Arabian Business, Wednesday, Jun 24, 2020 | Zul Qaadah 03, 1441
KHDA says Dubai schools can open from start of 2020-2021 year
Emirates:
Schools and universities across Dubai will be allowed to operate from the
start of the 2020-2021 academic year, provided that they comply with health and
safety protocols, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
According to an update posted to the KHDA's website, the safety protocols
include screening all students and staff for temperatues, reduced head-count in
classrooms to ensure social distancing guidelines, limiting gatherings and
suspending group activities and sports events.
Additionally, high concentrations of students -
such as lunch periods - are to be avoided, with school facilities thoroughly
sterilised.
Schools are also mandated to appoint a trained health and safety official to
ensure that people and processes at the schools comply with healtha nd
safety protocol.
The guidelines also note that schools may choose from different models,
including being open to all students all the time, continuing to do distance
learning part time, or scheduling lessons in staggered shifts.
"School fees will remain unchanged for the next
academic year," the KHDA website adds. "We ask parents and schools to come
together in the best interest of children toensure that learning continues."
Earlier on Tuesday, the UAE Ministry of Education outlined new safety
measures that will be need for schools to re-open this year.
Schools across the country have been closed since March as a result of the
Covid-19 pandemic, with schools across the country turning to distance
learning for the ret of the year.