Parent/School Contracts Mandatory In Indian And Pakistani Schools

The KHDA will make parent/school contracts mandatory for all Indian and Pakistani schools in April 2015.

While the previous two phases of contract implementation covered 24 schools in this category and over 38,500 students, the new move will see the remaining 34 Indian and Pakistani schools adopt the contract system.

Once the phase is complete, contracts will cover approximately 33 percent of the total school population in Dubai and 80,000 total students.

Amal Bel Hasa, Chief of Compliance and Resolution Commission said, “A constructive relationship between the school and families is key to ensuring that the rights of both are protected.  It is beneficial for both parties if these terms and conditions are clearly outlined in a contract. We encourage all parents to ensure that they’ve read and understood the contracts and sign them before the start of the new academic year.”

Contracts have already proven to reduce issues concerning refund and admission policies, school fees, attendance and punctuality, as well as health and safety provision and transportation.

In addition they address parental responsibilities like providing schools with accurate medical, psychological and educational assessment records, to ensure students’ safety at school.

Interestingly, bullying, both cyber and other forms are also covered in the contract. The document also asks parents and students to refrain from 'defamation or intentional harm' on social media and other outlets online.

The KHDA contract also stipulates the school must establish an appeals process to encourage disputes to be resolved internally. While the KHDA recognises that most disputes can be resolved through meetings and discussions, the appeals process should be in place for concerns which may need further deliberation with the school principal or the board of governors.