Education UAE - Issue 26 - Winter 2025

Contents 9

ADEK ISSUES UPDATED ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOUR POLICIES FOR ABU DHABI SCHOOLS ADEK has stressed that regular

attendance is the foundation of academic success. Schools will now implement strict guidelines to monitor absence

“Why Every Day at School Counts” Attendance Rules & What Parents Need to Know. Student Administrative A airs Policy in full e ect this AY 2025/26

The 5% & 10% Absenteeism Rule 01

Applies on combined excused & unexcused absences

rates and lateness:

Kindergarten If a student misses more than 10% (18 days) , it is flagged

Grades 1-12 If a student misses more than 5% (9 days) , it is a concern

02

Excused Absences Illness

Unexcused Absences Family vacations during school days Staying home without notifying the school Non-emergency medical appointments Non-severe weather conditions

Emergency medical appointments Family Loss (1 st or 2 nd degree relative) O cial duties Competitions/events Government public holidays Study/exam leave (with ADEK approval) Government-mandated closures

Lateness Adds Up Schools will identify frequent lateness and take appropriate action at their discretion

Grades 1–12: Missing more than 5% of the school year (nine days) will be flagged as a concern. Kindergarten: Missing over 10% of the year (18 days) will be reported. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward the total.

03

Medical Absences

Up to 3 consecutive days (and a maximum of 12 days annually)

Parent-written sick notes

Starting 4 th sick day

DOH sick leave certificate

Chronic Illness Absences If a student exceeds 12 missed school days, parents must submit DOH medical reports

04

05

No Skipping Schoolwork Even excused absences mean your child must catch up on all missed work/tests.

Parent Responsibility You must notify the school of any absence and provide documents to avoid having it marked as unexcused (unauthorized).

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Attendance is the foundation of your child’s future success. Being on time and present builds responsibility, protects learning and ensures your child thrives.

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