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28 March 2024

Why it is important to sign the parent-school contract in Dubai

Published
By Sneha May Francis

The parent-school contract for the 2014-15 academic year, which will be rolled out in 24 Dubai schools, is available now, giving parents ample time to understand the document before signing on the dotted line.

The new contract, which the officials stated will be altered annually, will be the first “reference guide for solving any misunderstandings that may arise”.

It will also play an important role in driving schools to put in place a zero tolerance cyber-bullying policy.

This year an additional clause was introduced wherein every student over the age of 15 has to sign the contract along with their parents to acknowledge they have read it.

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) introduced the contract last year in six schools and, after noticing a 20 per cent drop in the number of complaints, has decided to extend it to 18 more private schools.

Amal Bel Hasa, Chief of Compliance and Resolution Commission at KHDA, told Emirates24|7 earlier that the top complaint that the contract addressed was regarding “student conduct”.

The main issues covered under this contract are – admission, curriculum and educational programmes, fees, attendance and punctuality, health and safety, transportation, appeal process, attitude and behaviour, and declaration.

During the pilot phase last year, the contract was introduced in six schools and impacted a total of 9,632 students. This year, it will be extended to 18 more schools, and will involve a total of 38,624 students.

KHDA emphasised that the contracts are mandatory for registration and re-registration, and will be updated annually.

“We’re aiming to raise awareness on the importance of the programme, to ensure every school and parent reads and understands the clauses before signing,” said Bel Hasa.

“The contract is an essential tool for developing constructive and cooperative relationships between schools and parents.

“It fully outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, protects their rights, and serves as a reference guide for solving any misunderstandings that may arise.”

List of schools under this contract

Dubai National School

Al Ittihad Private School (BR)

Dubai Modern Education School

Dubai National School ( Branch)

Dubai International private School - BR

Al Ittihad Private School

Al Khaleej National School

Modern Skills School

The School of Research Science

Dubai International private School

Dubai Arabian American Private School

Al Shurooq Private School

Greenwood International School

New World School Private

Al Mawakeb School - Br

Al Maaref Private School (LLC)

Mirdif Private School

New Academy School

Sharjah & American International Private School

International Academic School Al Arqm Private School

Al Mizhar American Academy School

Dar Al Marefa School

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Islamic Institute

Also read: Dubai students aged 15 must co-sign legal contract with school