Inclusion

The philosophy of inclusive education, as stipulated by the UAE Ministry of Education, underscores that all students—regardless of ability—should be educated alongside their peers in the least restrictive environment. At our school, we uphold this philosophy by ensuring that students of determination, and those with diverse learning needs, are fully integrated into school life. Our commitment is aligned with UAE Federal Law No. (29) of 2006, which promotes the integration of People of Determination into mainstream education.

Our inclusive vision is rooted in creating a learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and valued for their individuality. We differentiate, adapt, and modify the curriculum to provide personalised pathways, incorporating elements such as Pre Key-stage standards, the Engagement model, Cherry Garden, and P Scales, where appropriate. Diversity is seen as an asset, and we ensure that all students—irrespective of nationality, gender, religion, or educational need—are supported to achieve their full potential.

Our Inclusion Support Team, which consists of our School Principal, Inclusion Governor, specialised educators, student counsellor, and Learning Support Assistants, offers individualised assessment opportunities for students with additional needs. These assessments inform the creation of Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with students, parents, teachers, and external agencies. IEP reviews are conducted termly, incorporating feedback from students, parents, teachers, and external therapists.

We are proud of our partnerships with external therapy centres, offering specialised services such as Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which enable our students to generalise their skills across different environments. These services are fully integrated into our teaching practices, ensuring that all students can access the curriculum in a way that suits their unique learning needs.

For our English Language Learners (ELL), we offer specialised lessons tailored to develop English proficiency, integrating support for all languages. Our dedicated ELL staff provide targeted interventions to ensure students acquire the essential skills for academic success. Additionally, we extend support to families through English language classes for parents, fostering inclusivity and deeper engagement within our school community.

Students who are identified as gifted and/or talented are given the opportunity to excel through competitions, enrichment activities, and leadership opportunities. Our teachers ensure that these students are challenged appropriately in each lesson, encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Our students' happiness and emotional wellbeing are central to our inclusive approach. Our dedicated counsellor, along with our Heads of Key Stage and trained mental health teams, work together to provide comprehensive care systems for students, families, and staff. This holistic support ensures that students are equipped with essential life skills, preparing them for successful transitions between educational phases and life beyond school.

We believe that strong partnerships with parents are key to a successful inclusion programme. We maintain open channels of communication, ensuring parents feel informed and involved in their child's educational journey. Termly IEP reviews and regular parent coffee mornings offer opportunities for collaboration, support, and shared learning. We also host monthly Inclusion Champion meetings with parent volunteers, gathering valuable feedback to continually improve our SEND provision.

At GEMS Metropole Al Waha, inclusion is not just a policy—it’s a philosophy that drives everything we do. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that every child has access to the best possible education, and that every family feels supported as they navigate their child's learning journey.

For further information on our approach to inclusion or to access our Inclusion Policy, please feel free to contact Ms. Siobhan Scanlan, our Head of Inclusion, at [email protected].

We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure that every child at GEMS Metropole Al Waha experiences a fulfilling, inclusive, and supportive education.