Parent Guidance and Key Information
A Message to Our Families
Dear Parents,
As we prepare to welcome students back to school, I would like to take this opportunity to share a clear overview of our arrangements for the return to face-to-face learning
The safety, wellbeing and continuity of learning for our students remain our highest priorities. Our approach aligns with current regulatory guidance and reflects our commitment to providing a calm, structured and supportive environment for all
We recognise that this transition may bring both reassurance and challenges for families. As a school community, we will continue to work together with a spirit of togetherness, collaboration and care
Dr Sarah Wade Executive Principal
Our Approach to Learning
From Monday 20th April, the school will resume face-to-face learning
In line with current guidance:
Students will return to on-site learning as the primary model
A flexible approach will be maintained for families as they arrange their return to the UAE
For students who are unable to attend school:
Daily group check-in sessions will be provided (minimum 15 minutes)
Asynchronous learning activities will be set
There will be no live lessons scheduled
Operational Alert Levels
To help ensure clarity and consistency, the school operates within defined alert levels based on guidance from authorities These levels guide how the school operates and how learning is delivered
School Day
Stage 1: Before Arrival at School
If there is no alert:
Students should travel to school as normal with their parent or guardian
Do not drop students off in exposed areas
Move to a safe place or return home
If an alert occurs before leaving home:
Students should remain inside in a safe internal space
Stay away from windows and glass
Wait for the official allclear before leaving
If an alert is received while travelling to school:
With a parent:
Follow official guidance immediately
Do not drop students off in exposed areas
Move to a safe place or return home
Stage 2: Arrival and Handover
If there is no alert:
Students enter the school building directly
Parents should not gather at entrances, gates or pathways
Students move calmly to their classrooms
If an alert occurs during arrival:
Students and parents on site will be guided quickly and calmly indoors
Students will be taken to their nearest safe space
Staff will supervise and support all students
Stage 3: During the School Day
If there is no alert:
Lessons continue as normal (indoors)
Assemblies and outdoor activities are suspended
Breaks take place in controlled indoor environments
If an alert occurs: Students should remain inside in a safe internal space
Stay away from windows and glass
Wait for the official allclear before leaving
Shelter-in-place procedures will be implemented immediately
Students will be moved to safe spaces Staff will: Maintain calm and reassurance
Take a register to ensure all students are accounted for
Keep students seated away from windows and exposed areas
If staff or students are outdoors: They will move immediately to the nearest safe indoor facility They must not remain in exposed areas
Stage 4: Dismissal and Return Home
If there is no alert:
Dismissal will take place in a a staggered and orderly manner
Students will be handed over safely to parents or guardians
If an alert occurs during dismissal
Students and parents on site will move to a safe indoor space
Do not remain in exposed areas
Follow staff instructions at all times
If an alert occurs before leaving school: Dismissal will be paused
Students will remain safely in school until the all-clear is given
If an alert occurs while travelling home:
Move immediately to the nearest safe space
Do not continue travelling until it is safe to do so
School Day: Arrival
& Departure
School Day: Arrival & Departure
For example, if you have children in Year 1 and Year 3 on Tuesday, parents should arrive to collect both children at 3:15pm 3:15-3:30pm 3:30-3:45pm
Day 3:00-3:15pm
11:00-11:15 am 11:15-11:30 am 11:30 am
To support the smooth collection of students:
Please arrive only within your allocated time/latest allocated time if you have siblings
Please leave school promptly once you have collected your child/ren
Avoid remaining on site once you have collected your children
These measures are essential in keeping traffic flowing and ensuring safe access for all families
Late Collection
Any student not collecting by 3:45pm will be taken by their class teacher to the main school canteen Parents will need to enter the school to collect and sign for their child
Transportation and Activities
At present:
School bus services are not in operation
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) are on hold
We recognise this will place additional pressure on families and traffic around the school These areas will be reviewed regularly in line with government guidance, and we will liaise with the police to help manage traffic flow.
