Policies

Introduction

At MCCU, we are committed to providing high-quality Islamic education for all learners. To support this, we offer three dedicated programmes:

Madrasa — foundational classes covering Qaida, Juz Amma, Qur’an, Tajweed, Duas & Hadith, and essential Islamic knowledge.
Islamic School — weekend classes offering a more advanced curriculum, including Qur’an, Tajweed, Duas & Hadith, Hifdh-ul-Qur’an, Arabic Language, workshops, and tailored provision such as a girls-only class.
Hifdh Academy — an intensive programme dedicated to memorisation of the Qur’an, supported with Tajweed sessions and Islamic study workshops to provide a structured, disciplined path for aspiring huffadh.

These streams are designed to meet the needs of all learners — whether beginning with Qaida and basic knowledge or progressing to advanced study and Hifdh. To support this, we employ the curriculum developed by Safar Academy. Safar Publications has refined this curriculum over the last 20 years, structuring it into four distinct syllabuses aimed at giving learners a firm foundation in Qur’anic reading and understanding, Islamic knowledge, spiritual development, and Arabic language.

This handbook sets out the shared values, aims, and responsibilities of MCCU. It applies across all programmes and serves as a guide for students, parents/guardians, and teachers. By following these principles, we aim to create a nurturing, disciplined, and spiritually enriching environment for all.

Our Values & Aims

Values

Love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ – everything we do is for the sake of Allah.
Knowledge as a Duty – “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim” (Ibn Majah 224).
Respect & Adab – for parents/guardians, teachers, elders, each other, and the masjid.
Excellence (Ihsan) – striving to do our best in learning, behaviour, and worship.
Fairness & Honesty – being truthful and treating everyone equally and kindly.
Compassion & Community – helping, caring, and cooperating with others.
Responsibility – fulfilling our duty as Muslims by caring for the masjid and its facilities, protecting our environment, and respecting the trusts placed upon us.

Aims

Inspire Imaan – to nurture love of Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, Islam, and a concern for the Hereafter.
Teach with Purpose – to provide Qur’an, duas, Islamic knowledge, and a structured path for growth.
Create a Safe Space – to ensure a calm, respectful, and supportive environment.
Promote Good Character – to instill respect, discipline, and self-control.
Work in Partnership – to strengthen ties between students, parents/guardians, teachers, and the wider community, establishing a strong and positive relationship between parents and teachers.
Strive for Excellence – to achieve high standards of learning and behaviour.
Encourage Responsibility – to develop respect for others and care for the environment and the masjid.

Code of Conduct

Masjid Charter

Right to Learn – we have the responsibility to work hard and help others learn.
Right to Be Safe – we have the responsibility to keep others safe and respect the masjid.
Right to Enjoy Our Time – we have the responsibility to share, tidy up, and look after property and equipment.
Right to Express Our Views – we have the responsibility to listen to and respect the views of others.
Right to Make Healthy and Good Choices – we have the responsibility to use our time wisely and act responsibly.

Golden Rules

Be gentle – don’t hurt anyone.
Be kind and helpful – don’t hurt feelings.
Work hard – don’t waste time or distract others.
Look after property and the masjid – don’t waste or damage things.
Listen carefully – don’t interrupt.
Be honest and fair – don’t cover up the truth.

Behaviour & Discipline

At MCCU, we aim to create a positive, respectful learning environment where every student can progress. The Education Committee and teachers will do their utmost to keep lessons calm and productive. However, if behaviour becomes disruptive, we follow the protocol below:

Verbal Warning – a gentle reminder of expected behaviour.
Time Out / Removal – the student is moved within or out of the class for reflection. The teacher continues to monitor the situation.
Parents/Guardians Informed – the teacher speaks to parents/guardians on the same day (usually at collection; urgent cases may be by phone).
Formal Meeting with the Education Committee – a meeting with parents/guardians, the teacher, and committee members to understand the issues, explore any external factors, and agree on a way forward. This will be formally recorded.
Final Warning & Meeting – if there is no improvement after Step 4, a final meeting with senior staff/committee will be held. At this stage, a decision will be made to either:
- agree an Adjusted Learning Plan (e.g. shorter class times, trial support strategies, or other agreed arrangements), or
- proceed to suspension or exclusion.
Suspension – temporary removal from classes.
Exclusion – a last resort, used for persistent or very serious breaches.

Immediate Escalation: In cases of bullying (verbal, physical, emotional, or online), aggression or threats, abusive language, safeguarding concerns, deliberate damage to property, or behaviour that risks safety during class or prayer, MCCU may move directly to Step 6 (Suspension).

