GEMS Winchester School Dubai

The school extends counselling services to students, teachers and parents, with a safe and nurturing approach to explore barriers and develop skills to overcome challenges. It aims to promote positive mental health, identify students at risk, and provide short-term or crisis counselling. Counselling supports personal, social and emotional development through individual and small-group sessions. A Whole-School Wellbeing framework underpins provision, including dedicated wellbeing lessons, assemblies, form time, PSHE, and access to a school clinic and counsellors. The school operates Student Wellbeing initiatives with a School Council/Wellbeing Champions who lead mental health campaigns and coordinate counsellor support.

The school follows an inclusive education approach, welcoming students of determination, gifted and talented students, and English Additional Language learners. Staff educate all students in a common learning environment with peers of similar ages. Personalised support is provided in lessons, including IEPs and IBPs, to address individual educational needs. The Inclusion policy confirms commitment to an inclusive learning environment for diverse learners.

English Additional Language learners are welcomed as part of inclusive education at the school.

Mental wellbeing is supported through access to school counsellors, drop-in sessions, and targeted counselling for students. The Wellbeing Policy outlines promoting emotional regulation, positive relationships, and resilience, with wellbeing integrated into curriculum and school life.

GEMS Winchester School Dubai maintains a comprehensive safeguarding framework with clearly defined roles (including a Designated Safeguarding Lead), child protection procedures, whistleblowing, safer recruitment, and reporting through Guard. The Safeguarding Policy aligns with UAE guidance and GEMS policy to protect children and provide staff training on safeguarding and child protection.