The Muslim community in Lancashire, likewise other areas of Great Britain, over the past thirty years have invested substantial resources in establishing education centres, called Madrasahs. These Madrasahs, at least in England, operate either in purpose built or converted adjacent dwellings to Mosques or even within the Mosque structure itself. At present there are approximately 70 Madrasahs in operation throughout the County. These are completely self-financed and independent education centres.

The primary aim of the Madrasah sector is to educate young Muslims about the key tenets of Islam, make them conscious of their identity and to instil in them a sense of belonging to Islam. A secondary aim is to assist Muslim children acquire the necessary skills to positively contribute to the well being of society.

The creation of this independent education sector, which no doubt imbues the young Muslim generation with a deep sense of purpose of existence, is a huge credit to the community. To further enhance the learning experiences of children a set of guidelines that highlight issues pertaining to child protection were developed for the reference of administrators. The purpose of this document is to ensure that the safety and welfare of children continue to be considered of paramount importance during their learning experience. It also highlights legal responsibilities as enshrined in the Children’s Act (1989).

These guidelines are available in different ethnic mediums, would enable Madrasah administrators to further enhance their current management policies and practices regarding child welfare issues. Representatives of the Blackburn with Darwen Social Service, Lancashire Social Services, the NSPCC, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Council of Mosques and Blackburn Council of Mosques have developed these guidelines.

It is anticipated by the above bodies that the project would operate in the following manner. Representatives of the Management Committee of each Mosque would receive initial awareness training about the programme. The first cohort of administrators/community workers from each Mosque would then be systematically trained in child protection matters. This would include: categories of Child Abuse, the Child Protection Register, the role of Agencies involved in Child Protection, knowledge of the referral procedure, etc.

The initial aim would be to train at least one person in every Madrasah in the Blackburn with Darwen area, who could liaise with the various local authorities particularly concerned with Child Protection. It is envisaged that this project will be in full operation by the latter part of the current year. No doubt all parties concerned will continuously monitor it and subject to an annual evaluation a similar partnership could be developed within other areas of the County.

Aims of Lancashire Council of Mosques

To respond to changes in Child protection Legislation by developing guidelines specific to the Madrasah sector.
To raise awareness of Child Welfare and Safety isues in the Madrasah sector

Objectives of Lancashire Council of Mosques

Developing Child Protection procedures for introduction into the Madrasah sector in conjunction with Social Services Departments.
Promoting these guidelines through training seminars.
Developing a training package for Madrasah Section volunteers.
To facilitate delivery of Child Protection Basic level 1 training.
To Designate a Child Protection officer in each Madrasah.
To disseminate information and guidelines to Madrasahs on Child Welfare issues.

Progress to date

Developing Child Protection procedures for introduction into the Madrasah sector in conjunction with Social Services Departments
A couple of Child protection Conferences were held in Blackburn with Darwen regarding issues surrounding Child Protection specifically in the Madrasah sector. The Project recieved a great response after the Conferences and has developed to a stage where a standard Child Protection Policy specifically for te Madrasah sector will be formulated.



Annual Report April 05 – March 06


Describe the project?

The aim of the project is to offer support and guidance in regards to child welfare and safety issues to Madrasahs in Blackburn with Darwen and to introduce good management policies and procedures. To offer training at Social services standards basic level 1 in Child welfare and safety and to designate a Child welfare officer in each Madrasah.

Why is the project needed?

Child welfare and safety is a concept which needs to be addressed from the Islamic as well as the legal perspective, in order to satisfy the concerns of parents, Madrasah administrators, teachers and statutory organisations.

How is this project being delivered?

The delivery of the project is through offering ongoing support and guidance and to deliver training and the introduction of policy and procedures at various Madrasahs in Blackburn with Darwen. LCM has done this by delivering training in Madrasahs within Blackburn with Darwen and also through the setting up of policies and procedures. LCM assists and liaises with the Children Services, Public Protection Unit and the Lancashire Constabulary’s Blackburn Minorities Team.

What has been the result of this project?

Approximately seventy tutors and Madrasah administrators have been trained to Basic Level 1 in Child Protection. Nearly all the Madrasah tutors and staff in Blackburn with Darwen, as well as many in Lancashire have undergone the Criminal Records Bureau’s disclosure process.

What other activities have you been involved in?

The LCM delivered two conferences, one in Blackburn with Darwen and the second in Burnley on raising awareness of Child Welfare and Safety from a legal perspective. LCM have assisted in strategy meetings in Accrington, Colne, Burnley and a number of schools in and around Lancashire with regards to issues surrounding child welfare and safety.

What strategic LCM objective are you meeting?

The Child Welfare and Safety Project is synchronically linked with several LCM strategic objectives and operational structures: Health and Well Being; Mosques and Community in particular Child Welfare and Safety in Mosques and Schools; Children and Young People; Partnerships and Representation. It is anticipated that this work will further develop the Lancashire Muslim Community, Strengthen the LCM partnership work and consolidate the operational excellence of the organisation.

What are the future plans for the project?

The LCM aims to deliver Basic Level 1 Training to as many mosques as possible in the coming year and establish policy and procedures, following the training. The LCM will also look into further developing the projects outputs and widening the catchments area of LCM’s work in this field.

Who have you worked in partnership with?

We have worked in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Public Protection Unit in Accrington, Minorities team (Blackburn) and the Social Services in Blackburn. LCM would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people for their contribution to the project; Cath Hitchens (BwDBC), Sgt. John Rigby, Zaqir Patel (BwDBC), Basharat Ditta (Forbes Solicitors) and Gulam Akoo (BwDBC).