Abu Dhabi private schools must now apply for field trips through online portal

ABU DHABI // A streamlined approval system for extra-curricular school activities has been welcomed as a “step in the right direction” by teachers in Abu Dhabi.

From March 15, all private schools planning to take pupils outside the city must submit applications through the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s (Adec) website.

Wayne MacInnis, principal of Raha International School, said trips in the capital, while still requiring documentation, could take place without Adec approval.

“The great thing about it is that although we will still need to get all the parental permission and risk assessment documents, that can be done by the school,” he said.

About 90 per cent of field trips by his school are for events in and about the city.

“Although we still have to apply to go on trips outside Abu Dhabi, using the new online system, it should be much faster to get permission for these as Adec will be handling fewer applications.”

Rules banning children under the age of 12 from extra-curricular activities outside Abu Dhabi remain in force, he said.

“I can understand the concern from parents of having such young children travelling outside Abu Dhabi but, at the same time, the trips can be excellent learning opportunities.

“Perhaps there can be some exceptions for certain events.”

Adec has made the switch to online applications as a way of simplifying the process.

The new system is aimed at promoting a paperless work environment, helping schools to get prompt approvals and make the submission process simpler, said Hamad Al Dhaheri, Adec’s private schools and quality assurance executive director.

“Adec’s guidelines seek to organise extra-curricular activities, ensure students’ safety and security and protect parents’ rights,” said Adec.

“Adec has received a number of complaints from parents concerning individual cases of unacceptable practices, which include safety and security issues, collecting unjustified fees as well as issues related to violation of UAE customs and traditions.”

The new service will be available in Arabic and English and will have online technical support for users with a service manual sent to schools. Schools will now be able to request faster approvals if necessary.

Mr Al Dhaheri praised private schools in the capital for their commitment to improving education and called for continued cooperation to ensure the health and safety of pupils during trips.