The Dubai education regulator’s recent decision to temporarily halt school inspections in the UAE has been met with positive feedback from school heads. This move is seen as beneficial for various reasons, including enhanced stability, reduced administrative workload, and better quality of data collection to achieve teaching-learning goals. Private schools in Dubai will not undergo full inspections during the 2024-25 academic year unless they are new schools in their third year of operation.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has also released the complete report of its most recent inspection, providing schools with detailed feedback. School heads believe that this decision will give them adequate time to address areas identified for improvement and focus on innovative teaching practices, professional development of teachers, and holistic student achievement. Additionally, the move showcases the KHDA’s trust in schools’ ability to self-regulate and maintain high education standards.
While the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) will conduct additional visits focused on specific areas and include continuous monitoring activities, schools will be informed in advance about the focus areas and priorities for the upcoming academic year. Schools are required to update the self-evaluation form and online school profile regularly throughout the next academic year. School heads see this decision as empowering and strategic, as it allows schools to continue innovating and adapting to meet high-quality standards.
Schools have the option to request a full inspection from the DSIB, which will be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the KHDA. The deadline for submission of requests is July 5, 2024, with approved requests expected to be notified during Term 2 of the 2024-25 academic year. School leaders, such as Dr. Saima Rana, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, welcome the opportunity to innovate and provide the best possible educational experiences to students while supporting the regulator’s strategic plan.
There is a common perception that DSIB inspections are directly tied to school ratings and subsequently impact the fee structure. However, school heads like Zubair Ahmad, COO of Springdales School, Dubai, clarify that the DSIB is just one division within the KHDA, and there are around 16 other departments dedicated to supporting schools and ensuring accountability. The recent decision to halt inspections is seen as developmental and necessary for change, providing breathing space for stakeholders and supporting the teaching-learning process to make it more efficient and productive.
Ahmad believes that this move will focus on skill development rather than just capacity development, allowing all parties involved to upgrade and improve. Overall, school heads in the UAE view the temporary halt of school inspections as a positive step towards enhancing education quality, giving schools the freedom to focus on innovation and continuous improvement in teaching-learning practices. The decision reflects the KHDA’s trust in schools’ ability to self-regulate and maintain high standards of education, promoting long-term growth and development in the education sector.
