1. Policy Statement Ethereal English Medium School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care. Every child has the right to learn in a safe, secure, and supportive environment, free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This policy aligns with the Children Act of Bangladesh (2013), the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and international safeguarding best practices. 2. Scope This policy applies to: • All teaching and non-teaching staff. • Administrators, volunteers, and external contractors. • Visitors and any adults engaged in school activities. • All students enrolled at Ethereal School from Nursery to Grade 12. 3. Key Principles • Best Interests of the Child: The welfare of the child is paramount in all actions and decisions. • Zero Tolerance: Ethereal has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of child abuse, harassment, neglect, or exploitation. • Accountability: Every adult in the school community shares responsibility for safeguarding. • Confidentiality: All safeguarding concerns will be handled discreetly, and information shared only with those directly responsible for child protection. 4. Definitions of Abuse • Physical Abuse: Causing physical injury or harm to a child. • Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment that harms a child’s self-worth or emotional development. • Sexual Abuse: Forcing, coercing, or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities. • Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs. 5. Preventive Measures • Implement safe recruitment procedures, including background checks (police clearance, reference verification) for all staff and volunteers. • Provide mandatory safeguarding and child protection training for all staff annually. • Maintain a clear staff code of conduct outlining appropriate and professional behavior with students. • Ensure adequate supervision in classrooms, playgrounds, online learning spaces, and school trips. 6. Roles and Responsibilities • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The Head of School serves as the DSL and is responsible for overseeing all safeguarding concerns, training, and compliance. • Deputy DSL: A senior teacher will act as Deputy DSL to support and manage safeguarding cases in the absence of the Head. • All Staff: Must remain vigilant and immediately report any safeguarding concerns. • Parents/Guardians: Encouraged to raise any concerns regarding their child’s welfare with the DSL or Deputy DSL. 7. Reporting and Responding to Concerns • Any member of staff who suspects abuse or receives a disclosure must report it immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL, verbally and in writing. • The DSL will ensure the concern is recorded, assessed, and acted upon promptly, maintaining a confidential record of all cases. • Where there is a risk of immediate harm, the DSL will contact local child protection authorities or law enforcement as per Bangladeshi law. • All disclosures will be handled with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality. 8. Managing Allegations of Abuse Against a Member of Staff If an allegation is made that a member of staff, volunteer, or contractor has: • behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child; • possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or • behaved in a way that indicates unsuitability to work with children— then the following procedures will apply: 1. Immediate Reporting: o The allegation must be reported immediately to the DSL (Head of School). o If the allegation concerns the DSL, it should be reported to the Chairperson of the School Governing Body. 2. Initial Response: o The DSL will make a written record of the allegation, ensuring no attempt is made to investigate before consulting appropriate authorities. o The staff member concerned will be removed from direct contact with students pending investigation, if deemed necessary. 3. Investigation: o The DSL will inform local child protection authorities and law enforcement for guidance and formal investigation. o The school will fully cooperate with external agencies during the process. 4. Confidentiality: o All information will be handled on a strict need-to-know basis. o Support will be provided both to the alleged victim and to the staff member concerned until the case is resolved. 5. Outcome: o The school will take appropriate disciplinary action based on the investigation outcome, which may include dismissal or legal proceedings. 9. Policy Implementation and Review • The policy will be reviewed annually or whenever relevant laws or guidance change. • All staff must sign a declaration confirming they have read, understood, and will comply with this policy. • The school will conduct regular awareness sessions for staff, students, and parents to build a strong culture of child protection. Declaration Ethereal English Medium School reaffirms its commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every child. We will ensure full compliance with Bangladeshi law and international safeguarding standards, maintaining transparency, accountability, and care in all safeguarding matters.

1. Submission of Application for Absence • Requirement: All students must submit a written application to the school administration if they need to be absent. The application must state the reason for the absence and be submitted before the date(s) of absence. • Format: The application can be submitted by the parent or guardian in person or through email. 2. Fine for Absence Without Prior Information • Fine: If a student is absent without submitting a prior application, a fine of 50 Taka will be imposed. • Payment: The fine must be paid within three school days following the student's return. 3. Postponement of Admission Due to Absence • Policy: If a student is absent for one week (five consecutive school days) without submitting a pre-leave application, their admission will be temporarily postponed. • Procedure: Parents will be notified, and the student will not be allowed to attend classes until a valid reason for the absence is provided, and the necessary application is submitted. 4. Cancellation of Admission Due to Prolonged Absence • Policy: If a student is absent for two weeks (ten consecutive school days) without submitting a pre-leave application, their admission will be permanently cancelled. • Re-enrollment: To re-enroll, the student will need to go through the full admission process, subject to the availability of seats and meeting all current admission requirements. 5. Special Considerations • Exceptions: In case of emergency or unavoidable circumstances, parents/guardians must inform the school administration as soon as possible to avoid penalties. • Appeals: Parents may appeal decisions related to postponement or cancellation of admission by submitting a formal request to the school administration for review. 6. Enforcement and Record-Keeping • Documentation: All absence records, applications, fines, and decisions related to postponement or cancellation of admission will be documented and maintained by the school administration. • Communication: The school will ensure that this policy is communicated to all parents/guardians at the beginning of the academic year and is included in the student handbook. This policy aims to promote regular attendance, ensure accountability, and maintain academic standards at Ethereal School.