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At our British school in Abu Dhabi, safeguarding sits at the heart of our community, because students learn best when they feel safe, seen and supported. Every adult on campus – from teachers to support staff and partners – plays an active role in protecting children and promoting their wellbeing every day. Within this safe, caring environment, students can explore, question and grow with confidence, knowing they’re listened to, respected and protected at every step of their journey.
We're here to support you
Gillian Hammond
Principal (Executive Leadership)
Ouassila Knani
Head of MOE Department
Charlotte Clark
Head Teacher - EYFS & Primary (Executive Leadership)
Saaniya Kazi
School Counsellor
Asha Ibrahim
Pastoral Lead
Jack Henderson
Assistant Headteacher of Primary - Raising Attainment FS1-Y2
Tilly Cobley
KS4/5 Inclusion Teacher Secondary Psychology Teacher
Salma Saleem
FS2 Form Teacher
Aoife Hegarty
Year 2 Class Teacher
Gillian earned a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Science from Lancaster University in 2000, an institution internationally renowned for excellence in research, and consistently ranked among the UK’s top 10 universities. With extensive experience in educational leadership, Gillian previously served as the Chief Education Officer of Excella and Principal at three Repton schools. She proudly played a pivotal role in leading Repton Abu Dhabi and Repton Dubai to achieve Outstanding ratings from ADEK and DSIB, respectively. Known for her optimistic, collaborative, and fun-loving leadership style, she balances a firm-but-fair approach with a strong belief in fostering an engaging and supportive school environment. Gillian is deeply committed to providing a world-class education for every child and passionately advocates for a lifelong, hands-on learning philosophy, inspiring Aspen Heights students to love coming to school every day. Beyond her professional life, Gillian enjoys hiking, swimming, skiing, and is an avid reader of crime fiction.
Saaniya is the kind of counsellor who believes that every student has a story worth listening to, even the ones they don't yet know how to tell. At school, she focuses on creating a space where students feel safe. A place where they can be honest, curious about their emotions and feel supported through both everyday challenges and more difficult moments.
Instead of focusing only on difficulties, Saaniya sees each student as more than their challenges and as a whole person learning to navigate friendships, pressure, family life and growing up in a complex world. She works in a calm and practical way, always with care. Her aim is to help students understand what they are feeling and find healthy ways to cope and communicate.
Saaniya also works closely with parents and staff, because students are best supported when adults around them are working together in the best interest of the child. Whether it is a quiet check-in, a thoughtful conversation or ongoing support, her goal is always the same: to help young people feel understood, valued and confident in school and beyond.
Jack Henderson, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, first studied his Higher National Diploma in Music Performance, during which time he worked in schools teaching music and developing his skills as an educator. Following this, he went on to graduate from the University of Strathclyde with a BA (Hons) degree in Primary Education. He began his career in Scotland and has a wide range of experience, having volunteered with children and young people aged 3 to 18 before moving into full-time primary teaching. Jack also spent time in China as part of an exchange programme, gaining valuable international teaching experience. He further developed his passion for music while working at a prestigious summer camp in America for a few years, where he taught a variety of instruments in different band settings.
With over 10 years of classroom experience, including 6 years of teaching, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to both academic and personal development. In 2021, he joined Aspen as a class teacher and was appointed Head of Year 6 in 2023, before progressing to Assistant Head of Primary in 2025. His leadership is underpinned by a deep passion for pastoral care and student wellbeing, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and motivated to thrive. Jack is currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), further strengthening his leadership expertise and dedication to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and ambitious school environment.
Outside of school, Jack enjoys travelling and sightseeing, particularly city breaks, and continues to pursue his love of music as well as spending time caring for his Golden Retriever, Louis.
Ms Tilly was born in England and holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health from Swansea University. She specialises in SEND teaching and works as a KS4/5 Inclusion Teacher, as well as teaching GCSE Psychology. She is passionate about supporting students to reach their full potential and is enthusiastic about the inclusive milestones that Abu Dhabi continues to implement. Having moved to the UAE at the age of 14, she has enjoyed building her career in education here. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, eating out at restaurants, and spending time with her dog.
Our safeguarding policy sets out clear, step-by-step procedures for identifying, reporting and responding to any concern about a student’s safety or wellbeing. All staff receive regular training so they understand their responsibilities and follow best practice, while Designated Safeguarding Leads coordinate responses to ensure consistency and care. Any information shared is recorded and stored securely and confidentially, in line with local regulations and ISP expectations. Families are informed about how to raise concerns and what to expect from the school’s response, and the policy is reviewed regularly so our approach remains current, robust and effective.
Campus security
A comprehensive CCTV system, secure entry points and clear visitor protocols help keep every child safe on campus throughout the day.
Safe pick-up and drop-off
Strict morning and afternoon procedures ensure students are always handed over to authorised adults, so you know your child is in safe hands.
Visitor checks
All visitors register on arrival, show identification and receive a badge, helping us maintain a secure, closely monitored school environment.
Online safety
Proactive flagging systems monitor students’ online activity and alert staff to potential concerns, supporting responsible, safe use of technology.
Respect & inclusion
Our Intimate Care Policy ensures that any personal care is carried out sensitively and respectfully, with children’s dignity at the centre.
Anti-bullying and wellbeing
Regular anti-bullying initiatives, wellbeing programmes and PSHE lessons help students build resilience, empathy and positive relationships.
Team Teach Policy
Our Team Teach Policy explains how trained staff may use physical intervention, in rare cases, to keep students and others safe.
Whistleblowing
The Whistleblowing Policy gives staff clear, confidential routes to raise concerns so that any issue can be addressed quickly and appropriately.
Mental health support
Student-led forums, themed wellbeing weeks and specialist support ensure every child feels listened to, valued and protected.
With every referral, you and the referred family receive AED 1,000 off tuition fees for each child referred
