Newlands School

Newlands School Al Warqa supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through an inclusive mainstream environment with a holistic approach to pupil wellbeing and personal development. The school has qualified, special education staff who assess children on an individual basis to identify social-emotional and learning needs. Counselling for social-emotional and mental health-related problems is provided as part of the student support offer. Wellbeing is central to the school's values, with pastoral care, safeguarding, student voice and leadership opportunities embedded across school life. KHDA DSIB 2023-24 rated wellbeing as Good and the quality of student support as Good, corroborating a strong focus on SEL.

Newlands School is an inclusive school rather than a dedicated SEN institution. The school conducts assessments by qualified special education staff to identify needs and may provide support for a range of special needs in line with KHDA categories, including gaps in literacy and numeracy, mobility difficulties, and mild-to-moderate hearing or sight issues. The inclusion framework is implemented in collaboration with KHDA's Inclusive Education Policy Framework. The school also operates an ILsA (Individual Learning Support Assistants) policy to provide targeted supports when needed. This SEND provision is designed to be delivered within the mainstream school context, not as a separate specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided where needed. Students not proficient in English are identified on admission and a teaching programme is put in place with the aim of achieving proficiency for their age group. Language support includes in-class differentiation, extra English classes and home extension activities, with case-by-case decisions and curriculum modifications as far as possible to ensure full inclusion. The English as an Additional Language component is part of the overall curriculum offering at Newlands, which includes EAL as a formal element.

Mental wellbeing is addressed as part of the school's wellbeing framework. Wellbeing is described as central to the school's values, with provisions spanning pastoral care, safeguarding, student voice and leadership opportunities. Counselling for social-emotional and mental health-related problems is available as part of student support. KHDA DSIB 2023-24 ratings reflect this emphasis, with Wellbeing rated Good and quality of support rated Good; personal and social development is described as Very Good in the inspection, indicating strong mental wellbeing outcomes. The principal highlights a calendar of wellbeing activities and community engagements that contribute to students' emotional health and sense of belonging.

Safeguarding and child protection are supported by a suite of policies and procedures. The School Policies page lists Health & Safety Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, Missing Child Policy, and other safeguarding-related documents, with Well-Being Policy also in place. The Positive Behaviour Policy outlines a pastoral team and ongoing parent communication, with a Guidance Counsellor involved in pastoral support and safeguarding matters. E-safety guidance and related practices are part of school policy, and the school maintains a clear framework for safeguarding through its policies and pastoral teams. KHDA DSIB 2023-24 ratings corroborate safeguarding strength, with Good health and safety, and Good quality of safeguarding support observed; wellbeing and inclusion are rated Good as well.