ADEC requirements to operate new private schools discussed in detail during a workshop organised for new private schools
The Private Schools and Quality Assurance (PSQA) sector at the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) organised an awareness workshop for new private schools expected to open during the next two academic school years, in efforts to familiarize them with ADEC requirements in operating a new private school.
The workshop covered the different infrastructure requirements, the schools licensing process, the hiring process for school staff, milestones that lead to a successful school environment, scheduled dates and deadline submissions and most importantly, lessons learnt from previous schools, and how to avoid certain challenges that may arise.
A presentation was also showcased to share PSQA’s former achievements in trying to reduce the gap between demand and supply, where up to 55 new schools have opened their doors for students in the past five years, offering more than 77,000 school seats.
Dr. Tareq Al Ameri, Business Development Division Manager at ADEC’s PSQA, emphasized the importance of communicating ADEC’s requirements in operating a new school, in efforts to keep up with the education council’s aim to offer high quality education to all students equally across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
“Investors and operators must be aware of the exact process involved before enrolling students. Buildings and facilities, both internally and externally must be fully equipped and ready at least four months prior to the school opening in order for ADEC to conduct a facility and infrastructure inspection that measures the schools health and safety, classroom readiness, educational resources, sports facilities readiness and many more,” stressed Dr. Al Ameri.
Another important factor that ADEC takes seriously when inspecting a school facility prior to opening is whether the school adheres to ADEC regulations, i.e. raising the UAE flag and UAE leadership pictures to be present.
“PSQA offer their support for new schools opening through constant communication with other government entities in order to ensure schools are ready on time. Once the school owner is 100 percent sure the school is ready to accommodate students, ADEC inspects it to ensure full compliance with its requirements. If everything is in place after inspecting the school, ADEC then ensures the rest of the licensing and documentation process is facilitated for the school.” added Dr. Al Ameri.
Another important factor that was discussed during the workshop, included the employee hiring structure at a private school. “The qualifications and acceptance of school leaders and social workers must be done at the education council’s level at least six months prior to the school opening, and three months for teachers and administrators. Qualified ADEC staff ensure employees hired at the new schools carry the relevant experience required by ADEC before agreeing to grant the school a license,” explained Dr. Al Ameri.
By the end of the workshop, participants took part in filling out a satisfaction survey, which left room for them to offer their suggestions. “We were delighted to received positive feedbacks that lauded the type of information offered at the workshop. Attendees found the information we discussed to be useful, informative and extremely important for new schools to know about, and suggested that we continue to offer this awareness workshop to any new schools opening in the near future,” concluded Dr. Al Ameri.
– ADEC Media
