Choosing a Nursery in Dubai: What I Learned as a Parent
My son was born in April 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, in a country I had lived in for more than a decade but never had to navigate as a mother. The usual anchors - a trusted friend nearby, a grandmother on speed dial, a community of parents I could lean on - weren't there. I was figuring it out mostly alone, mostly online, mostly with tabs. So many tabs.
When it came time to choose a nursery, I wish I could tell you that I created a spreadsheet comparing curriculums, teacher ratios and inspection reports. I didn't. I enrolled my son in the nursery closest to our home. At the time, it made complete sense. Convenience mattered, especially with a toddler, work commitments, and everything else that comes with parenting.
What I've learned since then is that choosing a nursery isn't about finding the perfect place. It's about finding the right place for your child at that moment in time, and knowing that if things change, you can change too.
✦ Curriculum Matters, but Don't Get Overwhelmed
One thing that initially confused me was the number of curriculum options available in the UAE.
You'll come across terms like EYFS, Montessori, Reggio Emilia and play-based learning. At first, I thought I needed to become an expert before making a decision.
The reality? Most children can thrive in different environments when they're surrounded by caring educators who understand their individual needs. That said, understanding the differences can help.
✦ EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)
A British framework that balances structured learning, play, social development and school readiness. This may suit children who thrive with routine, consistency and a balanced approach between exploration and guided activities.
Montessori
Focused on independence, self-directed learning and hands-on activities. Children who enjoy working independently, making choices and exploring at their own pace often respond well to Montessori environments.
Reggio Emilia
A child-led approach built around curiosity, creativity and project-based learning. This can work particularly well for children who are naturally inquisitive and expressive.
Play-Based Learning
Learning happens through exploration, social interaction and play. Many younger children thrive in these environments because they're encouraged to develop at their own pace while building confidence and social skills.
My advice? Learn the basics, but don't get too caught up in finding the "best" curriculum. Spend more time observing the children than reading the brochure.
"Every nursery will have lovely learning materials, displays and a curriculum to talk about. What truly matters is the quality of the relationships your child will build and how the team will care for them every single day."
— Tamara Estwani, Nursery Director, Redwood Center of Excellence
✦ What to Ask During a Nursery Tour
I got the opportunity to speak to Miss Tamara Estwani, Nursery Director at Redwood Center of Excellence to ask her what she wishes parents ask more during school tours. Rather than focusing only on facilities and programmes, she encourages parents to understand how a nursery truly cares for children.
Questions Worth Asking
How will you get to know my child as an individual?
What happens when my child is having a difficult day?
How do you support children through potty training?
How do you respond to challenging behaviours?
What makes your nursery different?
"Most parents know in their hearts whether a nursery is right for their child long before all of their questions have been answered. They often fall in love with a setting because of how it makes them feel."
— Tamara Estwani
And then comes her advice that resonated with me most:
"Don't just listen. Observe. Look at the children. Do they look happy, engaged and secure? Do you hear laughter, conversation and genuine excitement for learning?"
"Look at the educators. Do they seem warm, calm and happy? Are they interacting with children at eye level? Are they listening, encouraging and responding with kindness and respect?"
"Most importantly, watch the interactions. The way educators speak to children, comfort them, celebrate them and guide them will tell you more than any presentation or brochure ever will."
— Tamara Estwani
✦ Try the Summer Camp Test
One thing I often recommend to parents is using summer camps as a trial run. Many nurseries offer holiday and summer programmes that allow parents to experience the environment before committing to the academic year.
It's a great way to:
Observe the daily routine
Meet teachers and staff
See how your child responds to the environment
Understand the nursery's communication style
Decide whether the culture feels right for your family
Think of it as a taster before making a longer-term commitment.
✦ What I Learned After Changing Nurseries
This was probably my biggest lesson. As I mentioned earlier, I chose the nursery closest to our home. Our first year was fantastic. We loved the experience and couldn't wait for the next stage. But as our second year went on, things changed. The student numbers became larger, the dynamics shifted and we found ourselves no longer aligned with the way certain situations were being handled.
So we made a decision. We didn’t wait for the following academic year to move my son. During the final term, we enrolled him in another school and almost immediately felt the difference. Looking back, it was absolutely the right choice for our family.
What I wish I had known from the beginning is this: Your first nursery doesn't have to be your forever nursery.
Parents often put enormous pressure on themselves to make the perfect decision the first time around. But children grow. Families change. Needs evolve. If a nursery is no longer the right fit, it's okay to reassess. It's okay to move.
And sometimes, making a change can turn out to be one of the best decisions you make.
"Choose the nursery where you feel your child will be known, valued and genuinely cared for. When children feel emotionally safe, everything else, from confidence and friendships to independence and learning, naturally follows."
— Tamara Estwani
At the end of the day, choosing a nursery isn't about finding the most impressive building, the most popular curriculum or the most Instagram-worthy classroom. It's about finding a place where your child feels safe, happy and supported. And if it doesn't work out exactly as planned? You can always make a different choice later. As parents, we're all figuring it out as we go. Sometimes that's enough.
