Dubai National School Al Barsha

Dubai National School Al Barsha integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as part of its inclusive education framework. The SEL curriculum covers five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. It is delivered through day-to-day teaching–learning practices, sports activities, guidance and counseling services, and resource room psycho-educational sessions. The school conducts socio-emotional learning activities and events, including World Mental Health Day activities, stress and anxiety management sessions, and psychological wellbeing presentations for learners and staff. SEL is a core component of the school's approach to supporting student wellbeing within its wellbeing provisions.

Dubai National School Al Barsha describes its approach as inclusive education for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those who are Able, Gifted and Talented (AGT). An Inclusive Education Action Team (IEAT) coordinates inclusion provisions, learning support interventions, and accommodations across the learning community. Learners with SEND participate in general education groups with differentiated instruction and targeted support designed to remove barriers to learning. The school states its inclusive education provisions comply with KHDA policies (KHDA Inclusive Education Policy Framework, Inclusion Handbook) and related MOE and UNCRPD frameworks. It does not describe itself as a specialist SEN institution or indicate a dedicated SEN unit.

English is the medium of instruction across phases at DNS Al Barsha, but there is no publicly disclosed EAL program on the site. Kindergarten includes Early Literacy in both languages—Arabic and English—suggesting bilingual literacy activities in the early years, but no explicit EAL staff or classroom program is described. No explicit EAL staff, groupings, or dedicated EAL provision are publicly listed in the available materials. Consequently, information on a formal EAL program is not disclosed in the public content.

DNS Al Barsha offers mental wellbeing support as part of its Health, Happiness, and Wellbeing framework. The Healthy School Program (HSP) guides physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and wellbeing education, with focal areas including increasing activity, providing teacher and learner resources, and integrating health education. Counselors and inclusion specialists are involved to support socio-emotional learning and anxiety management. The wellbeing provisions include counseling, stress and anxiety management sessions, and psychological wellbeing presentations for learners and staff, alongside activities such as World Mental Health Day. These programs reflect a structured approach to student mental health within the school's wellbeing strategy.

Dubai National School Al Barsha maintains a Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy. The policy notes that safeguarding arrangements are inspected by KHDA under judgments for protection, care, guidance and support of students, and leadership and management. All staff and volunteers are required to read the policy and confirm through emails, school WhatsApp groups, child protection registers, and ISS staff accounts before starting a new academic year. The policy is part of the school's safeguarding portfolio and is accessible through the ISS system and Google Drive. KHDA policy alignment and related international safeguarding frameworks underpin these provisions.