What is the ADEK inclusion policy in Abu Dhabi?
ADEK's inclusion policy, announced among 39 new school policies in September 2024, requires Abu Dhabi private and charter schools to include students with additional learning needs. Schools cannot simply refuse a student; they must give ADEK written evidence of their limitations, and ADEK can overturn refusals. Schools need inclusion teams, documented individual learning plans, and 'inclusion assistants', the new name for shadow teachers. Full compliance is due by September 2026.
What this means in practice
The policy aims to make inclusion part of every school's work rather than an add-on. It also clarifies roles: qualified inclusion teachers plan support, while inclusion assistants provide in-class help to students who need it for a significant part of the day.
Main requirements
- Admission without unjustified refusal, with written evidence to ADEK if a school says it cannot meet a need.
- An inclusion team that leads support across the school.
- Qualified inclusion teachers who develop individualised, documented learning plans.
- Inclusion assistants, replacing the term shadow teachers, for students who need support for at least half of the school day.
- Applications to ADEK for assistive technology, such as Braille equipment.
- Compliance with all new policies by September 2026.
What changes for shadow teachers
Shadow teachers hired privately by families often worked outside school structures. Under the policy, inclusion assistants work within the school's inclusion team, under the guidance of inclusion teachers, and only where a student needs substantial support.
ADEK support services
ADEK also offers specialist services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and psychotherapy through specialist centres during school hours, and mediation between schools and families.
Practical next steps
- Read ADEK's School Policy on Inclusion.
- Check your school's inclusion team structure.
- If you are a shadow teacher, ask how your role fits the inclusion assistant model.
- Build skills in documented planning and data.
What to keep in mind
This summary relies on ADEK's published material and news reporting. Read the full policy for exact wording before making staffing or admission decisions.
Common follow-up questions
When does the ADEK policy take full effect?
Schools were given until September 2026 to comply with the new policies announced in September 2024.
Who can be an inclusion teacher in Abu Dhabi?
The policy describes inclusion teachers as fully qualified educators rather than support staff.
Sources
- Khaleej Times: Abu Dhabi schools cannot just reject a student under the new inclusion policy
- ADEK: School Policy on Inclusion
- ADEK: Inclusive education for every child
Sources inform the explanation; examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.