The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced that the new staffing policy for schools in Abu Dhabi mandates that educational institutions must maintain six key full-time positions.
These essential roles include: Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Inclusion, Health and Safety Officer, Social Worker, and Nurse.
It's important to note that additional mandatory positions may be necessary according to other ADEK policies, such as university and vocational guidance counselors for higher-grade schools. However, these positions do not fall under the mandatory criteria for licensing purposes.
Under this new policy, newly established educational institutions with fewer than 500 students are exempt from appointing a deputy principal during their first five years. Nevertheless, they must designate a senior academic leader on an interim basis and ensure that qualified teachers are available for all subjects and courses.
If a vacancy arises, a reserve teacher must temporarily fill that position.
ADEK clarified that personnel hired before this policy regarding admission criteria for school employees who do not meet the new standards may continue in their roles under specific conditions, unless otherwise noted for particular positions.
Individuals in leadership roles in Abu Dhabi schools who lack teaching experience will be required to obtain a valid educational leadership license by the start of the academic year 2026/2027, specifically by the first semester. Those holding teaching positions in Abu Dhabi schools without the necessary qualifications must either renew their appointment letters or transition to a new school, provided they obtain either a Level 6 qualification under the UAE National Qualifications System (such as a diploma) or a valid teaching license by the beginning of the 2026/2027 academic year.
Renewal or transfer to a new school will be granted once evidence of completed qualifications or academic records showing continuous study and progress in initial teaching certification is submitted.
Regarding the hiring of new personnel, all appointments that are not transfers between schools operated by the same group must comply with ADEK's new admissions policy for schools.
The new policy allows educational institutions to temporarily appoint existing staff who do not meet the eligibility criteria for core positions to address short-term staffing needs for up to six months, unless stated otherwise in other policies. This may include temporary vice-principal roles in newly established schools with fewer than 500 students or interim principal positions.
The policy outlines five conditions that must be fulfilled for the appointment of temporary staff.
Temporary appointments are allowed for all roles except teaching positions (e.g., a temporary finance manager can be appointed, but a temporary classroom teacher cannot). This applies to candidates who are part of the current staff and meet the qualifications but lack the necessary experience for a specific role, those in "acting" positions for the duration of their temporary employment (such as acting department heads), and those who provide written consent to take on a temporary position significantly different from their current role. In these cases, the temporary experience will count toward the relevant work experience.
Finally, educational institutions can assign personnel who do not meet the criteria for essential positions to training roles, provided they fulfill six specific conditions.
This provides individuals with the opportunity to gain practical experience while they work towards obtaining the necessary qualifications. To qualify for the role of "employee under training," a candidate must have the appropriate qualifications and must be supervised by a fully qualified employee.
It is important to clarify that these individuals cannot be permanently appointed to the actual job; however, they may be eligible for promotion to that position after fulfilling the necessary requirements and proving their competence. The training period for each individual in each role can last up to two years, until they are considered to have acquired the required qualifications.
The work experience gained during the training period will be recognized as part of the relevant experience in the position they are training for.
The newly implemented policy states that, in accordance with Article 5 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which regulates labor relations, educational institutions are allowed to employ minors.
This is contingent on the conditions outlined in the aforementioned legislation, which includes stipulations regarding age, parental consent, working hours, and other requirements. Minors working in schools must always be supervised by an adult.
Minors who are students at the school where they are employed may only work after school hours or during times when they are not scheduled for classes or other activities.
Minors who are not students at the school they work in must be granted the same rights as specified in the ADEK's guidelines aimed at protecting students in schools.
Contracts for full-time teaching staff in schools must be established for a minimum duration of two years, which includes annual leave and holidays. Additionally, the termination of services for administration and teaching staff during the academic term is not permitted without prior consent from the ADEK. This rule applies to both voluntary resignations and involuntary dismissals.
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