Hybrid learning and parental surveys shape Abu Dhabi’s back-to-school plans.
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has conducted extensive field inspections across private schools in the emirate to assess their readiness for either a return to in-person learning or the continuation of remote education.
The move underscores the authority’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted education while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety.
Specialised inspection teams reviewed school facilities, technical infrastructure, and operational systems to assess each institution’s readiness to implement either in-person or remote learning models.
Based on these evaluations, some schools have been instructed to continue with remote learning in the coming days due to insufficient readiness to safely receive students on campus. School administrations will notify parents accordingly via SMS.
Most private schools have confirmed via official social media channels that the return to in-person learning will be phased in gradually.
Students whose families are able to arrange transportation to school will be permitted to attend in person, while remote learning will continue to be available for those facing difficulties. This dual-track approach is designed to provide flexibility and accommodate different family circumstances.
Parental input and hybrid models
Parents have received survey links via SMS to indicate their preferred learning mode for their children, with the feedback helping schools make more informed decisions aligned with students’ needs.
Some institutions have adopted hybrid learning models, with in-person classes offered from kindergarten through Grade 8, while secondary students continue with remote learning.
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), in coordination with school administrations, has also conducted intensive training sessions and meetings to prepare staff for the transition. These efforts aim to ensure educators are equipped to manage both in-person and remote teaching effectively.
School leaders reiterated their commitment to full operational readiness, confirming that facilities meet strict safety and security standards alongside ongoing teacher training programmes. This follows three weeks of remote learning since the start of the academic year, reflecting a broader strategy to maintain a flexible and resilient education system.
Strict regulations for nursery operations
Separately, the Ministry of Education has introduced six mandatory regulations governing nursery operations during the phased return to in-person learning next week. These measures are designed to safeguard children while ensuring continuity of care and educational services.
Key rules include restricting child drop-off and pick-up strictly to external gates, banning entry for visitors and suppliers, and prohibiting all internal events or gatherings. Parents’ time on-site must be limited to essential needs only.
Nurseries are also required to maintain updated daily records containing each child’s information, guardian details, and precise attendance times. Compliance with approved staff-to-child ratios is mandatory to ensure effective evacuation procedures and adequate care.
Continuous supervision of children is compulsory, with a strict prohibition on leaving any child unattended under any circumstances. Additionally, nurseries must provide dedicated evacuation trolleys for infants, ready for immediate use in emergencies, while staff must be fully aware of parents’ contact details to enable rapid response when needed.
Gradual return across educational institutions
The Ministry of Education has confirmed a phased resumption of in-person learning across nurseries, kindergartens, and both public and private schools nationwide. The first phase includes select nurseries operating within government entities and commercial buildings, while others may continue offering home-based care services under approved guidelines.
Educational institutions are permitted to combine in-person and remote learning, provided each class group follows a single unified model. Resuming on-campus education requires prior approval from the relevant authorities and full compliance with all mandatory requirements.
School transport services will remain suspended during the initial phase until further notice.
To strengthen communication, the ministry has stressed the importance of keeping parents fully informed of all regulations and responsibilities. Schools must also provide clear emergency communication channels and obtain signed consent forms from parents or guardians opting for their children’s return to in-person learning.
