Deira Private School

The Pastoral Care programme supports personal development by helping students build confidence, resilience and self-esteem. It enables them to recognise, accept and shape their identities, understand and embrace diversity, and manage emotions while communicating constructively. Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) is part of the wellbeing framework and includes UAE Moral Education, complemented by Attitude and Attribute lessons and the Thunk of the Week. The school uses an Attitudes and Attributes system with 18 targeted behaviours, a daily points chart, and a rewards structure to promote positive conduct. Character Education underpins the school ethos, teaching empathy, integrity and leadership, and involving parents in ongoing development and regular assessment of school culture.

The school is inclusive and caters for all students with special educational needs and/or disabilities. It aims to remove barriers to inclusion and provides a safe, stimulating environment for students with mild to moderate SEND, supporting teachers to enable access to the curriculum. Support begins at admission with identification and continues with ongoing identification and support, including the use of IEPs, Learning Support Plans and Behavioural Intervention Plans, with parental involvement in the process. A graduated approach is used: Wave 1 Quality First Teaching, Wave 2 Additional Support, and Wave 3 Individualised Provision with external agency support, including an IEP written in collaboration with parents. The school also provides provisions for Gifted and Talented students via an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) and maintains a SEND leadership team and dedicated staff.

The school offers English Language Learning (ELL) support as part of its inclusion provisions. The ELL program is designed to empower students with strong English language skills and broad communication abilities. It provides a comprehensive curriculum covering listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a multilingual approach that acknowledges diverse linguistic backgrounds. Cultural enrichment, technology integration and a focus on holistic development accompany language learning. Regular progress monitoring and active parental involvement support students' English language development.

Happiness and Wellbeing places student mental health at the centre of school life, with dedicated counselling services and initiatives for mindfulness, kindness, and positive mental health. The KHDA AY 22-23 results rate the school as very good for health, safety and safeguarding, reflecting ongoing attention to wellbeing, safety checks and staff training. Class teachers focus on wellbeing by listening to students, building personal support networks, and running Wellbeing Week, parent workshops, assemblies, and peer-support programs such as buddy and listener initiatives. The Pastoral Care programme includes Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) with UAE Moral Education and Attitude and Attribute lessons to develop resilience, social-emotional skills and responsible citizenship. The Merint Determination Centre provides counselling for students, staff and parents, with aims to promote positive mental health, identify at-risk individuals and offer short-term or crisis support when needed.

The school is committed to protecting every child's safety, wellbeing and rights. All staff are trained in child protection and safeguarding policies are aligned with UAE regulations. Designated Safeguarding Leads are available to respond to concerns, and students are encouraged to speak up; the school works closely with parents and authorities to ensure a safe and supportive environment. The safeguarding framework includes the Child Protection Policy, Positive Behaviour Management, Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding Policy and E-Safety Policy.