Inclusion

GEMS Millennium School is an inclusive school. The GEMS vision for Inclusive Education is that we achieve excellence together by all students receiving the support they need to meaningfully belong to their school and wider community, feel valued for their contributions, engage purposefully in learning and experience academic, cultural, social and emotional success in a common learning environment.

At GMS we welcome children with a range of learning preferences, including ‘The Determined Ones’ (students with Special Education Needs and Disabilities) and students who are gifted and talented. We are determined to make a change in the lives of these students by guaranteeing the right to receive quality education. They will be actively supported to participate in the process of learning with appropriate education plans, accommodations and curriculum modifications and Learning Support Assistants, if needed. Student Support Centre is functioning to cater the individual needs of the students.

Please share full details of any special educational needs, individual education plans (IEPs) and any Educational Psychologist, Pediatric, or other specialist reports (e.g., Speech and Language or Occupational Therapy) if completed. Sharing educational history with GMS prior to a place being offered is essential so that staff can ensure an appropriate assessment of educational need, educational plan and resourcing is in place. Admission is not conditional on the submission of a medical diagnosis and we have effective transition processes in place for all children.

Students are not refused admission based only on their experience of a special education need or disability (SEND) and we give sibling priority for admission to students who experience SEND.

SENDIA AWARD

Being an inclusive school, GEMS Millennium School –Sharjah welcomes students with varied learning needs, including students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We are pleased to share the news in our quest for excellence that the school is applying for the Optimus SENDIA Award (Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Award) its practices of inclusion. This prestigious award would be a great honor, helping us identify the best inclusion practices at our school and guiding us further along our path of serving our students.

SENDIA is an award framework that focuses on removing barriers to learning through early identification, inclusive teaching, and leadership. It specifically addresses the following aspects:

• Identifying SEN
• Pupil Outcomes
• Leadership
• Professional Development
• Pupil and Parent Engagement
• Compliance

The application process involves a series of evaluations and document submissions, and we are excited about the potential to achieve this award with the entire school community’s support and cooperation. The Counseling and Student Support Department at GMS is always available to assist both students and parents. Together, we can continue to make our school a place where every child feels welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed.