Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a set of updated policies for private schools alongside new policies designed to empower Early Education Institutions (EEIs), marking a significant development in the emirate's private education landscape.
Set to take effect in the 2024/25 academic year, these policies aim to align Abu Dhabi's education system with global best practices while addressing local needs and cultural considerations, promoting consistency, accountability, and a safe learning environment, according to ADEK.
The policies were developed through extensive collaboration with over 400 key stakeholders, including government entities, private schools, and EEIs. The 39 updated policies for private schools are categorised into 14 under Governance and Operations; 11 under Teaching and Learning; and 14 under Health, Safety, and Wellbeing.
Similarly, the 27 new policies for EEIs are divided into 7 under Governance and Operations; 8 under Learning Programme and Practice; and 12 under Health, Safety, and Wellbeing.
Sara Musallam, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, said: "This comprehensive set of policies is fundamental to Abu Dhabi and UAE's vision for education. By setting clear, research-based regulatory requirements, we create a path for continuous improvement across our private schools and EEIs, ensuring our students are prepared to contribute to a globally competitive society."
"The policies also ensure equity and consistency in the quality of education, providing transparency and accountability for educators while enhancing the overall education experience for students and parents," she added.
Collaborative Development Process
During a press conference on Wednesday, Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, emphasised the importance of collaboration in developing these policies.
"We worked with hundreds of school leaders and various government agencies in Abu Dhabi to create a more efficient and effective framework for the education sector," he said.
Sylvie Wald, Education Policy Office Director at ADEK, noted that this overhaul is the first significant update since the original policies were introduced in 2014.
"Given the world has evolved dramatically over the last decade, particularly post-COVID, our approach needed to be flexible and innovative," Wald explained.
The policies reflect a thorough review of existing frameworks and an understanding of local educational needs, drawing from international benchmarks while prioritising Abu Dhabi's unique educational landscape.
Policy Updates and Highlights
The updated 39 private school policies create a comprehensive framework that enables effective operations and enhances student learning and wellbeing. Key updates include the Career and University Guidance Policy, which guarantees students a smooth transition to higher education.
Additionally, updates on the Inclusion Policy align with the new ALN module on eSIS, providing more flexibility in appointing Heads of Inclusion and Inclusion Teachers. It also introduces support for assistive technology, allowing schools to apply for funds to ensure students have access to essential learning tools.
Other policies, such as In-school Specialist Services, Student Mental Health, Safeguarding, and Student Behavior, are designed to guide schools in identifying students' unique needs and adapting interventions to support their wellbeing.
Additionally, Parent Engagement, Cultural Consideration, and Sustainability Policies enhance school practices and support a well-rounded educational environment.
A key aspect of the new regulations is the introduction of Abu Dhabi's first formal co-education policy, allowing schools to clearly designate themselves as co-educational, single-gender, or shared facility institutions, according to Wald.
Staff wellbeing is also addressed in the new policies, ensuring support for the diverse needs of teachers across various types of schools, including international and specialised institutions, she said.
The EEI policies create a comprehensive framework that evolves learning experiences, ensuring equitable access and support for each child's development, while integrating measures to engage the broader school community and maintain consistent educational standards across institutions.
New EEI policies include the Food and Nutrition Policy, which emphasises the importance of providing safe, nutritious meals while incorporating cultural elements such as Emirati cuisine and promoting table manners. And, the Personal Care Policy focuses on preserving children's self-respect by ensuring privacy during personal care and leveraging these interactions to support personal and emotional development.
Building on these foundational measures, the Settling-in Policy is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for both children and parents.
By offering flexible schedules and settling-in procedures, it ensures gradual integration into the EEI environment.
Furthermore, the Child Supervision Policy revises adult-child ratios, ensuring more personalised attention and creating a safer, nurturing early education space that supports children's physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Mariam Alhallami, Acting Executive Director of the Early Education Sector at ADEK, noted that newly introduced policies mark a significant milestone for early childhood education in Abu Dhabi, with crucial guidelines to support the specific needs of young learners and their families.
Implementation and Compliance
To ensure accountability, ADEK will conduct compliance visits and gather feedback from private schools and EEIs. Full compliance with most of these policies is expected by the next academic year. In support of this, ADEK has launched a robust compliance programme, which began in the current academic year, initially prioritising three key policies: The Staff Eligibility Policy, the Career and University Guidance Policy, and the Physical Education and School Sports Policy, ensuring alignment with the highest standards of educational quality and safety.
With the launch of these policies, compliance will be closely monitored. ADEK plans to conduct regular evaluations and compliance checks across both private schools and EEIs, ensuring adherence to the new regulations and identifying areas for improvement.
Bashayer Alshehhi, Acting Education Compliance Office Director at ADEK, told Aletihad during a press conference that schools will have a full academic year to adopt the new guidelines before compliance visits begin.
ADEK has also established multiple teams to provide ongoing support, including career guidance and curriculum development. Wald noted that training sessions were conducted in June and July for approximately 4,000 attendees from various schools, with plans for continued training and resources to facilitate the understanding and implementation of the new policies.