Jumeirah College

The social and emotional learning (SEL) framework at Jumeirah College is delivered through a structured pastoral system organized by year groups and led by a Head of Year. Each student is assigned to a form group with a Form Tutor who remains with that group to monitor welfare and academic progress, making the Form Tutor the first point of contact for parents and teachers on welfare matters. The environment is described as happy and supportive, with a focus on confidence, self-discipline, independent thinking and active participation in learning. The Inclusion/SfL (Support for Learning) team coordinates provision to address academic and emotional wellbeing, employing a holistic approach to progress. Learner profiles are developed with input from students and parents, and regular parent-teacher consultations help ensure personalised support and ongoing communication.

Jumeirah College is inclusive and welcomes students with a wide variety of special educational needs and disabilities, with admissions open to those requiring SEND provision. The school designates a qualified Head of Inclusion and an Inclusion Support Team (SfL) to coordinate SEND provision, planning, and monitoring across the curriculum. Identification of need is ongoing, with a graduated approach to support and a provision map to guide interventions; monitoring, planning, and reviews are conducted to support progress and wellbeing. The Learning Support Team includes roles such as Learning Support Teachers and an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher, and there is a dedicated School Counsellor and pastoral staff to support learners. Regular parent consultations (PTCs) and collaboration with external agencies form part of the standard SEND framework, and staff receive ongoing professional development to support inclusive practice.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is recognised as one of the main categories within the school's SEND framework, with a separate EAL policy referenced in the Inclusion policy. The Inclusion/SfL team includes an ELL teacher, reflecting explicit EAL support within the school's learner support structure. The Learner Profile process involves input from students and parents to tailor supports for EAL learners, and provision is coordinated to enable access to the curriculum. The policy notes that EAL is one of the three main groups addressed by the school, alongside SEND and MEA/G&T, and that there are specific procedures for identification, intervention, and differentiation. The school also aligns with broader codes of practice (e.g., the UK SEND Code of Practice) and maintains a dedicated Inclusion Policy and related resources.

Mental wellbeing is a core facet of Jumeirah College's holistic approach to education, with the mission explicitly focusing on emotional and physical wellbeing as part of every student's progress. The school maintains Pastoral Support through a dedicated Pastoral Vice Principal and a School Counsellor, supported by the broader Inclusion/SfL team and Heads of Year. The learner pathway emphasises emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress, and students are consulted about their personalised support paths. Regular opportunities for student voice and collaborative planning with parents contribute to emotional resilience and wellbeing. The school's safeguarding and safeguarding-linked pastoral provisions further reinforce emotional support as part of daily school life.

GEMS safeguarding policy at Jumeirah College establishes formal governance, roles and responsibilities, including a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is part of the senior leadership team. The policy sets out child protection procedures, recording requirements, and escalation processes, including use of the Guard safeguarding case management platform and clear timelines for reporting concerns. It details safer recruitment practices, whistleblowing, complaints handling, and safeguarding training for staff, with a focus on protecting children and safeguarding across the school community. The policy also provides appendices detailing roles, external guidance, and UAE-specific safeguarding mandates to guide implementation. The policy is current for 2025-2026 and supersedes earlier versions.