Inclusion Inclusion

This has been an incredible year for Inclusion and one particular highlight was receiving the SENDIA Award for the provision in place for our Inclusion students. After 15 months of working towards the award through a rigorous self- evaluation and action planning process and producing a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, we achieved this prestigious award! We will hold this award for three years Through another verification visit in 2026, we will showcase how we have maintained the award and further enhanced provision.

“At its core, Deira International School is a community, and, like any community, it is essential that everyone understands that they belong I am delighted with this report which recognises not only the continual hard work of our superb Inclusion team, but also the responsibility we all share that all are students are able to achieve. Inclusion is not simply something we do, but more it is something that we are, and I could not be prouder that this has been celebrated in this report ”

-Mr. Simon O’Connor

As a school community, living in such an Inclusive and accepting country we proudly mark and celebrate Neurodiversity on SEND awareness days. October marked world Dyslexia Awareness. The theme for this year focused on reflecting on the barriers that those living with dyslexia face, and how individuals and the education system have continued to break through these obstacles. Term 2 marked the ‘Lots Of Socks ’ campaign which exists to raise awareness of Down's Syndrome. People with Down’s Syndrome are born with an extra chromosome (in the shape of a sock), making them EXTRA -ordinary! Students came to DIS wearing odd socks to show their love and support in celebrating our differences. The final day of term 2 marked Autism Awareness day, but the students wearing blue.

Through these days we hope to celebrate neurodiversity, break down barriers and focus on students strengths.

I genuinely believe the key to supporting our students of determination lies in understanding teachers, parents who never give up and a society that provides them with opportunities.

Lisa Boer ( Assistant Head Teacher Inclusion Lead)