Picture used for illustrative purposes.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Human Resources (FAHR) has issued a special circular to ministries and federal entities in the UAE on the 'Back to School' policy. This allows parents working in the federal government to accompany their children to schools and nurseries at the start of the new school year.

The circular's objective is to provide government employees with the requisite flexibility in the work environment, in accordance with applicable directives and legislation, without compromising the workflow and provision of services. This is to be achieved in a manner consistent with the regulations followed in each federal entity, with the approval of the direct manager.

The "Back to School" policy affords parents the flexibility to pick and drop their children to and from school, with the option of doing so between 9am and 12pm on the first day of the academic year, for a maximum of three hours in total, or alternatively, in two separate morning or afternoon phases.

With regard to parents with children in nursery and kindergarten, a late morning or early leave permit may be granted during the first academic week to facilitate the transportation of their children to and from the nursery.

This permit may be issued for a maximum of three hours per day, taking into account the varying opening dates of the academic year. The issuing of this permit is contingent upon the curriculum prescribed by the relevant authorities for the specific educational institution in question.

Furthermore, the “Back to School” policy allows flexible working hours in other occasions and situations related to the school year, as long as it doesn't affect the workflow and is in line with the Federal Government Human Resources’ law and its executive regulations. This includes up to three hours for parental meetings and up to three hours for graduation ceremonies, events and activities for children.