Safer Touch Policy

At Ozkaya Özkaya KHS, we believe in providing a safe, nurturing environment for all our students. Positive touch can be an essential part of supporting, comforting, and reassuring children, especially in early years. However, touch must always be appropriate, professional, and respectful of the child’s dignity and cultural context.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and adults working with students within the school community.

• Child-Centered: The welfare and dignity of the child are paramount.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognise and respect Turkish cultural norms and values.
• Professional Boundaries: Staff must maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
• Transparency: All touch must be open and in the best interests of the child.

Safer touch refers to touch that is:

• Necessary for the child’s care and safety (e.g., first aid).
• Appropriate for reassurance or comfort (e.g., a pat on the shoulder).
• Age-appropriate and respectful of the child’s wishes.

Examples of safer, acceptable touch:

• Holding a young child’s hand for guidance and reassurance.
• A hand on the shoulder to praise or reassure.
• Physical support in activities like PE or dance (as part of instruction).
• Applying first aid, with clear explanation and consent where possible.
• Age-appropriate comforting of a distressed child (e.g., gentle pat on the back).

• Touch that is intrusive, personal, or violates cultural or religious boundaries.
• Kissing, hugging, or lap-sitting outside a clear professional context.
• Touching a child’s private parts except for intimate care (e.g., toileting, medical assistance), and only with proper safeguarding measures in place.
• Slapping, pinching, or physically disciplining a child.
• Prolonged or unnecessary physical contact.

• Turkish culture often places a high value on personal space and modesty.
• Staff should be aware that even gestures seen as positive in some cultures (e.g., hugging) may not be acceptable in others.
• Staff must adapt to individual family preferences (where appropriate) and communicate with parents if unsure.

• Always ask for verbal or non-verbal consent before offering comfort or guidance through touch.
• Observe the child’s reaction and respect their comfort level.
• Use alternative strategies (e.g., verbal reassurance, supportive gestures) if a child appears uncomfortable.
• Avoid one-to-one touch in private areas—where possible, ensure that touch occurs in open, visible spaces.

• Any concerns about inappropriate touch must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Staff should record any incidents of physical contact beyond routine touch (e.g., first aid, comforting a distressed child) in the school’s incident log.
• Clear records will support transparency and protect both children and staff.

• All staff will receive training on this policy during induction and through ongoing safeguarding sessions.
• This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it reflects best practices, Turkish cultural contexts, and any updates to local or international safeguarding guidance.