At Al Shohub, every child is nurtured, included, and empowered to grow, inside and out
PARTNER CONTENT: At this small and nurturing school in Khalifa City, inclusion isn’t just a policy; it’s a guiding philosophy that shapes every part of school life, helping every child feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
In today’s ever-evolving world, schools play a vital role, not just in teaching knowledge, but in nurturing kind, respectful, and empathetic individuals.
At the heart of this is inclusive education: an approach that celebrates every learner’s uniqueness and ensures all children feel seen, supported and valued.
At Al Shohub Private School, inclusion goes beyond policy. It’s a lived experience woven into daily life.
This British curriculum primary places equal emphasis on academic achievement, wellbeing, and character development, helping all children thrive, whatever their strengths.
Led by Principal Helen Morris, Al Shohub is quietly building a reputation for its warm, child-centred ethos. With small class sizes and a caring, connected community, it’s a school many families say they wish they had found sooner.
A culture of belonging
At Al Shohub, inclusion begins with a smile. “We greet one another, smile, and stop to ask how they are,” says Helen. “We get excited when pupils have a new baby brother or sister; we celebrate family news. We take the time to know each child individually and their lives.”
This atmosphere of trust and warmth is what the school calls ‘The Al Shohub Way’. It’s a culture of belonging, where relationships matter, and respect, empathy, and communication are modelled daily.
“Because we are a smaller, primary-only school, our children benefit from seeing staff in school more regularly,” says Helen. “We have clear expectations around behaviour, kindness, and how we treat others. But those expectations are reinforced with a gentle, consistent approach.”
An inspiring environment, inside and out
Al Shohub’s learning environment is designed to inspire. With two swimming pools, science labs, art suites, sports halls, dance studios, and teaching kitchens, the facilities rival much larger schools, while maintaining the calm of a primary-only setting.
The school is just as impressive outdoors.
Pupils tend to plants in a hydroponic garden, participate in eco-projects, and explore creative expression through the Sheikh Zayed Garden for Growth, a peaceful, green space where art, nature, and reflection come together.
Expansive shaded play areas and outdoor classrooms also help integrate movement, curiosity, and real-world context into the curriculum.
Nestled within the campus is the school’s inclusion wing, a flexible, well-resourced space supporting a range of learning styles.
“All students can take advantage of it,” says Helen. “We have equipment and spaces to support different learning needs, small group activities, and after-school clubs. Our team is highly experienced and takes a nurturing, whole-child approach.”
Far from being a separate area, the inclusion wing is part of everyday life.
Pupils who need time to refocus, enrichment, or alternative settings are all supported. “We invite therapists into school to coordinate sessions alongside classroom learning,” Helen adds. “That way, children aren’t missing out, and parents can enjoy true family time in the evenings.”
Preparing children for life
At Al Shohub, success is measured by more than grades. “When they leave us in Year 6, we want our children to be happy and confident in their abilities,” says Helen. “We want them to be kind, compassionate, and considerate of others, without ignoring their own wellbeing.”
Celebrations reflect this. From weekly assemblies to end-of-term rewards, the school recognises children for who they are, not just what they achieve.
“Every child is celebrated as an individual,” says Helen. “Last term, the winners of our talent show joined me for afternoon tea in the school garden. This term, our academic progress prize winners will be making pizza.”
Helen sees inclusive education as vital preparation for life beyond the classroom. “In a world full of technology, we cannot lose the human connection,” she says. “We hope that a greater understanding of inclusivity will support the growth of our children into adults who care, who want to make a difference and positively impact their communities.”
More about the Al Shohub Way
Helen Morris, Principal, shares her personal philosophy on what truly matters in education
Every child deserves to be educated in an environment that allows them to grow at their own pace, surrounded by skilled adults who care with patience, energy and respect. Education is not just about academics.
Emotional and social intelligence are the foundations of being human, and while academic skills are vital for future success, the foundations must be laid early.
In Early Years, children should be immersed in fun, play, and exploration. In Primary, the classroom becomes a space for trial and error, for practice and challenge.
It’s where they start to push boundaries, discover what works for them, and begin to apply their learning to everyday life, both in and out of school.
At Al Shohub, we prioritise each child’s emotional, psychological, and wellbeing needs, ensuring they feel secure, resilient, and ready to succeed. We invest time in emotional regulation, helping children recognise and manage their emotions through behaviour systems and support networks. They’re given strategies to understand how they feel and how to respond positively.
By laying strong emotional and social foundations first, children feel brave, confident, and empowered. They have the autonomy to discuss ideas, challenge thinking, and engage deeply with concepts, ensuring every child is ready to thrive.
How to book your visit to Al Shohub Private School
Al Shohub Private School offers a warm, nurturing environment where every child is known and supported.
If you’re seeking a British curriculum primary with strong academics and a genuine commitment to inclusion and care, this could be the school for your family.
To book a tour or find out more, visit Al Shohub Private School
Follow Yalla for all the latest on education news in Abu Dhabi