New parent-school contract could end fee fight in Dubai

Schools and parents in Dubai will have to enter into legally binding contracts in the future in a move aimed at protecting the rights of both parties.

The document, being drawn up by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), will outline what fees must be paid, policies on admissions and refunds, and guidelines for attendance and punctuality.

The new ‘Parent-School Contract’ will initially be rolled out to six schools - catering for 9,632 students - at the start of the next academic year. The scheme will be evaluated and then introduced in more schools.

Amal Bel Hasa, chief of compliance and resolution at the KHDA, told 7DAYS the contract was being brought in following increasing complaints from both sides.

“Many parents weren’t aware of their rights or duties,” Bel Hasa said. “Schools complained about a lack of parental involvement.” Signing the agreement will be mandatory for student registration. Schools will be required to list their fees - in line with the KHDA’s fee framework - as well as any extra charges. There will be no more hidden fees. Parents will know about all the costs for extras up front,” Bel Hasa said.

“A detailed list of terms and conditions will be beneficial to both schools and parents, enabling them to fully understand the expectations and responsibilities.”

The contract will ensure parents are obliged to pay fees on time and send their children to school on time, Bel Hasa added. The document, which contains procedures for resolving disputes, together with details of how schools and parents can appeal against decisions, could also be used in court if disputes cannot be resolved by the KHDA.

Parents and teachers welcomed the introduction of the document. Aradhna Ranglani, said: “I think this is a great idea so schools can be held accountable for what they promise. Now we can budget better for both of our kids instead of being caught off-guard by the dreaded ‘pay by next week’ circulars the school sends out.”

The American Academy in Al Mizhar will one of the first schools to introduce the contracts. The school’s principal, Delice Scotto, said: “As educators, we want parents to be our partners and this is a way to encourage them to work with us and be more involved in their child’s education. It benefits both sides and makes things deliberate and clear.”

The other pilot schools are Dubai Modern Education School; Al Ittihad Private School - Al Mamzar; Al Ittihad Private School - Jumeriah; School of Modern Skills and Greenwood International School.