Star International School Mirdiff

Star International School Mirdif supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a wellbeing‑focused approach. The Zones of Regulation programme helps students identify emotions, recognise triggers and practise self‑regulation. The Leuven Scale is used by staff to monitor wellbeing and ensure every student feels safe, valued and included. From Primary onwards, Pulse check‑ins guide pastoral support, with a dedicated counsellor offering confidential sessions, social‑emotional lessons and parent workshops. The pastoral care team works to create a culture of care that supports both academic and personal development.

The school provides learning support as part of its inclusive approach, including learners with learning needs, those who are gifted and talented, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. The school maintains an Inclusion team headed by a Head of Inclusion, reflecting a formal inclusion structure within the school. The Head of Inclusion may join admissions assessments to consider additional needs, indicating integrated support from intake. The inclusion provisions include a sensory room and Learning Support Assistants to deliver targeted sessions while keeping students within the core curriculum. The school does not publicly disclose information about a dedicated specialist SEN centre.

EAL support is a core part of Star Mirdif's multilingual approach. Group and one‑to‑one EAL sessions are delivered by teachers fluent in English, Arabic and Chinese, with bespoke English learning plans and Flash Academy. The multilingual framework also supports English and Arabic proficiency, with the option to study French from Primary School. Early language support is available from Early Years and continues throughout the school. The EAL programme is designed to cater for a wide range of nationalities and is integrated with home‑language support and classroom inclusion.

Mental wellbeing is a primary focus of the school's wellbeing provision. Students benefit from mindfulness, circle time and dedicated sessions to support emotional growth. Zones of Regulation is used to teach students to identify emotions and regulate their responses, complemented by staff using the Leuven Scale to monitor wellbeing. From Primary onwards, Pulse check‑ins enable tailored care from the pastoral team, with a dedicated counsellor providing confidential sessions and parent workshops. Inclusive learning and targeted support for students with diverse needs are integrated to help learners thrive academically and personally.

Safeguarding is a fundamental commitment at Star Mirdif, with a Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Leads coordinating the safeguarding framework. The Safeguarding team includes Jabeen Hayat (Safeguarding Lead) and several Deputy Leads, ensuring dedicated oversight across the school. The Safeguarding Policy outlines clear procedures for addressing child protection concerns and promotes open communication among students, parents and the wider community. The policy is supported by trained staff, robust health and safety measures, anti-bullying initiatives and digital‑safety programmes. If there are safeguarding concerns, the school provides contact points to reach the safeguarding team.