Welcome to the Dubai Centre for Special Needs official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

Does your school have a waiting list? In which years?

No

What are qualities and characteristics that define your school and its students?

Dubai Center for Special needs is the most established Center in Dubai. DCSN caters for a range of ages, disabilities and needs. The comprehensive program is broad in its opportunities for students and includes early learning development. For the adult learners, an ASDAN program is offered. DCSN also provides students with a multidisciplinary approach encompassing all disciplines of therapy including speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

Dubai Center for Special Needs accepts students as young as 3 years old by providing them the opportunity to learn and grow through our early year’s program and utilize the many custom built facilities the center boasts such as a Snoezelin room, soft play area, library, playground and outdoor swimming pool. These facilities ensure that all students are benefitting from a wide range of equipment and resources specific to their needs.

Our management team, teaching staff and therapists are all highly qualified and highly experienced professionals to ensure the highest standard we maintained throughout the DCSN.

How many nationalities are represented in your school? How international would you say your school is?

30

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Consists of 50% UAE nationals

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

4 to One

Does your school measure Value Added data? Please provide details of how you measure, and current Value Added benchmark scores.

N/A

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

Asdan

Please provide details of how well your school did in its previous external exams for students at 16 and at 18 years of age? Please provide sufficient detail to allow parents to have a view on how academic your school is?

N/A

What percentage of your sixth form that take exams at 18 go to university, and where, in general, do they go?

N/A

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

Our qualified and experienced teaching and therapy staff offer the highest standard of services both in education and rehabilitation. The differentiated lessons are geared towards offering the ultimate learning experience to suit each individual need. Education is the path to success and the students at DCSN are given every opportunity to succeed. We work closely with families, offering advice where needed and involve them in the goal making process ensuring that the approach to their child is a child centered one. DCSN also collaborates with outside agencies and professionals to make certain we are keeping up to date and well informed of any new technology in the field. All staff undergo regular training sessions to keep abreast of recent developments in the field of special needs

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

This is entirely dependent on the needs of the child and each teacher will use their discretion when supplying homework but we do believe this is an extension of learning and consolidates what is being taught in school.

Physical education and sport is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?

Physical education is one of the key component in the student’s timetable. We have fully qualified and experienced P.E instructors as well as swimming coaches. Each child, depending on their need, will have a tailor made physical education program that benefits him/her physical and mental wellbeing. DCSN has a beautiful and efficient playground which facilitates physical engagement as well as a swimming pool. Yoga, basketball and football are also part of the curriculum. Students are taught about healthy living and the importance of looking after yourself. We have a tuck shop at the Center and the students enjoy preparing healthy food for the students and staff.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

As part of the curriculum, healthy lifestyles are continuously taught for all ages and is a key area of topic. Students are taught in a way that they will understand the core elements of health. We have a no junk food policy for snack boxes which is enforced.

How do you promote healthy eating?

In class, they learn about health food

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students? How does it promote a balanced diet?

No but we have a tuck shop which is run by the students.

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

8h00 a.m. to 2h00 p.m

Is there a school uniform?

Yes

Please advise on your discipline policy?

We adopt a hands off approach at DCSN and work closely with the parents to ensure that discipline is a consistent element in the child's life. Policies surrounding safeguarding are updated and regular training is given to staff in this regard.

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

There are parents/teachers meetings every term.

How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?

Three times a year (each academic term) and reports are given to parents at each meeting

Which languages are taught at your school - please detail any as a first as well as second language?

None

Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?

English language exposure is given to support those with second language needs.

Do you offer a dedicated prayer room/s for students? For which faiths?

Yes

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

If a particular talent is shown by the students it is nourished and encouraged.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

As a special needs center this is our focus.

Not all schools are staffed or resourced to offer learning support to those children with either moderate or significant learning needs. To what level can you offer support for those with learning differences?

See above

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

As a Special need Center, we deal with all kind of challenges and disabilities.

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

We have contacts with educational psychologists and communicate when necessary.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

No

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

Parents are welcome additions on field trips and other events planned by the Center

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

No

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

All parents are able to come in at any time to speak with the management team for any information needed.