Observing and Reporting to Protect Children is a vital course for teachers, assistants, and early years staff in UAE schools and nurseries. This training helps educators understand how to notice subtle signs of distress, record observations accurately, and respond appropriately.
Aligned with MOE, KHDA, SPEK, and ADEK requirements, the course ensures staff can act quickly and confidently to safeguard children. Learners gain practical skills for managing disclosures, maintaining professional boundaries, and using reporting systems effectively, creating a safe, supportive environment across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE.
Learn how to understand and respond to children’s disclosures safely.
Recognise behavioural and physical indicators of distress or harm.
Follow professional procedures for observing, documenting, and reporting concerns.
Maintain accurate records using verbal, written, and digital systems.
Understand barriers to disclosure and how to support children to speak safely.
Use setting-specific safeguarding policies and procedures confidently.
Collaborate with colleagues, DSLs, and DSOs to ensure children’s protection.
Apply safeguarding principles during daily classroom routines, play, and digital activities.
Build confidence in handling sensitive situations while maintaining professional boundaries.
Ensure compliance with UAE child protection legislation and early years standards.
Explain the importance of observing children for safeguarding purposes.
Recognise the reasons children disclose information and barriers they may face.
Identify behavioural, emotional, and physical signs of distress or abuse.
Apply listening strategies that support children without influencing or interviewing them.
Record observations accurately, including verbatim notes, dates, and times.
Understand the correct storage and confidentiality of safeguarding records.
Follow proper reporting procedures, escalating concerns when necessary.
Work with DSLs, DSOs, and colleagues to maintain a consistent safeguarding approach.
Maintain professional boundaries while supporting children through sensitive disclosures.
Apply these skills confidently in early years classrooms and nursery settings across the UAE.
Complete the course to earn your certificate, available for viewing and download
Children may disclose information directly, indirectly, or through their behaviour. Disclosures happen for many reasons: they trust an adult, feel safe, or need help. Educators need to understand why children share information and what may stop them from speaking.
Barriers can include fear, language challenges, cultural expectations, or previous negative experiences. Recognising these factors helps staff respond sensitively. Understanding the types of disclosure ensures educators can act appropriately, keeping the child’s emotional well-being at the forefront.
Effective listening is central to safeguarding. Adults must observe, listen carefully, and ask open questions when appropriate. Avoid interviewing or pressuring children, as this can create stress and compromise evidence.
Techniques such as the Snack-Time Protocol (Observe, Listen, Ask open questions, Stay calm) help staff respond in a supportive, non-threatening way. Staying calm and patient ensures the child feels safe and valued, while the adult gathers accurate information for safeguarding purposes.
Accurate record-keeping is essential. Educators must write verbatim notes, logging times, dates, and events precisely. Notes should be factual, clear, and objective.
Records must be stored securely and confidentially. Whether using paper forms or digital systems, proper documentation ensures concerns are traceable and actionable. This also protects educators legally and supports transparency within UAE safeguarding frameworks.
Knowing what to do after observing a concern is crucial. Staff must follow setting-specific procedures, which include reporting to DSLs or DSOs. It is important to know:
Who to contact immediately
How to report observations clearly and accurately
What not to do, such as investigating alone or confronting the suspected abuser
How to escalate cases to external agencies if needed
