New well-being strategy for Dubai private schools

Framework will deliver key support to pupils and teachers

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has launched a new well-being strategy for Dubai private schools. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National

Education chiefs in Dubai have introduced an action plan to boost well-being among pupils and staff at the emirate's private schools.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai's private education regulator, on Wednesday launched a new framework to help schools sharpen their focus on the mental health of the school population.

Wellbeing Matters aims to build on the findings of the Dubai Student Wellbeing Census and help schools to put well-being and mental health initiatives in place.

There will be an emphasis on unique needs of pupils and their families and to help develop an inclusive learning culture.

The report found that teacher well-being, and that of other staff members must be a core focus for school leaders.

“Building on the legacy and the data provided by the five-year Dubai Student Wellbeing Census, many schools have already incorporated the values of well-being into their culture and practices," said Fatma Belrehif, chief executive of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau.

“This framework represents the next stage of our well-being journey, enabling us to work more closely with schools, teachers and parents to ensure better learning outcomes and happier, healthier futures for our children.

"We appreciate the insights of all the school leaders who worked with us to develop the framework.”

The report recommends that schools should focus on a pupil's strengths and work towards creating a diverse school community.

The guide includes specific areas in which schools will be evaluated, such as how well schools are leading a well-being culture; how well they are listening to the needs of their pupils and staff members; and how they are creating policies and processes to improve pupil well-being.

The results of each school’s well-being evaluation will be published with its inspection report and parent summary report, due to be released in 2023.

The Dubai Student Wellbeing Census, conducted annually for five years, involved more than 100,000 pupils each year.

Schools received customised data reports that helped them to put initiatives in place and improve pupils’ well-being over time.

Dubai school guide - in pictures

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  Each year, Kings’ School Al Barsha offers a limited number of scholarships to secondary and sixth form pupils of exceptional merit and potential. Photo: Satish Kumar / The National

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  Dubai American Academy is the only American curriculum school in Dubai to receive the Knowledge and Human Development Authority rating of 'outstanding' since 2011. Photo: Reem Mohammed / The National

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  Gems Jumeirah Primary School is one of the most sought-after primary schools in Dubai and has been rated 'outstanding' since 2010 by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Photo: Gems Jumeirah Primary School

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  Rated 'very good' by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Jumeira Baccalaureate School, which falls under the Taaleem Group, awards scholarships to pupils who have displayed extraordinary talent and achievement. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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  Jebel Ali School is a leading British Curriculum school in Dubai for students aged three to 18. Photo: Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

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  The Winchester School, Jebel Ali, has more than 4,000 pupils and welcomes children with a range of learning preferences, including pupils with special needs. Photo: The Winchester School

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  Delhi Private School Dubai has been rated 'very good' for five years in a row and has about 3,800 pupils. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National

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  Last year, Fairgreen International School won an award for being the 'Most Innovative School in the UAE' at the Top Schools Awards 2021. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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  The Aquila School opened in September 2018 and is located in an area of Dubailand that runs between Al Ain road and The Centro/Villa communities. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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  In May, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority published the first inspection report for South View School. The school achieved a 'good' rating, which is the highest rating that any new school can be awarded in their first inspection. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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  Victory Heights Primary School received the award for the Best Primary School in the UAE during last year's Top Schools Awards. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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  The JSS International School follows the curriculum laid down by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations. Photo: Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

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  Pupils at Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou have a consistently outstanding performance in mathematics across all ages, DSIB's latest quality indicators report showed. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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  The Indian High School is one of the most sought after Indian curriculum schools in Dubai. It received a 'very good' rating in its most recent inspection report. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Jumeirah English Speaking School at Arabian Ranches. The non-profit school was started in an apartment in Deira in 1975 with only 17 pupils. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National

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  A fully-inclusive British curriculum school in the heart of the popular Arabian Ranches 2 community. The school has a 'very good' rating. Photo: Pawan Singh / The National