Latest news with #AbuDhabiDepartmentofEducationandKnowledge
Gulf Today
18 hours ago
- General
- Gulf Today
Private schools cannot refuse to enroll students with special learning needs in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has confirmed that private schools in Abu Dhabi do not have the option to refuse to enrol students with additional learning needs under any circumstances, provided the school has the capacity to accommodate them in the appropriate year group. This aligns with the principles of Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its subsequent amendments. The Schools Policy on Inclusion, with which all schools must comply by the start of the 2025–26 academic year, states that school admission procedures must give priority to students with additional learning needs and their siblings attending the same school. Parents are also required to provide original copies of any clinical assessment reports conducted by relevant specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists or paediatricians, and provide any accommodations required by students to complete the assessment process. These assessments may not be used as a reason for refusing enrolment; using all available information to ensure safe and equitable access to learning and physical environments for students with additional learning needs; and defining 'the school's incapacity'. ADEK further stressed the importance of supporting the transfer process for students with additional educational needs, with particular focus on the following groups: students enrolling in school for the first time or transferring from alternative early education institutions, students transferring from specialised educational centres, home-schooling or other types of education, and students participating in student exchange programmes. All schools teaching the Ministry of Education's curriculum must comply with the requirements of Ministerial Resolution No. 647 of 2020 regarding inclusive education policy and any subsequent amendments, ADEK added. In case of school is unable to meet the needs of any student with additional learning needs, it must submit a 'notice of inability to accommodate students with additional learning needs' to ADEK, as well as to the student's parents, within seven days of making the decision on the student's enrollment. ADEK reserves the right to accept or revoke this notice based on evidence provided by the school and other sources. Schools must make reasonable adjustments and accommodations to enable all students with additional educational needs to be admitted to school. All students with special learning needs must be re-enrolled by their schools for the new academic year. Parents who wish to repeat a year with their child must obtain ADEK's approval, and the school must submit a request to retain the child, along with their medical report and documented learning plan. ADEK confirmed that the majority of students with additional learning needs are enrolled in mainstream schools alongside their peers. However, students who meet the admission criteria may be considered for alternative programmes. When a school determines that a student requires more specialised care, it must first contact the ADEK, and then the parents. The purpose of this is to establish whether the student meets the admission criteria for specialised education and to identify the most suitable placement, if applicable. ADEK noted that, if a clinical assessment diagnoses a severe case of autism in an Emirati student (and this is his/her only special need), the school may only recommend specialised learning in certain cases. Schools must adhere to the principle of inclusion, which states that all students have the right to equitable access to education. The necessary measures must be taken to meet the needs of any students with additional learning needs within the school's fee schedule. Schools may request additional fees if a student's need for specialised intervention and support exceeds what the school can provide through its inclusion programmes, as detailed in the student's clinical report. If additional fees are required, the school must provide evidence of this through their inclusion programmes, obtain parental consent (which must be renewed at least annually or when fees change) and detail all fees charged individually, updating student records on the Student Information System. Schools must provide parents with a quarterly statement detailing how additional fees are distributed and set a limit on fees that can be paid by parents, which must not exceed 50% of tuition fees. Any administrative fees charged to the school's therapist must not exceed 10% of the costs in accordance with the Department for Education's policy on specialist therapeutic services in schools. If the payment ceiling is insufficient to cover costs in schools with low to very low fees, these schools may charge fees exceeding 50% of the tuition fee, provided parental consent is obtained for such payments. Alternatively, the school may request approval from the ADEK for any additional fees. The Department emphasised that failure to comply with this policy will result in legal accountability and penalties as set out in the Department's regulations, policies and requirements.
Al Etihad
16-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi students gear up for success with ADEK
16 July 2025 13:08 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched its Pre-Departure Week programme to prepare 300 students from ADEK Scholarship programmes for their upcoming academic journeys in collaboration with 25 national and international partners, the programme equips students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to represent the UAE with pride and thrive as global Pre-Departure Week offers a holistic preparation experience covering academic readiness, cultural adaptation, psychological resilience, and essential life skills. Sessions include leadership development, financial literacy, personal safety abroad, and wellbeing strategies to help students navigate life and studies in their host countries partners include the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Government Enablement, Abu Dhabi Police, Sandooq Al Watan, National Library and Archives, National Rehabilitation Centre, Family Care Authority, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, General Authority of Islamic Affairs (AWQAF), Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), 42 Abu Dhabi, International Centre for Culinary Arts, International Etiquette and Protocol Academy, and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, along with nine foreign embassies contributing their expertise and Pre-Departure Week is structured around 11 core pillars, developed based on insights from students, parents, and industry partners to provide comprehensive support beyond academic preparation. These pillars cover national identity and cultural preservation, guiding students on how to represent the UAE with integrity, as well as understanding immigration laws and global mobility to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities programme also addresses health and safety protocols, including infectious disease prevention and personal wellbeing management, and equips students with knowledge of professional etiquette and diplomatic conduct to prepare them for diverse social and professional these pillars ensure students are fully prepared to integrate confidently into their host communities and excel academically and theory, the programme includes hands-on workshops, such as interactive simulations and concludes with a global culinary class at the International Center For Culinary Arts - Abu Dhabi, where students gain practical cooking skills and nutrition knowledge essential for confident, independent living date, ADEK has awarded 2,190 scholarships, enabling students to pursue higher education across more than 20 countries. These figures demonstrate the UAE's commitment to nurturing future generations of global citizens by ensuring they excel academically, integrate confidently into their new environments, and uphold the nation's values abroad.
