SEN and Inclusion

KHDA requires all private schools to have inclusive education policies and to make reasonable adjustments for students with special educational needs. However, the quality and depth of SEN provision varies significantly between schools.

KHDA SEN Requirements

All KHDA-regulated schools must have an inclusion policy, a designated inclusion coordinator (SENCO), and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for identified students. KHDA inspectors assess the quality of inclusion provision as part of the overall school inspection.

What to Ask Schools

When evaluating SEN provision, ask: (1) What is your student-to-SENCO ratio? (2) Do you have specialist staff for specific needs (speech therapy, occupational therapy, learning support)? (3) How are IEPs developed and reviewed? (4) What is your policy on external assessments and diagnoses? (5) Are there additional fees for learning support?

Additional Fees

Many schools charge additional fees for learning support beyond standard classroom differentiation. These fees are separate from tuition and can range from AED 5,000 to AED 30,000+ per year depending on the level of support required. Clarify this before enrolling.

External Support Services

Dubai has a growing network of private educational psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. KHDA maintains a list of approved assessment providers. An independent educational psychology assessment (AED 3,000–6,000) can be valuable in securing appropriate school support.