File Photo: Students sit in class at one of the Schools. AFP
According to a statement by the education ministry, the guidelines issued in circular No.19 come as part of the ministry's commitment to safeguarding students and include a comprehensive set of instructions that schools are required to implement immediately.
Under the circular, private international schools must upgrade surveillance systems and ensure full camera coverage across all school premises and classrooms.
Multiple staff members are to be assigned to monitor cameras throughout the school day and report any violations directly to the school principal.
The directives also require regular drug testing for all school employees — including teachers, administrators, supervisors, drivers, and support staff — with results to be submitted before issuing or renewing school licences.
New hires must also present drug test results before joining.
Schools are instructed to integrate body-safety awareness into their annual training plans, engaging specialists to conduct sessions for students, teachers, administrators, workers, and parents.
Additional awareness campaigns will be launched through school counselling units and Parents–Teachers Councils to educate students on personal boundaries and potential risks.
The circular prohibits maintenance workers from being on school grounds during the school day, allowing entry only after 5 p.m. or on official holidays.
Security personnel are also barred from remaining inside the school premises during school hours until the last student leaves.
No school or contracted bus may operate without a school-appointed supervisor whose contract is officially approved by the educational administration.
Schools must also assign two female attendants to each bathroom from before student arrival until at least an hour after dismissal.
All staff members must regularise their employment status within two weeks, submitting documentation, including criminal record checks. Foreign employees must provide approved contracts and valid work permits.
The circular also sets a minimum staff-to-student supervision ratio of 1:6, prohibits receiving students earlier than 15 minutes before morning assembly, and requires school principals to remain on campus until the last student departs. Kindergarten and primary students must not be left without continuous supervision, whether inside classrooms or on school buses.
Schools must activate visitor control logs, ensure constant supervision in hallways, and always monitor student movement.
The ministry stressed that it would form committees to conduct regular inspections of private and international schools to ensure full compliance.
Any violations may result in placing the school under administrative and financial supervision, in addition to penalties outlined in ministerial decrees 420 and 422 of 2014.
The new guidelines are implemented following the latest incident involving an alleged sexual abuse incident of a group of KG pupils in Seeds Language school, which is currently being investigated by the public prosecution.
On Saturday, the education ministry placed Cairo’s Seeds Language School under full administrative and financial supervision following allegations that staff members had committed inappropriate acts involving students.
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