Abu Dhabi Education Department Unveils Updated Policies to Enhance Learning

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced a comprehensive set of updated policies aimed at transforming the emirate's private education sector. This initiative, effective from the 2024/25 academic year, introduces new policies to empower Early Education Institutions (EEIs) alongside a suite of updated regulations for private schools, aligning Abu Dhabi's education system with global best practices while catering to local needs and cultural contexts.

The newly established policies are designed to foster consistency, enhance accountability, and maintain a safe learning environment across educational institutions in Abu Dhabi. They emerged from extensive collaboration with over 400 key stakeholders, including government entities, private school representatives, and Early Education Institutions. The updated policies for private schools consist of 39 regulations categorized into three main pillars: Governance and Operations, Teaching and Learning, and Health, Safety, and Wellbeing. In parallel, the 27 new policies for EEIs are organized into Governance and Operations, Learning Program and Practice, and Health, Safety, and Wellbeing categories.

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Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Chairman of ADEK, emphasized the significance of these policies, stating, “This comprehensive set of policies is fundamental to Abu Dhabi and the 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 educational experience for students and parents.”

To uphold accountability, ADEK plans to conduct compliance visits and gather feedback from private schools and EEIs to ensure adherence to the new policies. Most of these policies are expected to achieve full compliance by the next academic year. To support this effort, ADEK has launched a robust compliance program, focusing initially on three key policies: the Staff Eligibility Policy, the Career and University Guidance Policy, and the Physical Education and School Sports Policy. This program aims to align practices with the highest standards of educational quality and safety.

Among the notable updates in the 39 private school policies is the Career and University Guidance Policy, which facilitates a smooth transition for students moving into higher education. The Inclusion Policy has also been revised to align with the new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) module in the electronic Student Information System (eSIS), allowing for greater flexibility in appointing Heads of Inclusion and Inclusion Teachers, and introducing support for assistive technology to ensure that students have access to essential learning tools.

Additional policies such as In-school Specialist Services, Student Mental Health, Safeguarding, and Student Behaviour are designed to guide schools in identifying and addressing the unique needs of students, fostering a supportive learning environment. Furthermore, the Parent Engagement, Cultural Consideration, and Sustainability Policies are aimed at enhancing school practices and creating a well-rounded educational experience for all stakeholders.

The new EEI policies lay the foundation for enhancing the learning experience for young children, ensuring equity and access, and supporting each child's potential. These policies empower EEIs to provide quality education that prepares children for academic and personal success while promoting community engagement and parental involvement.

Among the new policies for EEIs is the Food and Nutrition Policy, which emphasizes the provision of safe and nutritious meals while incorporating cultural elements, including Emirati cuisine, and promoting good table manners. The Personal Care Policy aims to respect children's privacy during personal care activities, ensuring that these interactions support their personal and emotional development.

Additionally, the Settling-in Policy is designed to help children and parents transition smoothly into the EEI environment, providing flexible schedules and settling-in procedures that allow for gradual integration. The Child Supervision Policy revises adult-to-child ratios, ensuring that children receive personalized attention in a safe and nurturing early education setting that supports their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Through these comprehensive updates, ADEK reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in Abu Dhabi, creating an environment conducive to learning and growth for all students.