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It also makes improvement manageable, because staff know what “outstanding” looks like in their context and what the next step is. Belonging and wellbeing, built into daily life and improved over time In UAE schools, inclusion is increasingly understood as a lived whole-school culture, not unique to a department. Effective schools treat inclusion as something that matures, with regular reflection and small improvements that add up. The result is a school culture that holds steady through growth and challenge, while staying responsive to the students in front of them. Aligning with the UAE Vision 2030 commitment to create supportive and accessible learning environments for all students, empowering international school leaders to turn their ambitions for an inclusive school into a reality with IQM. Teacher training and cross- school collaboration Quality teacher training for inclusive education strategies is one of the most common non-negotiables found in successful inclusive schools. High-quality inclusive practice is built both inside and outside of the classroom. Teachers need professional learning that is practical, relevant, and easy to apply the next morning. Just as important, they need time and trust to compare strategies with colleagues, test ideas, and refine what works. IQM Cluster Groups are a powerful way to support collaboration across school groups, allowing teachers and inclusion leads to learn from other schools and take away practical strategies to implement back at their setting. Access to expertise and on- the-ground support Even the most experienced teams benefit from an external lens, especially when needs are complex or systems and resources are stretched. Expert guidance helps schools sharpen judgment, build staff confidence, and avoid trial-and-error approaches that cost time and money.
In the UAE, this is strengthened by local, on-the-ground support through EdV and UAE-based IQM assessors, alongside an IQM senior team that have a consistent presence across the Middle East.
The IQM International Inclusive School Award journey supports all pupils to have improved life outcomes, particularly Student of Determination
Strong systems for identification, monitoring, and support Effective inclusion is not reactive. It relies on clear systems that help schools identify needs early, monitor progress, and respond quickly to students’ needs. These systems work best when they are school-led but are strengthened by experienced guidance and a structured process to become an inclusive school. For over 20 years, IQM’s approach has helped schools focus on sustainable impact, so all learners including Students of Determination receive support that is consistent, timely,
and joined up across the school. Families notice this too, because support feels coordinated rather than dependent on one person.
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Moving forward with inclusive practice Across UAE schools, the strongest inclusive practice is built on clear direction, lived culture, teacher support, expert guidance, and reliable systems. IQM is welcoming schools in the Middle East to join the international IQM family of schools in 2026.
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