A comprehensive set of health and safety regulations pertaining to everything from classroom layout and playgrounds to swimming pools, scientific labs, and student pick-up and drop-off locations must be met by Dubai schools.
As part of a broader regulatory framework for educational organizations in Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) released a new compliance handbook for private educational institutions that outlines the standards.
The handbook is one of four compliance guides that KHDA unveiled on Thursday as part of the Education 33 (E33) plan under the Flexible Regulation Framework. Early childhood centers, private schools, universities, and training facilities are all covered by the handbooks.
The private school handbook provides parents with a thorough overview of the safety precautions that schools are required to implement on campus.
The guideline mandates that all kindergarten and first-grade classrooms for younger pupils be situated on the first floor of school buildings.
Additionally, schools must make sure that classrooms are not overcrowded, with the number of pupils taking into consideration the room’s dimensions and safety regulations, especially during emergencies and evacuations.
Air conditioners in all school buildings must be effective and completely operational, and classrooms must have natural light and clean air thanks to appropriate ventilation systems.
Furniture needs to be devoid of sharp edges and age-appropriate. Doors in kindergarten classrooms must also include features that safeguard children’s fingers. Electrical outlets and connections need to be placed safely, protected, and kept in good working order.
Additionally, schools must have clear evacuation protocols and post emergency safety instructions in their classrooms. Regular training is necessary to ensure that staff and students are prepared for emergencies.
