There is a wide range of nurseries in Abu Dhabi. Each one caters to a different audience and offers unique curriculums. Some are ranked by local inspectorates, while others have international curricula such as UK EYFS, Montessori and Reggio Emilia.

Choosing the right nursery for your child can make a huge difference in their life. It will help them develop their social and emotional skills, as well as their academic development.

Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a comprehensive curriculum that nurtures children’s learning and development through play-based activities. It is widely adopted by UAE nurseries and preschools to help students develop a solid educational base. Educators at EYFS settings regularly evaluate child progress to identify and address their unique milestones, which is essential for laying the groundwork for future success.

Preschools like Smartyca in Abu Dhabi offer a strong foundation in early childhood education, focusing on interactive learning, creativity, social skills, and emotional development to prepare children for future success.

Nursery programs for infants and toddlers lay the foundation for their educational journey by providing a safe, nurturing environment that fosters their physical and emotional well-being. They focus on sensory and fine motor skills activities and emphasize a child-centered approach to education. Educators use continuous assessment to provide favorable feedback, which enhances child learning outcomes significantly.

The British curriculum focuses on the holistic development of young children, ensuring a positive impact on their cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. Nursery and preschools that offer the British curriculum prepare children for a successful transition to primary school and beyond. The UK-based curriculum is an excellent choice for expatriates who want their children to grow up to be globally minded and compassionate individuals.

The EYFS framework offers the best possible start to a child’s education. Its comprehensive approach lays the foundation for academic success and nurtures a child’s natural curiosity in a supportive environment. Its emphasis on holistic inquiry lays the foundation for international mindedness, enabling children to become active participants in a global society.

Montessori

Montessori is a learning approach that focuses on respecting the child’s uniqueness and understanding how they learn. It is a hands-on method that encourages creative play and social interaction with peers. It also emphasizes the importance of a peaceful environment. This teaches children to take responsibility for their actions and the environment around them.

The Montessori education system was developed by Dr Maria Montessori, a physician, anthropologist, and pedagogist. It was developed through extensive scientific observation of children from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is based on the understanding that human beings have universal tendencies that are inborn, predisposed, and evolutionary in origin. These include exploration, orientation, order, abstraction, work, self-perfection, communication, and spirituality.

A typical Montessori classroom is carefully designed to provide an opportunity for children to exercise independence, choose their own activities, and progress at their own pace. The classroom is called a prepared environment because it is meticulously planned to have everything a student might need for learning. This includes a variety of materials, multi-age groups, and an uninterrupted three-hour work cycle.

Nurseries and kindergartens in Abu Dhabi offer a range of curricula, including the UK EYFS, American, Reggio Emilia, and Montessori. These schools typically run from Monday to Friday and follow a variety of teaching philosophies. Some nurseries are dedicated to promoting purposeful play, while others focus on STEM learning and encourage students to develop their imaginations.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach to education is an educational philosophy that was developed in the north Italian town of Reggio Emilia after World War II. It was founded by parents and educator Loris Malaguzzi to find a different way to teach children, one that recognized their innate curiosity and creativity. This approach has gained worldwide popularity as a method that encourages critical thinking and collaboration. Its principles include respect for children, democratic decision-making, a strong partnership with parents, and a project-based curriculum.

The approach is based on the belief that children are powerful individuals who can learn by themselves and who have a lot to offer the world. It also emphasizes the importance of relationships and a sense of community. Teachers in a Reggio Emilia school are encouraged to work alongside the students, closely observe them, and participate in their learning. The school also believes that the environment is a third teacher and can serve as an inspiration for the students.

Students are encouraged to express themselves through the arts, which allows them to explore their own interests and become creative, self-confident, and capable. They can communicate in a hundred languages, through gestures, paintings, and shadow play, and are supported to create a world that is unique and meaningful. Teachers use the emergent curriculum to guide children’s learning.

Documentation is an important component of this philosophy, as it allows teachers to see the child’s learning process and help them understand how their brain works. This is called pedagogical documentation, and research shows that it has a significant impact on student learning and engagement. This method of teaching aligns with Te Whariki’s focus on working theories, children’s interests and narrative assessment.

British Curriculum

The British Curriculum is a well-rounded educational framework that encourages both academic excellence and personal development. It promotes critical thinking and creativity while also encouraging a global perspective. It is one of the oldest and most highly-regarded educational systems in the world, and it prepares students for a variety of careers. Many parents choose the British Curriculum for their children because of its international focus and rigorous academic standards.

The British School Abu Dhabi (BSAK) is a prominent British Curriculum school in Abu Dhabi that offers a nurturing environment and state-of-the-art facilities. Its dedicated faculty and staff nurture each student’s unique talents and interests, encouraging them to excel academically and become well-rounded individuals. The school’s commitment to character education and a holistic approach to learning helps it stand out among other schools in Abu Dhabi.

Hybrid

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework has set standards for kids up to the age of 5. This is a crucial phase in a child’s life, and a good preschool curriculum will focus on the child’s welfare. It also focuses on the children’s development and learning through play. The best EYFS preschools will have qualified teachers and offer a safe and nurturing environment.

Choosing a school for your kids is a big decision, and the options can feel overwhelming. However, navigating the educational landscape in Abu Dhabi can help you find the right school for your family. This blog will highlight some of the best schools in Abu Dhabi, based on academic performance, facilities, and more.

The school combines traditional and modern teaching methods to create a fun, child-centred environment. Its focus is on promoting excellence and personal growth, and students are encouraged to push themselves. Its unique curriculum is augmented by technology and the arts, and it is designed to foster creativity.

It offers a range of learning activities and resources to enhance your child’s skills and build confidence. Its international curriculum covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including English, science, and math. It also has a strong emphasis on social and emotional development. It also offers extracurricular activities, such as music and dance.

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