Dubai: Shortage of schools in Dubai is becoming of concern to many parents and school managements, as available classes are being expanded in size to accommodate the growing demand in the country.
The problem has raised the issue of academic performance in the overcrowded classes.
One such case is the persistent complaints of parents of children going to GEMS managed Jumeirah Primary School (JPS), claiming the recent increase in class sizes is affecting their children's performance leading them to air their grievances in an online blog.
One parent complained: "The first day back in September there was a rumour circulating that classes will be increased to up to 29. We were furious as no one was officially told anything. Already the school is overcrowded and the parking/drop off situation is perilously close to a major accident with so many more cars around."
Monica Harter, the Corporate Communication Manager of Global Education Management Systems (GEMS) acknowledged the parents' concerns and said she was surprised to hear of their complaints as the issue was communicated to the parents at a meeting.
Another parent said: "We believe the quality of education above 24 per class will severely drop. Already some proactive parents who have supported the school for more than five years have pulled their children out and found places elsewhere. We expect many more to do the same in January."
The school is capping their class size to up to 27 students per class with an exception of two classes that have 28/29 children, said Harter, adding that Dubai is not building enough schools to accommodate the growing demands and that constructing schools takes time.
Although parents claimed to have contacted Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the authority said in a formal statement to Gulf News that they have not received any complaints.
Action: Whom to contact
Parents can send their complaints to either licensing@khda.gov.ae or info@khda.gov.ae. The appropriate team or persons in charge of the issues raised will look into the complaint, provide a suitable timely reply and take the appropriate action.
Usually all decisions and actions are guided by Ministry of Education by-law and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority resolutions and orders.
By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter