How schools add a shadow teacher to their approved-staff list

A school is responsible for every adult on its premises. Inspectors check that every adult working with children has been vetted, and the school's own child-protection policy will say the same. Adding an external shadow teacher to the approved-staff list is how the school brings that person inside its safeguarding framework. Skipping it is not an option for the school, whatever the family's wishes.

Passport and Emirates ID, or passport with visa page; attested degree and any special-education certificates; a police clearance certificate from the UAE or the country of recent residence; a medical fitness certificate; passport photographs; a CV; and, at some schools, proof of safeguarding and first-aid training. Some schools ask the family for a letter confirming they employ the teacher and accept responsibility for pay and conduct.

Keep a copy of everything you hand over, and ask the school to confirm in writing when the file is complete. If the school's list changes mid-process, which happens when a new policy arrives from the regulator or the school's accreditation body, a complete file makes the additional request quick to meet. Teachers who move between families often keep a ready folder for exactly this reason, and it is reasonable to ask a candidate whether they have one.

The school verifies the police clearance, may take references itself, and briefs the shadow teacher on its child-protection procedures, including reporting lines, physical contact, photography and communication with the family. Expect the shadow teacher to sign that they have read the policy. Schools with international accreditation sometimes run an additional background check through their own provider.

Most schools have a short agreement for external support staff. It usually covers conduct and confidentiality, working under the inclusion lead's direction, hours on site, what the shadow teacher may and may not do (for example, no lone supervision, no administering medication), how information is shared with the family, and the school's right to end the arrangement. Read it before the teacher signs; it sets the boundaries you will all work within.

If a clause worries you, for example a ban on any contact between the shadow teacher and your family outside school, raise it with the inclusion lead before signing rather than after. Most schools will explain the reasoning, and some will adjust wording for an external member of staff whose employer is the family.

With a complete document set, one to two weeks is typical. Attestation of overseas certificates and obtaining a police clearance are the usual delays, and both can take longer than a month if not already done. Ask candidates early whether their documents are ready; a teacher who has worked in a UAE school before will often have everything to hand.

The shadow teacher works under the class teacher and the inclusion lead. Agree at the start how feedback flows: a short weekly note to you, a termly review with the school, and an immediate call for anything serious. If your child's needs relate to a specific condition, the inclusion lead may pair the shadow teacher with the school's specialist; our pages on autism support and ADHD support describe what that collaboration usually involves. For what the school can and cannot require in Dubai, see our guide on the KHDA position.