Damage to Property: Any deliberate damage must be paid for by parents/guardians.

Our Approach: Discipline at MCCU is fair and consistent across all classes. Students are given significant opportunities to improve, and we work closely with parents/guardians to support them. We do not wish to remove students unnecessarily, but where behaviour threatens learning or safety, we will take the steps required.

Salah Time Behaviour

Salah is a crucial part of attending the masjid and forms an essential part of a student’s learning and development. When the Adhaan is called, teachers will pause lessons and join the prayer, and students are therefore expected to do the same.

All students must join the Salah when the Adhaan is called.
Students are expected to remain respectful, calm, and attentive in the main prayer hall and during Salah.
Any disruption during prayer time will be addressed by the teacher, and parents/guardians will be informed if this behaviour continues.

Teachers Responsibilities

Teachers and parents/guardians share responsibility for each student’s success at MCCU. Teachers play a vital role in creating a positive and effective learning environment. To support this, all teachers are expected to:

Be Prepared & Punctual – arrive on time, with the classroom set up and ready before students arrive.
Supervise Safely – ensure students are supervised at all times, and only released to a parent or guardian at collection.
Use Time Wisely – keep breaks to a minimum, limited to salah and essential needs.
Be Fully Present – avoid personal distractions; no use of phones during class.
Maximise Learning – remain actively engaged throughout the lesson, whether teaching, listening, testing, or assisting students.
Test & Track Progress – ensure every student is tested in each lesson according to their stage, calling students forward rather than waiting for them.
Set & Check Homework – provide meaningful homework and follow up consistently.
Keep Accurate Records – maintain registers and lesson notes, and update the management dashboard after every class. This is monitored by the Education Committee and used for reports and parent meetings.
Apply Behaviour Policy – manage behaviour fairly and consistently, using the agreed discipline steps where needed.
Show Fairness & Respect – treat all students equally, modelling Islamic adab and professionalism.
Report Concerns – raise safeguarding, behaviour, or SEND issues promptly with management.
Engage with Parents/Guardians – communicate positively with parents when concerns arise, seeking solutions together.
Work Collaboratively – support colleagues and share best practice across the teaching team.
Seek Development – participate in training and reflect on teaching methods to continually improve.
Maintain Confidentiality – handle student information sensitively and in line with safeguarding and data protection policies.

Parents/Guardians Responsibilities

Parents/guardians and teachers share responsibility for each student’s success at MCCU. A strong partnership between home and the masjid helps create a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment. To support their child’s progress, parents/guardians are expected to:

Prepare for Class – ensure students attend on time, clean, appropriately dressed for the masjid (no cartoons, sportswear, or inappropriate clothing), and with wudhu where possible. Younger students must be taken to the toilet before class. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their child is toilet-trained, confident in using the facilities independently, and understands how to keep themselves and the masjid facilities clean and respectful.
Encourage and Motivate – nurture a positive attitude towards learning and regularly ask about what students are studying at the masjid.
Support Learning at Home – check homework, listen to Qur’an recitation or duas, and reinforce good behaviour and adab.
Communicate with Teachers – engage respectfully with teachers to discuss progress or concerns and respond promptly when contacted.
Maintain Payments – set up a standing order and keep fees up to date. If difficulties arise, contact the Education Committee for support.
Promote Respect for the Masjid – remind students to care for facilities (toilets, classrooms, prayer areas) and behave responsibly in and around the masjid.
Attend Meetings – support the education process by attending parent meetings, reviews, or committee discussions when requested.
Work in Partnership – collaborate with teachers and the Education Committee to help address any behavioural, safeguarding, or learning issues.
Model Good Behaviour – demonstrate respect and courtesy within the masjid community, setting the right example for students.

Student Responsibilities

Students also share responsibility for their own success at MCCU. By following the values of Islam and the guidance of their parents/guardians and teachers, students are expected to:

Arrive on Time – attend classes punctually and be ready to learn.
Be Prepared– come clean, dressed appropriately for the masjid (no cartoons, sportswear, or inappropriate clothing), and with wudhu where possible (or be ready to make wudhu at the masjid).
Show Respect – listen to teachers, classmates, parents, and elders, and behave with adab in and around the masjid.
Take Part in Learning – join in lessons, complete classwork, and participate in activities.
Complete Homework – finish assignments on time and put effort into improving Qur’an, duas, and Islamic knowledge.
Care for the Masjid – look after classrooms, toilets, prayer areas, and equipment.
Join the Prayer – take part in Salah when the Adhaan is called and behave calmly and respectfully during prayer.
Be Honest & Kind – treat others fairly, avoid hurting feelings, and never engage in bullying or disrespect.
Take Responsibility – understand that poor choices have consequences and always try to correct mistakes.

