Deira International School

Deira International School places social and emotional learning (SEL) at the heart of its wellbeing approach. KHDA's 2024 inspection rated Wellbeing as Outstanding, reflecting strong SEL provision and student welfare. The Wellbeing Team and Wellbeing Counsellors provide individual and group counselling, classroom sessions, and support for exam stress and relationships, as well as mindfulness practices. They work with families and teachers to promote resilience, self‑regulation, and positive social skills across the school. Wellbeing data from BounceTogether (and related tools) informs planning and targeted interventions under the KHDA Wellbeing Framework. Staff in the Wellbeing Team include primary and secondary counsellors such as Megha Jootla and Alistair Dale, who deliver services across phases.

DIS delivers inclusive education through an Inclusion Support Team that oversees SEND provision. It is a mainstream school, not a specialist SEN institution, but provides structured supports for Students of Determination. There are three levels of support: Level 1 high‑quality inclusive teaching; Level 2 personal support with curriculum modification; Level 3 individualised programmes with 1:1 Learning Support Assistants. Students with SEND are identified early, with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or pupil passport, and progress is tracked and reviewed with parents. The Inclusion Lead (Assistant Head – Whole School Inclusion) and Primary/Secondary SENDCo oversee the process, supported by the Inclusion Team Learning Support staff; external professionals (e.g., speech and language therapists or educational psychologists) may be engaged when required.

English is the language of instruction at DIS. Arabic is offered as a First Language and as a Foreign Language, and French is offered as well; Spanish is also available as a language option. EAL support is provided as part of the Inclusion framework for pupils whose first language is not English, rather than a stand‑alone EAL department. The school's Inclusion policies indicate support for pupils whose first language is not English and outline use of external professionals when needed to support language development.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing policy sets universal and targeted approaches to promote mental health and wellbeing for all students, staff, and families. The policy aims to promote positive mental health, raise awareness of issues, and provide targeted support for those in need, coordinating with safeguarding and welfare practices. The Wellbeing Team provides one‑to‑one or small‑group support, runs workshops for wellbeing and safeguarding, and helps families with related guidance; designated safeguarding leads and a School Doctor support the framework. Data from ePulse and BounceTogether informs planning, monitoring, and intervention at different year groups. The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and is complemented by a Parent's Guide to Mental Wellbeing.

Deira International School operates a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (dated August 12, 2025) that follows UAE law and local safeguarding frameworks. It establishes a Designated Safeguarding Lead pair (and deputies) and requires reporting of concerns to safeguarding leads or statutory authorities as needed. The policy provides quick reference contacts for safeguarding and outlines step‑by‑step procedures for concerns or disclosures, including the use of CPOMS and timelines for action. The Designated Safeguarding Leads (e.g., Emma Hannon, Gaynor Dale) are supported by a safeguarding team and senior leaders to promote a safe school environment. The policy emphasises multi‑agency collaboration and ongoing staff training, with annual reviews and public availability of safeguarding information.