UAE introduces fresh regulations for mandatory kindergarten presence
The new academic year in Abu Dhabi is just around the corner, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced several changes aimed at ensuring a safe and smooth start for students.
On August 25, the Kindergarten academic year will begin, and parents are asked to follow a series of guidelines to ensure a seamless transition. Upon arrival, parents should check the class list and ensure the classroom number matches the official list. Parents are also requested to arrive on time and accompany their child to the designated classroom.
For parents using private vehicles, classes will end at 10:00 a.m. during the first week. For those using school buses, parents should confirm their child's name is included in the transport list.
In line with the new measures, schoolbag weight is a key focus. ADEK has mandated that schoolbag weight not exceed 10% of a child's body weight. The weight of the filled bag should remain between 5% and 10%, taking into account individual factors such as overall health, physical strength, and existing medical conditions.
Bags for kindergarten students must not have wheels or metal handles and should be no larger than 40 cm x 30 cm. For students in Grades 1-12, bags should not have wheels or metal handles and should be no larger than 50 cm x 30 cm. The maximum allowed bag weight is 2 kg for Kindergarten to Grade 2, 3-4.5 kg for Grades 3 to 5, 8 kg for Grades 6 to 8, and 10 kg for Grades 9 to 12.
Parents are urged to purchase ergonomic schoolbags and review their child's bag contents daily to support the efforts of reducing schoolbag weight by about 50%. Bags should be proportionate to the child's body size and build.
Administrations emphasize the importance of parental cooperation for a safe and smooth start to the academic journey. Failure to comply with this policy will subject schools to legal accountability and applicable penalties under ADEK's regulations and requirements, in addition to any penalties imposed under the law.
Every school in Abu Dhabi has been required to appoint a Health and Safety Officer to oversee the implementation of these new measures. Schools must fully comply with this policy by February 1, 2026.
Parents will also be required to fill out their child's health information form and submit it to the kindergarten nurse.
School bus transportation services will be available, and parents of kindergarten students are reminded to check the class list and ensure their child's name is included in the transport list.
As the new school year approaches, parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these new guidelines to ensure a successful start for their children.
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