Private educational institutions in Abu Dhabi mandate that all parents sign a parent-school agreement prior to their child’s admission and each year during re-enrollment.
The agreement must specify the responsibilities of both parties and require parents to acknowledge the complete set of school policies, as stated by the Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek).
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s educational journey. It is vital to foster an open and collaborative environment where parents can engage with their child’s learning and actively participate in the school community. This policy outlines the minimum requirements schools must implement to ensure active parental involvement, viewing them as vital partners both in educating their children and contributing to the school community.
All schools are required to adhere to this policy by the start of the 2025/2026 academic year (first semester). Non-compliance could result in legal repercussions and related penalties.
### Parent Code of Conduct
To promote appropriate conduct, schools expect parents to adhere to a specific code of behavior:
Parents should support the school’s vision and mission by establishing a respectful, professional, and collaborative relationship with the school community, which includes educators, students, and fellow parents. They should exemplify appropriate behavior, communicate constructively, and address any issues or disputes in a calm and respectful manner.
Additionally, preserving a positive learning environment entails steering clear of culturally insensitive or defamatory remarks, especially on social media, while also respecting the school’s overarching policies that mirror the UAE’s cultural values and legal standards.
Parents share accountability with the school for their child’s academic success and overall wellbeing. This responsibility encompasses ensuring regular attendance, respecting school schedules, promoting academic integrity, and cooperating with school staff concerning additional learning support when necessary. Parents are also encouraged to remain actively involved by monitoring their child’s academic progress, participating in meetings, and maintaining open communication with the school to facilitate their child’s ongoing development. Failure to meet these standards may result in parents being asked to leave the school grounds or denied access.
### Engaging Parents in Learning
Adek has also outlined various aspects that schools should prioritize to enhance parental involvement in their child’s educational development. Schools must maintain clear, respectful, and professional communication channels between parents and staff. Parents should have direct access to their child’s teachers for progress updates, as well as the ability to connect with any staff responsible for additional support.
Teachers are urged to keep parents informed about any academic or behavioral concerns, allowing for cooperative support for the student. Schools are expected to send digital performance reports to parents and arrange meetings with teachers at least once each term.
Moreover, schools should promote home-based support for learning to foster interaction between parents and students.
### Promoting Child Wellbeing
Parents ought to have the chance to provide feedback aimed at enhancing their child’s wellbeing at school.
They should be encouraged to prepare nutritious meals and snacks, while schools advocate for sustainable practices. Parents must be aware of food restrictions and avoid sending prohibited items.
Schools will also keep parents updated on mental health policies, ensuring they understand when a teacher or school counselor identifies a need for counseling support, along with confidentiality requirements and what occurs if consent is not granted.
Moreover, schools should motivate parents to actively support their children’s involvement in extracurricular activities and engage in their digital learning outside of school. This includes aiding students in using digital devices responsibly during non-school hours. Additionally, schools should inform parents about the maximum weight limits for student backpacks.
### Parent Involvement and Communication
The education department stressed the importance of schools communicating with parents through various means such as newsletters, phone calls, text messages, emails, letters, online platforms, and in-person meetings.
Schools need to facilitate timely fee payments as approved by the education department without adding VAT. They must also ensure that parents consent before sharing any student information with third parties.
Furthermore, schools have a duty of care to protect students and must act as mandated reporters. If suspicious situations arise, such as frequent unexplained absences or a child withdrawing from school without a valid reason, schools are required to notify relevant authorities.
Schools should inform parents about transportation services and clarify drop-off and pick-up protocols, including authorized individuals, parking, and the use of non-school transportation.
Additionally, a mass notification system must be in place to promptly communicate with parents during emergencies, and records of all written communications with parents should be maintained according to Adek regulations.