GEMS Founders School Dubai

GEMS Founders School – Dubai supports students' social and emotional development through a data‑driven school counselling program and a wellbeing‑focused community. Wellbeing is defined as students and adults feeling at ease, open to the world, and in touch with their feelings. Professionally trained school counsellors provide regular sessions to support academic and social‑emotional growth, with universal services, targeted groups, and referrals when needed. The counselling program is preventive and developmental in design and aligns with KHDA guidelines, focusing on resilience, social‑emotional learning, and safeguarding. The counselling team includes Lead Counselor Ms. Sabina Livingbel, Secondary Counselor Ms. Stepheni Nathania Juriansz, and Primary/Secondary Counselor Mr. Visal Venu Kurumpolil, with access to parent workshops and wellbeing initiatives.

The school has a dedicated Inclusion Team comprising ten specialist teachers, two British‑qualified SEN Coordinators, and over thirty learning support assistants. The school supports a range of learning needs, including Students of determination (SEN and disabilities), Gifted and talented students, and English Language Learners. Speech‑and‑Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are available via the GEMS LINK Service. Student Support provision is highly personalized and moves with students through key stages, with early identification and development of communication skills, small‑group maths and English in Flourish classes, and pull‑out interventions focusing on social skills and literacy or numeracy. The school provides inclusive education within a mainstream setting, designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn alongside their peers.

English Language Learners are explicitly recognised as a supported group within the inclusive education framework. Speech‑and‑Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy are available through the GEMS LINK Service to assist language and communication needs. Admissions information requests details of any special educational needs before place allocation to tailor appropriate plans. Admissions policies note that admission is not conditional on a formal medical diagnosis, with effective transition processes in place for all children. Support for EAL is integrated within the school's inclusive approach rather than a separate programme.

Wellbeing and belonging are central to school life, with wellbeing defined as feeling at ease, confident, and in touch with emotions. The counselling program supports positive mental health and aims to develop students' social, emotional, personal, and academic growth. Counselling services include universal, group, and individual sessions, with planned session structures and potential referrals for higher‑need cases. Counselling also supports safeguarding and human rights awareness as part of a holistic approach to student welfare. Parent workshops and broader wellbeing initiatives are part of the school's wellbeing offering.

GEMS Founders School Dubai adheres to high safeguarding standards as a COBIS member. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Whole School Vice Principal, supported by Level 3 Deputy DSLs and the GEMS Central Safeguarding Team. All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training and follow national and GEMS policies, including the Ministry of Education Codes of Conduct. Safeguarding and wellbeing are embedded in the curriculum and school culture, with events on online safety, anti‑bullying, and children's rights, plus monthly safeguarding newsletters and parent information sessions. If there is a safeguarding concern, staff should contact the DSL or a Deputy DSL immediately; safeguarding documents such as the GEMS Safeguarding Policy 2025‑2026 are publicly available.