Payment, Reporting Absence, Term Dates and Holidays

Payments

Fees & Payments

Fees must be paid at the start of each paying month by standing order.
Fees are charged as a fixed monthly subscription, not per session attended. This ensures your child’s place is reserved and covers teacher salaries, resources, and running costs.
Refunds are not provided for absences, sickness, or family holidays.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please speak with your child’s teacher or contact the Education Committee in confidence — we will always try to work with families.
If MCCU needs to close unexpectedly (e.g. severe weather or an emergency), parents will be informed wherever possible. Please ensure you are engaged with your child’s teacher and are in the correct WhatsApp group for class updates.

Reporting Absence

All absences must be reported in advance using the official MCCU Absence Reporting Form. This ensures teachers can plan lessons appropriately and keep accurate attendance records.

Absence Reporting Form:
Complete the MCCU Absence Reporting Form

If your child is unwell or you need to report a same-day absence, please complete the form as early as possible in the day.
Repeated unexplained absences may impact your child’s place.

Please note that a minimum of 80% attendance is required for each student per term. A class register is taken at every teaching session, and failure to meet this target may result in the loss of your child’s place in MCCU Education.

Term Date & Holidays

Exact term dates will be shared at the start of each education year. Parents must ensure they are on the correct WhatsApp group for their child’s class to receive updates.

Hifdh Academy

Ramadan: full month holiday.
Closed for a total of 4 weeks per year in lieu of the extra days taught each month.
Payments continue for 11 months (including Ramadan).
No payment is required in August to cover the closure during Ramadan.

Islamic School

August: full month holiday.
4 weekends off per year.
No payment is required in August to cover the closure during Ramadan.

Madrasa

August: full month holiday.
3 additional weeks off per year.
No payment is required in August to cover the closure during Ramadan.

MCCU Rewards

The MCCU Education Team and class teachers may award rewards based on performance, effort, behaviour, and overall merit. These rewards are fully at the discretion of the teaching team and may be adapted or updated as needed. Parents will be informed in advance of any upcoming rewards or recognition activities.

SafeGuarding

Checks & Training – All teachers and volunteers must undergo appropriate checks (including DBS where required) and follow MCCU’s safeguarding procedures.
Raising Concerns – Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the class teacher or directly to the Education Committee Safeguarding Lead.
Parental Communication – Parents will be contacted promptly if concerns about their child arise.
External Agencies – MCCU reserves the right to involve external safeguarding agencies if necessary to protect a child’s welfare.

SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities)

At MCCU, we are committed to supporting every student. Whilst we will make every effort to provide for students with additional needs, we do not currently have the full facilities or trained staff required for some specific cases.

We are open to working with parents to trial adjustments where possible.
We must be honest if the madrassah setting is not suitable and may recommend alternative provisions in the student’s best interest.
The needs of the whole class must also be considered; disruptive behaviour cannot be allowed to compromise the learning of other students.

Communication

Registration & Enrolment – Parents/guardians must first register their child. Enrolment will then be confirmed if there is space available. Initial communication will usually be sent via email.
Class Updates – Day-to-day communication will typically be through phone calls or WhatsApp. Parents/guardians must ensure they are in the correct WhatsApp group for their child’s class to receive updates.
Teacher Contact – Teachers may contact parents/guardians directly regarding attendance, homework, or behaviour.
Parent/Guardian Contact – Parents/guardians are encouraged to raise any concerns with their child’s teacher or the Education Committee. Please allow teachers reasonable time to respond to messages; urgent issues should be raised by phone.
Meetings & Notices – Information about parent meetings, term dates, payments, and other important updates will be shared directly through email, WhatsApp, or in person.

Monitoring & Record Keeping

All incidents of challenging behaviour, bullying, or safeguarding concerns will be logged and parents/guardians informed.
Permanent records will be kept on file.

Privacy & Data Protection

We collect and store necessary information to run classes and communicate with parents/guardians.
We never share personal information without consent, except where required by law.

Changes & Amendments

MCCU reserves the right to update or amend this handbook and policies at any time as needed.
Parents/guardians, students, and teachers will be informed of any major changes.
Continued attendance at MCCU constitutes acceptance of the most recent policies.

Acceptance

By enrolling at MCCU, parents/guardians and students agree to abide by this handbook and its policies. Teachers, parents, and management share responsibility for upholding these values and ensuring a safe, productive, and spiritually enriching environment.

Education Handbook

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