UAE private schools require parents to sign behaviour charter

Dubai: Private schools across the UAE are requiring parents to sign a code of conduct that defines the relationship between families and schools, establishes clear standards for communication and behaviour, and reinforces shared responsibility for students’ learning, wellbeing and development, according to parents. The charter aims to clarify the responsibilities of both parties and ensure a positive and safe learning environment built on respect, cooperation and mutual accountability. It requires parents to respect all members of the school community, including staff, students and fellow parents, while adhering to school policies and procedures. It also outlines schools’ responsibilities, including providing information, support and direct communication channels with teachers and specialists. The charter, which contains around 20 articles, states that parents must respect the school’s vision, mission, values and learning environment. They are also required to treat all members of the school community, including students, staff, security personnel and support workers, professionally and respectfully. It recognises that a child’s education and safety are shared responsibilities between the school and the family, requiring continuous cooperation and commitment from both sides. This includes ensuring children engage in learning at home, get adequate sleep, maintain healthy eating habits and participate in physical activity. Among the commitments outlined in the charter is the requirement for parents to act as role models in both speech and behaviour. Concerns must be raised and addressed professionally, whether verbally or in writing, without raising voices, using offensive language or exploiting social status to belittle or threaten others. Parents are also expected to refrain from publishing content that violates education authority regulations, cultural considerations or school policies, including content shared on social media. They are encouraged to consider both their child’s perspective and the school’s account of events when seeking constructive solutions to disputes. The charter further states that parents are responsible for addressing inappropriate behaviour by their children, particularly when it results in conflict, unsafe conduct or disrupts the learning of others. They must also comply with school policies, dress and behave in a manner that respects the UAE’s national identity, cultural values and applicable regulations, and ensure regular attendance. This includes avoiding holidays during the school term, monitoring academic performance, and ensuring children arrive at school and are collected on time. The document also highlights the importance of academic honesty and integrity. Parents are required not to provide unnecessary assistance with schoolwork, submit false information, forged documents or inaccurate absence excuses, and are expected to attend parent-teacher meetings when requested. The charter stresses the need for regular and positive communication between parents and educators to support students’ academic progress and personal development. It also calls on parents to cooperate with recommendations for additional educational support when the school believes such measures are necessary to enhance a child’s learning, progress and development. Schools reserve the right, at their discretion, to ask parents to leave the premises or restrict access if the charter’s requirements are ignored or repeatedly breached. In return, schools commit to encouraging parental involvement by providing access to information, resources, support services and relevant staff. This includes direct communication with personnel involved in supporting students, such as inclusion assistants, counsellors and social workers. Schools are also expected to keep parents informed about any academic or behavioural concerns, provide clear communication channels, and issue reminders regarding staff response times during school hours while offering alternative contact options in emergencies.