International Community Schools

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is explicitly addressed in ICS Mushrif's Student Mental Health Policy. SEL is defined as knowledge and skills that enable self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. The policy states that ICS teaches mental health and SEL, including mindfulness and resilience-building through school-wide awareness and activities involving students, staff, and parents. A School Counselor and a dedicated Social Worker provide counseling and support for students and families. A Mental Health Lead promotes SEL and a culture of openness around mental health within the school; counseling services are available to all students, with confidentiality upheld and external referrals pursued when needed.

International Community School Mushrif provides inclusive education for students with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in alignment with ADEK's School Inclusion Policy and UAE law. ALN categories include Intellectual Disability; Specific Learning Disability; Emotional and Behavioral Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Speech and Language Disorder; Physical and Health‑Related Disabilities; Visual Impairment; Hearing Impairment; and Multiple Disabilities. Identification and support begin in the classroom, followed by referral to the Head of Inclusion, the development of a Documented Learning Plan (DLP) or equivalent, and annual reviews of progress. The school can deliver in‑school specialist services on campus and engages external agencies (e.g., Kids Heart, Irish Wellness Center, American Center, Consultants Medical Center) to provide targeted support. Progress is monitored by the Head of Inclusion, and findings are shared with parents; learners may be placed on an inclusion database and receive appropriate accommodations and inclusive teaching. The admission process may include psycho-educational assessments and external evaluations as part of planning ALN support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided across ICS campuses. In ICS Mushrif Admissions, all lessons are taught in English, and the EAL team helps students who need extra language support. ICS Al Danah Admissions likewise notes that all instruction is in English and that an EAL team provides additional language assistance. ICS Al Manhal States that an expert EAL team helps students requiring language support. EAL provision is delivered by in‑house EAL staff who work within the regular curriculum to help learners develop proficiency.

Student wellbeing is central to ICS, as shown in the Student Mental Health Policy which prioritizes mental health within the school environment. The policy defines mental health and outlines actions such as mindfulness and social and emotional learning, stress management, time management, and organization. It describes mental health awareness campaigns involving students, staff, and parents and notes that counseling services are available to students with careful confidentiality. A School Counselor and a dedicated Social Worker support students and families, and a Mental Health Lead promotes social‑emotional learning and a culture of openness about mental health. For students with Additional Learning Needs, the Head of Inclusion coordinates with teachers, specialists, and counselors to provide individualized support through a Documented Learning Plan; accommodations include breaks for anxiety and flexibility on uniforms where needed.

ICS Mushrif has a Safeguarding Policy aligned with ADEK guidance and UAE law to protect all students from harm. The policy defines safeguarding and maltreatment, outlines staff responsibilities, and requires training for safeguarding matters. It covers identification, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns, including maltreatment, bullying, and exploitation, and indicates confidential handling of information. The Safeguarding Lead or Safeguarding Committee oversees policy implementation, incident reporting, training, monitoring, and engagement with external agencies. Staff are responsible for promoting student welfare, recognizing signs of abuse, reporting concerns immediately, and maintaining confidentiality. The policy extends to off‑campus activities and emphasizes parental communication and prompt reporting to authorities when required.