Choosing a nursery is one of the first big decisions many parents make after moving to Dubai. The city offers everything from small villa-based settings to large purpose-built centres, and differences in curriculum, hours, fees and approach can feel overwhelming. This guide explains what to look for, which questions to ask on a visit, and how to help your child settle in with confidence.
Understanding Oversight and Standards in Dubai
In Dubai, early childhood centres are overseen in general by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, known as KHDA. KHDA is responsible for licensing and quality in private education in the emirate, and nurseries are expected to meet standards around safety, staffing, facilities and early learning. That oversight is a useful starting point, but it does not replace your own visit. Two centres can both meet the required standards and still feel very different day to day.
Before you shortlist, check that a nursery is licensed for the age group you need, and ask how it handles safeguarding, hygiene, illness, pick-up permissions and communication with parents. Reputable centres will answer clearly and show you their policies. Check KHDA and the nursery itself for the most up-to-date information, as requirements can change.
Curricula: EYFS, Montessori and Other Approaches
Most nurseries describe their approach using a recognised framework. Understanding the labels helps you compare like with like.
- EYFS: The Early Years Foundation Stage from England focuses on learning through play, communication, physical development, and early literacy and maths.
- Montessori: This emphasises independence, hands-on materials and mixed-age learning, with children choosing activities in a carefully prepared environment.
- Reggio Emilia-inspired and play-based: These stress creativity, exploration, nature and following the child’s interests.
No single curriculum is best for every child. What matters more is delivery: warm, qualified staff, a calm routine, plenty of outdoor and free play, and clear communication about what your child learned.
What to Ask and Look for on a Visit
A visit tells you far more than a brochure. Visit during a normal morning, watch transitions between activities, and trust how the setting feels.
- What is the staff-to-child ratio for my child’s age group, and what qualifications do teachers hold?
- How do you communicate with parents each day, and how often do we discuss progress?
- What does a typical day look like, including meals, naps and outdoor play?
- How do you handle settling-in, separation anxiety and toilet training?
- Who is allowed to collect my child, and what happens if my child is ill?
- What languages are spoken in the classroom?
Look at cleanliness, secure entrances, shaded outdoor space, and whether children seem relaxed. Ask about class sizes for the term you plan to start, as popular nurseries fill quickly.
Fees, Hours and the Practical Details
Fees vary widely depending on location, hours, curriculum and facilities, so treat any figures you see online as approximate. Nurseries may charge by term, with separate costs for registration, medical or resource fees, meals, transport and late collection. Some offer part-time places or extended hours for working parents, while others follow a shorter day and school-style holidays.
Ask for a full written fee schedule, check the refund and withdrawal policy, and confirm what happens during holidays. Check KHDA and the nursery directly before you commit, and factor in travel time: a shorter, calmer commute often matters more than a slightly lower fee across town.
Settling-In Tips That Really Help
Most centres offer gradual settling-in, starting with short visits together and building to full sessions. Keep goodbyes brief and positive, stick to a predictable routine, and send a familiar comfort item if allowed. Talk about nursery at home in simple, cheerful terms, and practise the morning routine a few days before.
Tears at drop-off are normal in the first weeks and usually stop soon after you leave. Stay in close contact with teachers, and give the process time before deciding it is not working.
Making Your Final Choice
Shortlist two or three licensed nurseries within a manageable journey and a budget confirmed in writing. Compare staff warmth, communication, outdoor time and settling support, not just branding. The right nursery is one where you feel listened to, your child is known as an individual, and the routine fits family life.