Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has unveiled an extensive framework of updated policies for private schools and new regulations for Early Education Institutions (EEIs), signaling a major shift in the education landscape.
These policies, which take effect in the 2024/25 academic year, align Abu Dhabi’s education system with global best practices while addressing local needs and cultural values.
The initiative follows collaboration with over 400 stakeholders, including government bodies, private schools, and EEIs, to craft 39 refined policies for private schools and 27 new policies for EEIs.
Each policy is categorized under core pillars: Governance and Operations, Teaching and Learning, and Health, Safety, and Wellbeing, ensuring a holistic approach to school administration and educational excellence.
Her Excellency Sara Musallam, Chairman of ADEK, emphasized that, “By setting clear, research-based regulatory standards, we create a pathway for continuous improvement, ensuring that our students are prepared for a globally competitive society. These policies bring transparency and accountability to educators and enrich the overall educational experience for students and families alike.”
Among the newly updated private school policies, the Career and University Guidance Policy provides structured support for students transitioning to higher education. An enhanced Inclusion Policy is in line with ADEK’s eSIS ALN module, improving flexibility for appointing key inclusion roles and facilitating the integration of assistive technology, with schools now eligible to seek funding for essential learning tools.
The 27 new EEI policies establish a nurturing and enriching early education experience for Abu Dhabi’s youngest learners. Highlights include:
- Food and Nutrition Policy: Emphasizes providing nutritious meals that are culturally relevant, including options with traditional Emirati dishes.
- Personal Care Policy: Ensures children’s privacy during personal care, promoting self-respect and emotional development.
- Settling-in Policy: Introduces flexible schedules and procedures to ease children and families into the EEI environment.
- Child Supervision Policy: Establishes revised adult-child ratios to ensure more personalized, safe attention for young learners, fostering physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
To support the new framework, ADEK has launched a compliance program, which is already in effect, with oversight visits to ensure schools meet these standards. Initially, ADEK is prioritizing three key policies for private schools: Staff Eligibility, Career and University Guidance, and Physical Education and School Sports, ensuring the highest standards of educational quality and safety.