Gulf News

Abu Dhabi students can opt for remote learning

CONCERNED PARENTS CAN CONTACT ADEK HOTLINE

- ABU DHABI SAMIHAH ZAMAN Staff Reporter

Parents in Abu Dhabi with children enrolled in private schools will be allowed to opt for distance learning during the upcoming school term.

This is a departure from the previous guidelines, which required all students to receive some form of in-class learning from August 30.

“Responding to a strong call from parents who prefer continuing distance learning for their children, Adek has approved the option of fulltime distance learning for the upcoming term.

Report your concerns

We have also dedicated a hotline which parents can use to report any concerns: 800-COM PLIANC(E)/800-266754262,” the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), the emirate’s education sector regulator, confirmed to Gulf News.

Last month, the Adek had approved children’s return to school campuses next term after 45 per cent of parents responding to a survey had indicated that they were willing to send their children to school.

However, since then, a number

of parents have expressed reservatio­ns about the return to school, especially for younger children. As Gulf News reported yesterday, many families are also wondering about the coverage and scheduling for Covid-19 tests, which are mandatory for all students going back to school in Abu Dhabi.

Welcome change

Meanwhile, school leaders have welcomed the changed guidelines on distance learning. “Nearly 95 per cent of our parents had said they preferred to keep children at home, so this update is very welcome,” a principal at an

Indian curriculum school said.

Another principal said only parents with children in the higher grades appeared comfortabl­e sending children back to school. Ali Al Mazroui, owner of Virginia Private School, said more parents are easing up to in-class learning as time passes. “Given the new directions by Adek, we will of course offer the option to continue distance learning, while also implementi­ng stringent safety measures for those returning to the school,” he said.

Homeschool­ing?

Due to worries about children’s exposure to Covid-19, some families were considerin­g unenrollin­g children from school next term and homeschool­ing them. But the Adek had previously warned parents against homeschool­ing.

In the Parents Guide to School Reopening, the authority had said: “It is mandatory for all children of school-going age to be enrolled in school for Academic Year 2020/21”.

“If you choose not to enroll your child in a school, and instead homeschool him/her, you take the risk that your child will need to repeat the grade once he is back in the system,” the Adek had said.

The Adek has also clarified that the choice of distance learning will not affect fees.

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