Al Rayana Charter School Recognised as an IQM International Centre of Excellence

September 22, 2026

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Al Rayana Charter School in Abu Dhabi has been recognised as an IQM International Centre of Excellence, in recognition of its exemplary inclusive practice and ongoing drive for improvement.

Inclusion is firmly embedded in the school’s culture, with staff united in their commitment to supporting every child to flourish. The school’s motto, ‘Growing hearts and minds, Hand in Hand Together’, is explicitly taught and regularly referred to, alongside the four core values of Respect, Responsibility for your actions, Resilience and Readiness to learn and face challenges.

A culture of inclusion

The heart of Al Rayana Charter School lies in the warm and caring relationships between children and staff. Every senior leader has in-depth knowledge of the children and greets them as individuals, while staff describe the school as a family where “nobody gets left behind”.

The school’s inclusive approach is supported by a strong commitment to adaptive practice. Every member of staff has received training in adaptive teaching strategies, including dyslexia and mental health awareness, and resources are regularly used in ways that avoid making anyone stand out. A child holding up a card saying ‘I need support’, originally introduced for a child who was not talking, is now used across all classes.

Specialist support is carefully integrated into school life. The school has developed the first Autism Resource Base (ARB) in a charter school and Aldar Education’s first ARB, in partnership with ADEK. The base provides specialist provision to enable children from Grade 2 upwards to integrate into mainstream at their own pace, with 27 successful transitions so far. Academic work is heavily scaffolded using strategies such as TEACCH and task boxes to support independence in learning.

Learning that reflects every child

Inclusive practice is visible throughout the curriculum and learning environment. The curriculum is contextualised, mapped to the UAE agenda and national identity, whilst linked to the school’s core values. Teaching and assessment are in English apart from MOE subjects, with learning English incorporated into all subjects and Arabic also used with younger children.

Visual resources are confidently embedded across the school, with Widgits available in English and Arabic and staff wearing key symbols on their lanyards. Learning spaces are designed to provide accessible opportunities for participation, from shared classroom pods and working walls to calm outdoor areas and specialist provision.

ASDAN lessons provide practical opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and life skills through first-hand experiences.

Celebrating identity and belonging

UAE national identity is woven throughout the school, with displays in classrooms and shared areas and opportunities for students to celebrate their culture. During the assessment visit, older students delivered a bilingual tour and shared their plans for Union Day, while traditional clothing and artwork were displayed throughout the school.

The Morning Book initiative invites parents to visit the library with their child, while families can log on each Tuesday evening to watch a staff member reading a story bilingually before bedtime. Students are also celebrated as authors, with their published books displayed in the library.

Working with families and the wider community

Strong relationships with parents are central to Al Rayana’s inclusive approach. School Counsellors greet families at the gate each morning, while coffee mornings and workshops provide opportunities for parents to access advice and support. Communication is bilingual, with detailed weekly newsletters, Canvas and SeeSaw updates helping families stay connected.

Parents described the school as “family” and “home”, highlighting the care, guidance, support and nurture provided by staff. The Parent Council acts as a bridge between home and school, with feedback informing school improvement decisions and supporting links with community services.

Beyond the school, Service-Learning Fridays provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage with community causes. Students contribute to projects including preparing and distributing Ramadan food baskets, the ‘Pay it Forward’ campaign and the Bee Hotel project. International links have included exchange visits with a school from Wales and cultural connections with visitors from the Seychelles.

Al Rayana’s inclusive ethos, specialist provision, strong relationships and commitment to continual development provide a strong foundation for its Centre of Excellence status, demonstrating how inclusion can be embedded across leadership, curriculum, pastoral support, family partnerships and the wider community.

Find Out More About IQM

If your school is interested in achieving the IQM Inclusive School Award, contact the IQM team on 028 7127 7857 or email admin@iqmaward.com.

To find out more about IQM and request a free information pack, visit www.iqmaward.com.