Private schools must ensure safety officer, on-site clinic, smoke-free campus and maximum weight limit for student school bag under revised policy 

Abu Dhabi, Oct 28, 2024: Private schools in Abu Dhabi are required to implement the latest policies that ensure a healthy and safe environment for its staff, students and visitors, following recent guidelines from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC). While the policies came into effect from the academic year 2024-25, schools are expected to be fully compliant by February 1, 2026. 

The policy emphasises training staff and students on potential hazards and ensuring all students have access to high-quality health services through school clinics at no additional cost. 

The policy requires schools to educate students on essential health and safety topics, including road safety, risk management, fire safety and first aid. Additionally, all staff must undergo training to develop foundational knowledge—such as reporting hazards and safety incidents—and practical skills for safeguarding students. 

Mandatory health & safety officer 

Schools are required to appoint a dedicated, full-time health and safety officer to oversee and implement health and safety policies. While the officer may take on related roles, such as facilities manager, their primary focus must remain on health and safety. A deputy can be assigned during short-term absences. 

The officer must stay on school premises throughout the day and cannot oversee multiple campuses to ensure focused supervision. They must also meet specified training and qualification requirements by February 1, 2026. 

School bag weight 

Schools are required to enforce maximum weight limits for students’ school bags. A student’s school bag should not weigh more than 5-10% of the child’s body weight when fully packed. 

On-site clinic 

Schools are now required to operate on-site clinics offering healthcare services, managed by a full-time, licensed school nurse. These clinics must adhere to the standards set by the Department of Health (DoH). To operate their clinics, schools must obtain and maintain a healthcare facility license from the DoH. 

Medications must be administered in accordance with DoH guidelines, which include protocols for managing accidents and medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis and seizures. This process necessitates the completion of a parental consent form. 

Regular basic and comprehensive health screenings must be carried out. Additionally, schools are responsible for facilitating access for health providers appointed by the DoH to implement the school-based immunization programme for students. 

Schools must also maintain a smoke-free environment on campus and in surrounding areas by enforcing a strict no-smoking policy, including e-cigarettes and vaping, for all students, staff and visitors.