Safety and Emergency Procedures
The school has undertaken comprehensive preparation and staff training to ensure readiness for all scenarios.
In the event of an alert:
Students will be guided to designated safe spaces
Staff will follow structured shelter-in-place procedures
Learning will pause and resume only once the official all-clear is given Procedures are designed to ensure students remain calm, safe and supported at all times
Shelter-in-Place Procedure
The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority In the event of an alert, the school will implement a shelter-in-place procedure to ensure everyone remains safe and protected
The students and staff will practise several times next week the shelter-in-place procedure to help students quickly identify safe spaces.
What Parents Can Expect
If an alert occurs during the school day, a clear announcement will be made across the school:
“Due to the current situation, immediately move to a safe space to shelter Stay away from windows, doors and open areas, sit against the walls quietly and await further instructions.”
This message will be clear and repeated twice Staff will act immediately and calmly to guide students to safe spaces Where possible, this will also be supported by direct communication to parents via SMS, WhatsApp groups or the school’s emergency communication systems
To ensure clarity and avoid confusion, no further details will be shared over the public address system or communicated to parents at that time
During the Procedure
Students will be moved quickly and calmly to designated safe areas within the school
They will remain under the close supervision of staff at all times Students will be supported to remain calm and reassured throughout The school will remain in this position until an official all-clear is received
Our staff are fully trained in these procedures and will ensure that all students are cared for in a calm, structured, and supportive manner.
What Parents Should Do
Your role during an alert is vital in helping us keep all students safe
Do not come to the school during an alert
If you are already on site:
- Move calmly to a safe indoor space
- Remain there until the all-clear is announced
- Follow all instructions from staff
Do not attempt to contact the school during an alert, as staff will be fully focused on student safety
Please wait for official communication confirming that all students are safe once the situation has been resolved
We understand that this can feel concerning; however, these procedures are designed to ensure the safety of every member of our community Your cooperation plays a critical role in allowing staff to act quickly and effectively
What is a Safe Space?
Definition
A safe space is a designated internal area within the school building, carefully selected to provide temporary protection during an emergency or security situation
Key Features of a Safe Space
Safe spaces are identified based on the following principles:
Located inside the building, away from external exposure
Positioned away from windows, doors and open areas
Situated in central or protected zones such as corridors or internal rooms
Able to accommodate groups of students safely and calmly
Supervised at all times by staff
These areas will be shared with students and will be used during shelter-in-place procedures to ensure everyone remains safe until the all-clear is given.
Key Responsibilities for Parents
Your partnership is essential in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the school day
During Alerts
Do not send students to school during an active alert
If an alert sounds while you are on site:
- Move calmly to a safe indoor space
- Do not leave the building until the all-clear is announced
- Follow all instructions from staff
These signs designate a safe space
Safe spaces for parents include the clinic corridor, the corridor between the main reception and canteen, the canteen, bathrooms in both receptions, and the stairwell leading to the sailing centre rooms.
Staff will also guide parents and guests Please follow their instructions
On our maps we have marked the safest spaces as green In other spaces, please ensure you move away from windows
Drop-Off and Collection
Do not drop students off before gates open
Aim to ensure your child arrives between 7:00 – 7:45am
Do not gather at gates or entrances
Arrive only within your allocated time for collection
Leave promptly after collection
On-Site Conduct Support
Avoid staying in reception or common areas beyond necessary time
These expectations are critical in maintaining safety, reducing congestion and supporting the wider community
We understand that this transition will require adjustment for many families
Therefore, at Amity:
Arrival and collection arrangements have been amended to support families
Systems will be reviewed after the first week
Parent feedback will be actively sought to inform improvements
Looking Ahead
We are very much looking forward to welcoming students back onto campus and re-establishing the energy and connection that defines our school
Thank you for your continued support, trust and partnership Together, we will ensure a safe, calm and successful return to school for all students
Thank You