Dubai Eye
16-07-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE President to begin state visit to Turkey on Wednesday
More from Local UAE launches project to supply desalinated water to southern Gaza The UAE has unveiled a project that will supply desalinated water to southern Gaza as part of the Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 campaign to tackle worsening water crisis in the Strip. Traffic diversions in Mirdif for Dubai Metro Blue Line works Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is advising motorists of new traffic diversions in Mirdif as construction begins on the Dubai Metro Blue Line. UAE, Iranian Presidents discuss regional developments UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. Dubai cracks down on unsafe delivery riders Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in coordination with multiple government agencies, has carried out more than 1,000 inspections targeting delivery motorcycles across the emirate. 12 Abu Dhabi schools barred from enrolling students amid academic audit The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched a major review of academic records at private schools across the emirate.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
17-06-2025
- General
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
There's a new school rating system in Abu Dhabi and it will be publicly displayed
Choosing the right school in Abu Dhabi just got a whole lot easier. In a move that's all about transparency and empowering families, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has rolled out a brand-new School Performance Plaque system. From now on, every private school in the capital will display its performance rating right at the entrance – no digging through websites required. So, what exactly are these plaques showing off? Each one features two major indicators of school quality: the Irtiqa'a rating, which is based on ADEK's in-depth inspection framework and the National Identity Mark, a score that reflects how well the school promotes UAE culture, values and citizenship. The Irtiqa'a inspection covers everything from student achievement and wellbeing to teaching quality and leadership. The National Identity Mark, on the other hand, gives insight into how deeply a school integrates Emirati heritage and values into everyday learning. And that's not all – a third rating, the Wellbeing Mark, is on the way. This future addition will highlight schools' efforts in supporting the emotional, social and physical wellbeing of both students and teachers. Whether you're touring potential schools or simply curious about how your child's current school stacks up, these plaques are designed to offer an instant snapshot of school quality at a glance. Want to dive deeper? ADEK's Rayah app and website offer full access to inspection frameworks and guides to help you understand exactly what each score means. So next time you're visiting a school in Abu Dhabi, look out for the plaque by the door – it could tell you more than any brochure ever could. Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Private Education and Charter Schools Sector Executive Director at ADEK said: 'These plaques represent more than just a rating — they reflect a school's commitment to academic excellence and to nurturing a strong sense of national identity in our students. 'By making performance outcomes visible, we're encouraging continuous improvement and giving parents a transparent, at-a-glance understanding of school quality.' More going on in Abu Dhabi The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss Psst: This is when summer officially starts in Abu Dhabi No complaints here Yas Waterworld's epic new expansion is opening this summer – including 12 new slides Weeeeee! 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Al Etihad
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi private schools to display performance plaques at entrances
16 June 2025 21:22 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)In a major move to boost transparency and community engagement, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has mandated all private schools in the emirate to install performance plaques at their entrances. The plaques will clearly display each school's most recent Irtiqā'a inspection rating and National Identity Mark, making key quality indicators instantly visible to parents and visitors, a statement from ADEK said on Monday. According to ADEK, the plaques are not just a reporting tool, but a reflection of each school's commitment to both academic excellence and national values.'These plaques represent more than just a rating — they reflect a school's commitment to academic excellence and to nurturing a strong sense of national identity in our students,' said Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of the Private Education and Charter Schools Sector at ADEK.'By making performance outcomes visible, we're encouraging continuous improvement and giving parents a transparent, at-a-glance understanding of school quality.'The Irtiqā'a rating system is an established inspection framework that assesses private school performance across six areas, including student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment, curriculum quality, student care and wellbeing, and leadership National Identity Mark, on the other hand, is an annual rating that evaluates how well schools embed Emirati culture, values, and citizenship within their educational said the initiative aligns with its broader goal of building a world-class education ecosystem where families are empowered to make informed choices. In time, the plaques will also include the Wellbeing Mark, which will reflect schools' efforts in supporting the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of both students and staff. Parents are encouraged to look for the plaques during school visits and can explore more about both frameworks through the ADEK website or its Rayah parent app, the statement said. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
