EDITOR’S DESK- Schools Are Back; Parents Hope for Relief from ‘Pick-Up’ Pressure

Parents Navigate New Routine Challenge, Stay Hopeful for Relief

By Rajni Rani, Chief Editor, EmiratesReporter.com

Dubai, UAE- As schools across the UAE get ready to fully reopen for in-person classes from April 20, it is a big step towards normal life again. Schools are prepared and ready, but since school bus services are not available for now, many parents are having to rethink their daily routines, especially for dropping off and picking up their children.

One of the main concerns is the increase in traffic near schools. With most families using their own cars, busy hours could see heavy congestion, longer waiting times, and parking issues. This can become even more difficult for families with children in different schools, as they may have to manage different timings and locations every day. Balancing all this along with work schedules can be challenging for many parents.

For working parents, the situation can be even more demanding. In many cases, school finishing times may clash with office hours, making it difficult to reach on time for pick-up. In homes where one parent cannot leave work, or where one or both parents do not drive, daily travel becomes a bigger concern. Using taxis or the ride services every day may solve the problem, but it can also become expensive over time, especially for families with more than one child.

“As a working parent, I’m really happy schools are reopening, but managing daily drop-offs and pick-ups without bus services will be challenging especially with traffic, work timings, and the added cost of arranging transport every day. I’m hopeful that schools and the Ministry of Education will soon come up with a solution at the earliest and provide some relief”, says a Dubai based parent Mohammed Huzaifa Patanwala.

CONTD……

A Worried Parent (Illustrative Image)

At the same time, schools are trying to understand parents’ needs. Many schools are asking parents through surveys whether they are ready to send their children back to school or would prefer to continue with online or hybrid learning for a while. The results of these polls may differ from school to school, and this could lead to flexible options for families during this period.

EmiratesReporter.com reached out to Dr. Sheela Menon, Principal of Ambassador School, Mankhool, Dubai, to seek her perspective on the current situation. She kindly shared the following response.

“Two key announcements have been issued by the Ministry regarding the commencement of on-site classes from 20th April and the temporary postponement of school bus services. The final approval for reopening remains subject to KHDA authorization, contingent upon the school fulfilling all mandatory safety measures, staff training requirements, and a successful official site inspection.

At Ambassador School, Dubai, we are prepared to offer both in-person and online learning options to parents in the coming week, pending official approval from the authorities. Once on-site classes resume, parents will be required to arrange independent transportation for their children to and from the school.

To support effective planning, a survey has been shared with parents to gather data on their preferred mode of learning. This information will enable the school to design a balanced and efficient hybrid learning schedule.

Comprehensive drop-off and pick-up procedures have been established to ensure smooth traffic flow; however, minor delays and congestion are expected in the initial days, particularly if a larger number of students return to campus. The continued availability of distance learning for the week offers flexibility for families who are yet to return to the UAE, allowing them adequate time to make necessary arrangements.

The school has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure campus readiness, including the implementation of rigorous safety protocols and thorough staff training. These measures are in place to ensure that both students and staff return to a safe and secure learning environment.”

The situation is being handled in a positive and practical way, with schools and parents working together to make the transition smooth. This phase is temporary, and things are expected to become easier as routines settle and transport services gradually return.

Meanwhile, there are a few simple steps that can help parents manage better. Planning daily schedules in advance can save time and reduce stress. Sharing rides with neighbors or classmates can help cut down both traffic and costs. Talking to employers about flexible timings, if possible, can also make things easier. Staying updated with school communication and taking part in surveys can help parents have a say in decisions.

With the temporary suspension of school bus services across the UAE, many parents are likely to face increased transportation expenses. While this situation affects families differently depending on their financial circumstances, it is important to acknowledge that the competent authorities are working hard to provide quick relief to parents and ensure that no additional financial burden is placed on them.

Overall, even though there are some short-term challenges, the return to classrooms is a positive move. With proper planning and cooperation, parents and schools can work together to make this transition smooth, keeping children’s learning and well-being as the top priority.

editor@emiratesreporter.com