There is a wide variety of nursery schools in Abu Dhabi. Some follow the Montessori curriculum while others adhere to the British curriculum. These preschools focus on the individual development of each child, which is important for their overall well-being.
Nurseries usually offer more flexibility in terms of timetables than schools. They also generally have lower tuition fees.
Inquiry-based learning
The inquiry-based learning model puts students’ interests and curiosity front and centre. It also encourages students to think critically and develop evidence-based reasoning skills. It can be used in any subject area, but it is especially effective in subjects where students must create their own explanations and solutions.
Schools like Smartyca in Abu Dhabi provide high-quality nursery education, fostering a nurturing environment for young children. With a focus on early childhood development, they offer engaging learning experiences that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth, ensuring a solid foundation for future academic success in a supportive and caring setting.
A key feature of inquiry-based learning is that students are involved in planning and carrying out investigations, proposing explanations and solutions, and communicating their understanding in a variety of ways. This approach promotes collaboration and is a great fit for the EYFS curriculum.
While this method is not new, it is becoming more popular and has been shown to be effective in promoting deeper learning. It is also useful for children with special needs, as it allows them to work at their own pace.
It is important to find a nursery that offers the type of educational experience you want for your child. You should make a shortlist of nurseries that meet your criteria and visit them. During the visits, you should observe how teachers interact with the children and ask about their teaching methods.
There is a growing awareness that the early years are critical to children’s future success. Research shows that the earliest years shape health and wellbeing into adulthood, with significant impact on brain development, attachment styles and socio-emotional skills. This is why many parents choose to leave their babies in nurseries rather than sending them to formal schools.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Providing a nurturing environment for your child’s early years is essential for their healthy growth and development. Top nurseries in Abu Dhabi offer a variety of educational programs that help nurture a bright future. They follow the best practices in education and promote an inclusive culture. They also provide an excellent academic foundation that will prepare them for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
Child-Centred Approach
When choosing a nursery for your child, it is important to consider the educational approach. Some nurseries take a Montessori approach, while others use an inquiry-based curriculum. Both of these approaches encourage children to explore their world and foster independence. They also help children develop social and emotional skills. In addition, they support cognitive growth and help children become confident learners.
During their early years, children are highly receptive to learning. Their brains are wired to learn through experience, and they need regular conversations with peers and educators to expand their vocabulary and hone their verbal communication skills. A child-centred approach to nursery education encourages children to participate in discussions and activities that are engaging and fun.
In addition to teaching children basic literacy and numeracy, nursery schools promote healthy physical development through various activities. Outdoor play, arts and crafts sessions, and structured games all help build a child’s gross and fine motor skills. These skills are crucial for a child’s overall well-being and contribute to their lifelong health.
In the UAE, there is a growing awareness of the importance of nursery education. In fact, recent data has shown that more Dubai parents are choosing to keep their 3- to 4-year-olds in nursery schools rather than sending them to school. This is largely because ECCs are now regulated by the KHDA, and parents feel more comfortable with the quality of these settings.
Dedicated staff
Dedicated staff in nursery education are crucial to the success of your child’s early years learning. These staff members will be your child’s second mother, and it is important to find a school that has teachers who are passionate about children and who have the right qualifications for the job. When choosing a nursery, make sure to meet the faculty and ask them about their experience and education. If you are not comfortable with the faculty, then choose a different school.
A dedicated staff in nursery schools ensures that each child receives undivided attention and learns at their own pace. They also help children develop trust, independence, and self-esteem in a safe environment. In addition, nurseries encourage purposeful play and promote learning through exploration with a variety of activities, including sports, music exploration, and storytelling.
A dedicated nursery principal oversees the day-to-day operations of the school and ensures that it complies with UAE regulations and educational standards. They also manage the recruitment and training of nursery staff, while fostering a collaborative team culture. They also conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to educators. In addition, they organize parent engagement workshops and conferences to foster a strong home-school partnership.
Safety
When choosing a nursery, parents need to make sure that it is safe for their children. This includes a clean environment, safety measures such as rounded furniture edges, secured cabinets, and covered electrical outlets, and good hygiene standards. Also, parents should inquire about staff turnover, as this will tell a lot about the quality of care that is provided.
Additionally, parents should look for nurseries that offer the right curriculum. For example, Jigsaw Nursery is an Abu Dhabi-based nursery that uses the Early Years Foundation Stage and Reggio Emilia approach. Its teachers have extensive experience in the fields of education and child development. The nursery also offers a range of learning activities and a flexible childcare schedule.
Moreover, nursery schools should have a clear and detailed emergency preparedness plan, which includes daily safety checks of students and their surroundings. They should be able to provide immediate first aid and other necessary support in case of emergencies. In addition, they should have clear dietary guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Having these features in a nursery will ensure the safety of the students, and will help in creating a nurturing environment. As a result, the kids will be more comfortable in this new environment and will be able to open up their minds and be creative. This way, they will be able to develop their character and build the skills they need for future growth.
Environment
Nurseries in the UAE provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and play. They are designed to inspire exploration, creativity and independence. In addition, they offer outdoor spaces and age-appropriate activities. They also ensure that students are exposed to a variety of cultures. This diversity promotes inclusivity and prepares them for a global future.
In addition, nursery schools in Abu Dhabi follow a number of international curricula. They offer a flexible attendance schedule to accommodate working parents. Many have different educational approaches, including the child-centred inquiry approach, which encourages children to pursue their interests. This method is more effective than memorizing facts, as it teaches children to love learning and become self-motivated.
Another option is the American Creative Curriculum, which uses techniques to foster kids’ curiosity and imagination. One notable nursery in Abu Dhabi that follows this curriculum is Blossom Nursery. They have three locations in the city, and they cater to children of all ages. They also offer affordable nursery fees.
Choosing a nursery is important, but it’s equally crucial to look into the school’s reputation. A good nursery should have an excellent track record when it comes to preparing students for the next step in their education. Many children graduate from their nursery and go on to attend prestigious primary schools, both locally and internationally. This will prepare them for a bright and successful future.
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