Inclusion Support

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.

Download Inclusion Policy (English)

GMS SEND INFORMATION REPORT 2024

GMS SCHOOL ACCESIBILITY PLAN 2024

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.

Meet our Inclusion Team

Nisha Mary Mathew
Head of Inclusion
HEAD OF INCLUSION
Nisha Mary Mathew has 10 years of experience in counselling and teaching students with Special Needs. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work, Specializing in Family and Child Welfare and is Certified in Special Education on Learning Disabilities, Autism and ADHD. She is a licensed social worker under the Sharjah Social Service Department (SSSD) and holds an Educational Professional License as Special Education Specialist from TLS.
Nisha started her career as a Counselor in India and continued her profession in UAE. She joined GEMS Millennium School in 2013. She was awarded the ‘Principal’s Special Recognition Award’ in 2014 and the ‘Teacher of the Month Award’ in 2018 for her contributions to supporting students with various difficulties.
Her professional interests include identifying students with different learning needs, counselling their parents and providing support within an inclusive school setting. She conducts training sessions for teachers and parents on topics such as inclusive education and strategies to improve student’s skills in different areas. She strongly believes that every child has the right to education irrespective of their challenges.
Bhavna Shetty
Special Educator (Movement Therapy Facilitator)
MOVEMENT THERAPIST & SPECIAL EDUCATOR

Bhavna Shetty is a UNESCO-certified Dance Movement Therapy Facilitator with a Master's degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling and a Post Graduate Diploma in Theatre Holistic Development (THD), specializing in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. She holds a Special Education Specialist license from TLS. she aims to foster holistic growth and development using the integrated tools and techniques of psychotherapy and counselling. A member of the International Dance Council (CID) under UNESCO, Bhavna has been dedicated to the field of special education since 2014, assisting children with special needs in Oman, India and the UAE.
Bharati Mini Vimal
Special Educator (Speech Therapist)
SPEECH THERAPIST & SPECIAL EDUCATION:

Bharathi holds a post-graduate degree in Speech-language Pathology and a post-graduate diploma in special education. With over six years of experience, she has valuable insights and practical skills in supporting children with speech and language difficulties and other special needs. Her strong background in speech-language pathology and special education makes her well-equipped to advocate for inclusion.
Janani Balaji
Special Educator (Speech Therapist)
SPECIAL EDUCATOR

Janani Balaji has pursued her Bachelor in Psychology, Economics and English from Mount Carmel College Bangalore and her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Christ University Delhi. With two years of experience in Special Education, her expertise lies in assisting students academically to help them achieve their full potential. She strongly advocates for a safe and supportive workspace that promotes the well-being of all individuals.
Jewel Alex
Special Educator (Speech Therapist)
SPECIAL EDUCATOR

Jewel holds Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology. She is a dedicated and compassionate professional, with experience addressing diverse student learning needs. She is committed to developing inclusive learning environments and fostering the development of students by using specialized instructional strategies. She is also experienced in conducting psychological evaluations, providing therapeutic interventions and creating psychoeducational materials for families and clients.