We are thrilled to announce that Al Shohub Private School is the first Aldar Education school to receive the prestigious International Inclusive School Award. Our assessor noted that Al Shohub “liv[es] inclusion at its finest”, and this is clearly seen in a strong, vibrant community of learners, who are full of praise and admiration for a school community that guides and uplifts them on their educational journey. The school was taken over by the Aldar Education group four years ago, and is now a co-educational primary school, offering the British curriculum to its student body, with 95% of students being from the local area. The school’s Principal, appointed in February 2024, has many years of experience working in the UAE and is passionate about children embracing their national identity. The students are very aware of the impact of inclusion in the school, perfectly captured by one child who expressed that “everyone is welcome to our school no matter how we fit.” Described by the Principal as a “hidden gem”, the school is celebrated for its inclusive policies and no entry assessment requirement. 20% of students have additional needs, therefore the school has worked tirelessly to ensure every pupil receives an exemplary education. Regular events that involve the wider community encourage children to think about inclusion beyond the school walls, with a strong family ethos present at the school. From picnics to watching siblings perform at assemblies, everyone is encouraged to embrace the familial element of life at Al Shohub.
Staff are incredibly proud of their school, and whole-heartedly believe that “Inclusion is not a bolt-on – it’s an essential part of the school.” This whole school commitment is demonstrated in the fact that all leaders and staff took part in the IQM process, holding the same priority as the School Improvement Plan. Not only was the IQM process an opportunity for the school to celebrate its strengths, but it also allowed staff to start conversations. As the Vice-Principal explained, “Inclusion is not a value on the wall but is in the school.” Staff are encouraging and care for the children in their classrooms, with one member of staff noting that “We are still a community school; we know them all.” Indeed, the school day starts as a community, with students and staff alike coming together to sing the UAE national anthem and raise the flag.
There is a universal positivity about the school: “The teachers, children and community come together. I love teaching at this school”, one teacher remarked. Values and standards at the school are not just for the students, staff act as role models and live out the Al Shohub vision alongside the children they teach. A commitment to inclusive practice is driven by senior leaders, who are passionate about creating a family community at the school whilst also maintaining high expectations for academic achievement and behaviour. Staff are encouraged to speak honestly and provide feedback, showing a deep-rooted trust and support between staff. Inclusion staff provide constant support throughout the year, alongside opportunities with the Aldar Training Academy, which offers an Inclusion Teacher Programme and training on UAE National Identity. The Human Resource Officer goes above and beyond to make new staff feel welcome, with induction week providing opportunities for paperwork to be completed by staff new to the UAE, and introductions to the Al Shohub Way. New staff are also given a more experienced ‘buddy’ to help them integrate into the Al Shohub community. The IQM Lead organises social and wellbeing events to encourage teambuilding and help staff get to know each other. There are also regular individual check-ins to show staff they are truly listened to and supported. Staff can avail of fantastic coaching and mentoring during the year, with six weeks of observations, team teaching, and planning checks on offer.
Al Shohub offers superb learning resources, from a swimming pool to an auditorium. Corridors contain souks for children to role play and quiet reading corners surrounded by greenery, alongside a range of sensory experiences. Pupils can reflect on their national identity throughout the school, with one corridor hosting a striking timeline of key events from the founding of the UAE, examples of UAE clothing, and an in-progress mural of UAE women of achievement. Inclusion is a key factor in all school spaces and resources. The Inclusion Room has its own reading area and tables for small groups, while the sensory room offers a light tube, sensory footprints, and soft seating. The school also offers a superb Speech and Language Therapy Room alongside an Occupation Therapy room with a climbing wall, a mini trampoline, and a weighted dog sitting in its kennel. The Inclusion Team are active team players across the school, offering support to all teachers when planning activities. Teachers encourage their students with a growth mindset, supporting them to embrace challenge and understand that mistakes are another opportunity to learn. Learning Ladders are used to track children’s individual progress, along Pupil Passports that record children’s likes and dislikes. Children can grow emotionally alongside their learning, with Zones of Regulation available in all classrooms. The students are full of praise for their school and appreciate the extensive support they receive on their learning journeys. One pupil aptly noted “It is like my second family.”
Al Shohub is keen to become a centre of community. Parents are provided with regular opportunities to engage with school life; parents can visit their child’s classroom during the first two weeks of the new school year, they can email the class teacher, and stay up to date with weekly newsletters. The Principal is always keen to meet with parents through regular coffee mornings, making them feel just as included as their children in the school community. Other events that include the wider community are the Community Picnic, and Community Open Days for prospective families, local businesses, and members of the local community. Students can also visit other Aldar Education Network schools, as well as host visiting students from other schools. Staff also benefit from this inclusive approach within the Aldar Education Network, as they can access additional training opportunities and join cluster groups according to their role.
Al Shohub Private School is a striking example of how inclusive practice changes the lives of learners. Students and staff alike are encouraged to be the very best versions of themselves, while embracing a sense of community and pride in their national identity. The Principal summed up the Al Shohub way of life perfectly: “My job is to serve all these children and families. I love what I do and the level of trust and respect in the community is precious.”