed door. After a session a child is handed only to a parent or an adult the parent has named in writing. No physical punishment and no humiliation of any kind.

Online sessions

Session links go to parents through MERAS channels. Sessions are never recorded without a parent's written consent. We recommend a parent stays nearby for children under 12.

Contact and images

Trainers contact parents, not children, and only through MERAS channels; they never add children on personal accounts. We do not photograph, film or publish children without a parent's written consent, and children's faces never appear on the website.

Reporting

If you are worried about anything, or our staff notice something, the safeguarding lead is told the same day. We record it in confidence, stop the person concerned from working with children until the review ends, and keep the parent informed. If a child is at risk we call Egypt's Child Helpline 16000 or the police on 122 straight away. You can also call the Child Helpline directly.

Review

We review this policy at least once a year and after any report.