There are more than 40 nursery schools in Dubai, most of which have their own websites. The majority of these employ their own variations of the Montessori Method of teaching. This means that they are in classrooms that are not age classified. The children are allowed to choose what activity they want to do, from given options. They are allowed to work and play uninterrupted for periods of time and they are allowed to learn by practice rather than being shown. Special educational aids that have been designed by Montessori are used in the classrooms.
The list of nurseries in Dubai is extensive so here are just a few.
Alphabet Nursery teaches children from fourteen months and they are open from 8am until 5.30pm. Options for attendance are 8am – 1pm, 8am – 3pm or 8am – 5.30pm. Part time is classed as three days, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday or the remaining four days although they will discuss other options. All staff is St. John Ambulance trained and a full time pediatrician that attends daily.
The approach of the Children’s Oasis Nursery is for the children to be safe and contented. They want the little ones to enjoy attending and they actively encourage new discoveries through play. They seek to improve the child´s communication skills and aim to promote the child´s ability to conduct them in an accepted manner and adapt to all situations. Their aim is to promote an easy transaction from nursery to kindergarten. Family members are always welcome to visit and they believe that communication is the key to a good relationship between themselves and family members. It is open from Sunday to Thursday; children may attend 8am – 12.30pm, 8am – 2pm, 8am – 5pm or 2pm – 5pm. They will also consider flexi hours.
British Orchard Nursery follows the Early Years British National Curriculum. They have 20 years experience in nursery care and have branches in Mankhool, Bur Dubai and Jumeriah. They accept babies from six months old and their classes are Babies 6 – 12 months, toddlers 18 months – 2 years, Nursery 2 – 3 years and Foundation 3 – 4 years. People who are seeking nurseries in Dubai are invited to make an appointment to go and see the place. They claim to have an excellent reputation and their equipment is all highly educational. All staffs have excellent qualifications in nursery and childcare and ongoing staff training is mandatory. They provide many stimulating exercises to promote good behavior, comprehension of the world around them and imaginativeness. The development of demonstrative, sensible and public behavior is of their prime objective.
British Orchad Nursery offers a reasonably priced junior gym club with UK trained coach and state of the art equipment. Classes are also available for children with limited abilities. They have a breakfast club for children who are there from 7.30 – 8.30 am, a “Little Apples Club” for those who need to stay after 2 pm or 5 pm. CCTV is in operation throughout the building and security is of prime concern. A bus service is also available.
The importance of finding a good Dubai nursery cannot be over stressed. Children need their physical and mental development encouraged. They need to expand their social skills. At this age, children are at their most receptive and development is rapid. The right environment and treatment during these formative years will bring out the best in your child and any behavioral problems will be identified early. Nursery education in Dubai does not really finish at nursery school though, at the age of four children progress to kindergarten where their skills and development as well as education are continued until they enter school at the age of six. Search the Internet, do your homework and with the abundance of choice of nurseries available, you should be able to watch your child develop into a responsible, happy primary school child.
