Back to school 2021: All the KHDA rules of Dubai private schools reopening on October 3

Until September 30, students of Dubai’s private schools can opt for the face-to-face or distance learning modules. Class groups or grade/year levels may temporarily switch to distance learning if positive cases of COVID-19 are detected.

Students or staff with high risk conditions (specific illnesses or who are immunocompromised) are to be offered alternative means for education (i.e. online provision) until further notice. Schools should ensure academic provision for students who are unable to attend classes physically (due to health, quarantine, etc.) as long as they are healthy enough to have these lessons.

Physical distancing rules

From this academic year, one-metre distancing is recommended.

The rule on face masks

Students who are older than six years old, staff and visitors to schools must wear face masks.

Masks need NOT be worn by

Individuals who require supplemental oxygen

Sports and extra-curricular activities

Sports lessons

Events at school

The new guidelines for these are:

Bus hygiene should be maintained by following the appropriate sanitisation and physical distancing standards. For example, seat belts, arm rests, handles and rails should be sanitised. should be sanitised after each use, in accordance with RTA’s relevant guidelines for public transportation. For buses using swipe cards for registration, the cards and the swipe machine should be regularly sanitised. The process should be supervised by the bus attendant.

Records of all bus passengers should be maintained daily. Absences should also be recorded. Signage should be added inside the bus to guide children in hygienic practices (i.e. respiratory hygiene, waste management, etc.). Adequate waste management and disinfection practices should be followed, especially if children use back seat pockets and bins. Ensure proper ventilation in the vehicle at all times. Avoid recirculating air and encourage the use of windows whenever possible.

Is vaccination compulsory for staff/students?

Vaccination is not compulsory.

Safety protocols

Schools will still follow the Dubai Government health and safety protocols.

Entry, pick-up, and school visit procedures

Anyone with a fever ≥37.50 C should not be allowed entry.

Parents, guardians, or visitors who enter the school premises, including those dropping off and picking up younger children, should provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken in the previous 48 hours.

Schools must ensure that people maintain the recommended one metre of physical distance in high traffic areas. If the school is not able to maintain the required physical distancing, then it should take all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of the school community, says KHDA.

Masks are to be worn at all times.

Parents and guardians will not have access to the rest of the school.

Role of Health and Safety Officers (HSOs)

Developing health and safety procedures

Reporting on vaccination status and the weekly PCR results of unvaccinated internal and outsourced staff

Training relevant staff on best practices and Dubai Municipality (DM) requirements; Conducting all necessary training for students and staff;

Managing the isolation room on school premises

Managing confirmed and suspected cases and emergencies

Classroom sizes and bubbles

Student ratios will vary depending on the size of the classroom.

“Stable” or “bubble” means the same 15 or fewer children are in the same group each day and cannot be accessed by children outside of that group.

Student-to-teacher ratios must meet the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) requirements for these age groups.

The guidelines

Teachers should ensure that students do not share food.

One metre of distancing is recommended when eating. Buffets or other forms of meal gatherings are not allowed.