Nearly half of the parents in the UAE are willing to send their children to school every day if classes are conducted with 100 percent physical attendance, reveals a recent survey titled ‘Back-to School’.
While school administrators are finalising the operating models for the next academic year, the survey found that 61 percent of the parents are confident about sending their children back to school after the summer break, while 49 percent are willing to send their children in physical classrooms on a regular basis with 100 percent attendance.
Back-to-School survey was commissioned by Centrepoint, the Landmark Group’s fashion destination, and conducted by YouGov, covering over 500 respondents across the UAE.
“Although parents are anxious and want to be assured that schools are delivering a safe learning environment for the wellbeing of their children, the survey showed 49 percent of them are willing to send their children back to school every day,” said Simon Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Centrepoint.
The survey was conducted from July 22 to 29, in key GCC markets, to ascertain the parents’ sentiments on schools reopening and their concerns for the safety of their children at the school following the pandemic. It also highlights the challenges they faced with e-learning and offers interesting insights into how the pandemic has impacted the back-to-school shopping trends.
Parents are faced with the difficult decision of whether to send their children back to school. The data indicate that hygiene and safety protocols employed by the school are one of the key factors that will influence the choice of 64 percent of parents.
Moreover, 52 percent believe that the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine is the second important aspect to consider while 46 percent will be assessing the school’s reopening guidelines and plans to understand how they will ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for the students.
A majority of respondents (43 percent) prefer a hybrid school opening scenario – a mix between virtual and in-person education, with most support for an alternate-day or week staggered schedule for students. The survey shows that 25 percent of the parents – one in four – are advocating about online learning and want it to continue, however, 19 percent believe in physical schooling.
Also Read: School year: Saudi proposes distance learning mechanism
Also Read: Dubai Govt Issues School Reopening Protocols
Read More: ‘No increase in Dubai school fees for 2020/21′