Citizens School

Citizens School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its Wellbeing Centre, a purpose-built 1,100 m2 facility in Dubai that provides mental and emotional support as part of the learner's educational journey. The Centre offers tailored support for learners with learning difficulties, a Wellbeing Hub for ongoing emotional support, and programmes for exceptionally gifted learners. Staff receive training and development to deliver targeted support via Learning Support Assistants. The school emphasises self-awareness and emotional intelligence as core aspects of the holistic education model. The Wellbeing Centre also extends its services to parents and mentors and includes community outreach.

Citizens School provides inclusive SEN support rather than being described as a specialist SEN institution. Admissions involve identifying learners with SEND and arranging targeted support as needed. The school maintains an Inclusion Register and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), coordinated by the Head of Inclusion. In-school specialist services are available, including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Educational Psychology, with external liaison as required, and some services may incur additional costs. The Wellbeing Centre also provides specialised assistance for learners with learning difficulties and tailored programs for diverse learner needs.

Citizens School conducts its learning in English and expects all students to communicate effectively in English. When a student requires additional support for English as an Additional Language, they are added to the EAL register. In some cases, EAL learners may also be included in the learning support register to coordinate targeted interventions. The EAL provision is described within the school's accessibility and inclusion framework. The school recognises and targets EAL needs to ensure access to the curriculum.

Health and Wellbeing is central at Citizens School, anchored by a 1,100 m2 Wellbeing Centre that provides dedicated mental and emotional support. The Health and Wellbeing Programme offers holistic support for learners, parents, and mentors, including tailored interventions for learners with learning challenges and programmes for the exceptionally gifted. Educators receive specialised wellbeing training to deliver SEL and mental health support. The school emphasises self-awareness and emotional intelligence as core outcomes of the wellbeing agenda. Additional wellbeing initiatives include learner leadership structures and practices such as yoga and mindfulness.

Safeguarding is prioritised, with Citizens School pursuing a safe environment where learners can learn and grow without harm. The school has partnered with the Safeguarding Alliance to promote high safeguarding standards. A Safeguarding Commitment Statement requires thorough background checks for staff and compliance with UAE laws. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) commitment reinforces an inclusive and respectful school community. Detailed safeguarding policies, including the Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy for 2025-2026, outline procedures and staff training.