Abu Dhabi school students to pay full fees, follow new rules

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has issued a circular on schools reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A 21-page circular states that full tuition fee will apply to all students, regardless of the mode of attendance and reopening model followed by the schools in Abu Dhabi.

ADEK highlighted the guidelines for parents for sending their children to schools.

ADEK said, “Schools will not be able to reduce bus fees despite the possible reduction in the number of days attended physically in school due to the capacity utilisation reduction of buses (50% of capacity).

Parents wait with children on the schoolyard for the start of their first day at a school in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. AP

However, ADEK said if some parents are facing financial constraints, they must reach out to the school’s Principal for support.

It also warned that if some parents choose not to enroll their child in a school, and instead homeschool. The parents have to bear the risk that the child may need to repeat the grade once back in the system.

Schools will carry out a general cleaning and disinfection once every 24 hours.

Schools have been mandated to provide hand washing or hand sanitizing stations in key locations around the school premises and on the school bus.

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All classrooms will have sanitising wipes, hand sanitiser and covered bins to maintain proper hygiene.

High-contact surfaces such as light switches, handrails, doorknobs, toilet seats etc. will be cleaned and disinfected every hour.

Toilets will be cleaned and disinfected every hour.

Schools will have a Nurse or Registered Medical Professional present on the premises, and a Quarantine room for students or staff members who experience a sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

Social distancing:

Students are expected to stay 1.5m apart at all times.

Younger children who find it difficult to maintain social distancing in KG and early primary grades may be grouped into “bubbles of up to 10 students.”

A bubble is a group of students and staff member who spend the entire day together and do not interact with other students and staff.

Parents will not be allowed inside the school premises, unless they are supporting a Student of Determination.

Exceptions can be made to allow one parent to accompany a KG or early Cycle 1 student, if needed.

However, the parent will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result with 72 hours validity.

This is subject to change as the situation develops. However, parents are advised to keep in touch with school for further updates.

Only one parent/guardian can accompany children outside the entrance to the school.

If you accompany your child as they stand in the queue, you must wear a mask.

Non-contact temperature screening will take place when entering the school.

Students will queue outside the gate to enter, maintaining a 1.5m distance from other families/students.

Your school may stagger entry and exit times for students to avoid large queues and crowding. These times will be communicated to you by your school.

Only one parent will be allowed to pick up their child in the designated waiting area. During this period, you will be required to maintain a 1.5m distance from other people.