Our approach to early childhood education
At Jebel Ali Nursery, we take a holistic approach that supports each child’s natural curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, ensuring learning is both meaningful and joyful.
Our take on EYFS
We blend the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum with leading early childhood frameworks.
COETL
Characteristics of Effective Teaching & Learning (COETL) focuses on how children engage with learning through play, active exploration and critical thinking.
DM
Development Matters (DM) is a guidance tool for EYFS that outlines key milestones in a child’s development to support in creating age-appropriate learning experiences.
BT5
Birth to Five Matters (BT5) is a child-centered framework that emphasises inclusive, play-based learning, encouraging tailored experiences to each child’s unique needs, interests and strengths.
Baby Unit (45 days to 12 months)
Starting nursery is a big step and we’re here to make it a smooth and comforting experience. Our caring team works closely with your family to ensure a gentle transition, creating a settling-in period that suits your baby’s needs.
In these early months, we focus on personal, social & emotional development, communication and fine motor skills - building a strong foundation for learning. With plenty of cuddles, sensory play and responsive care, we help little ones feel safe, loved and ready to explore. With real-time updates through our parent app, you’ll always know how your baby is doing - right down to feeding, nap times and nappy changes!
Toddler Class (1-3 Years)
For many toddlers, this is their first step towards independence and we’re here to make it fun! Through play, exploration and meaningful learning experiences, we nurture confidence, curiosity and key social skills like sharing and self-expression.
We continue focusing on the prime areas of learning, introducing new challenges only when children are ready. There’s no rush - our priority is fostering a love of learning at each child’s own pace, ensuring they feel supported, engaged and eager to discover more.
FS1 & FS2 (3-5 Years)
As children grow, so does their ability to think critically, solve problems and take on new challenges. In Foundation Stage 1 and 2, we deepen the British EYFS curriculum, continuing to nurture resilience, confidence and independence.
Our approach is rooted in the Characteristics of Effective Learning, encouraging children to:
- Play and explore - trying new things and developing a ‘have a go’ attitude.
- Learn actively - staying engaged, overcoming challenges and celebrating progress.
- Think critically - making connections, developing ideas and solving problems.
With the right balance of support and achievable expectations, we prepare every child for their next big adventure - school and beyond!
*For our FS2 offering, please check with our individual branches.
Beyond EYFS
Exploring the cultural and physical world, we offer extracurricular activities across our branches:
Arabic & French
Ballet, Yoga & Zumba
Gymnastics, Karate & Football
Academic Calendar 2024-2025
| 4th Sept | First Day: Term 1 |
| 15th Sept | Prophets Birthday (tbc) |
| 14th – 18th Oct | Half Term Break |
| 4th Nov | UAE Flag Day |
| 18th – 22nd Nov | Parent/Teacher Meetings |
| 29th Nov | Commemorative Day |
| 2nd & 3rd Dec | UAE National Day (tbc) |
| 19th Dec | End of term party |
| 20th Dec | Last day: Term 1 |
| 23rd – 3rd Jan | Vacation care |
| 25th Dec | Christmas Day – JAVN Closed |
| 1st Jan | New Year’s Day – JAVN Closed |
| 6th Jan | First day: Term 2 |
| 10th – 14th Feb | Half Term Break / Vacation Care |
| 28th Feb | Start of Ramadan (tbc) Nursery Hours 8:00–3:30pm |
| 7th Mar | World Book Day |
| 21st Mar | Last Day: Term 2 |
| 24th – 28th Mar | Spring Camp Nursery Hours 8:00–3:30pm |
| 29th Mar | End of Ramadan (tbc) |
| 31st Mar – 2nd Apr | Eid Al Fitr – Nursery Closed (tbc) |
| 31st Mar – 4th Apr | Spring Camp |
| 7th Apr | First Day: Term 3 |
| 5th – 6th Jun | Eid Al Adha (tbc) |
| 27th Jun | Last Day: Term 3 |
| 30th Jun – 29th Aug | Summer Camp / Vacation care |
Involving parents
We believe that parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. That’s why we’re here to walk this journey with you, creating a strong partnership that supports your little one every step of the way.
We make it easy (and fun!) for you to stay involved with:
- Parent workshops & coffee mornings – Connect, share, and learn with other parents.
- Regular progress updates – Stay informed about your child’s milestones and growth.
- Home learning ideas & activities – Simple, engaging ways to bring learning into everyday moments.
Join our learning community! Let’s nurture curiosity, confidence and a love for learning together.
Vacation care
We run our Spring, Summer and Winter camps for children aged 45 days to 4 years at all our branches (5 years at our JBR and Motor City branch). Vacation Care is also available during half terms.
Each week the children explore different topic themes through a variety of activities. Such as, Water and Sand Play, Role Play, Arts and Craft, Dance and Movement, Singing and Story Time. Games and Puzzles, Messy Play, Puppet Shows, Soft Play, face painting and much, much more!
Benefits of camps
- Connect with nature
- Outdoor fun and activities
- Keep kids physically active
- Develop self-confidence and resiliency
- Enjoyable experiences
- Unstructured play
Registration opens in our branches one month before camps run, sign up with your nearest branch!
News - Stay up to date
From exciting events to important news, see what’s happening at our village.
What parents say about us
An exceptional nursery with a great reputation. The support and care my child receives at Jebel Ali Village Nursery makes me extremely pleased. The teachers and staff and management are very diligent, nurturing and professional. This year my daughter is turning 4 years old; she has been in Motor City branch since she was 6 months old. Overall, I am very happy with her development and thankful for the assistance and encouragement they are giving to my child. Highly recommended!
My son has now graduated from FS1 at the Polo club branch after 2 years of attending this amazing nursery, and how I wish it had FS2 for him to keep going there. We have loved everything about it, from the easy access in the morning and saying Hi to all the horses, to its beautiful intimate, outdoor and nurturing environment. The class sizes are perfect, and the staff is just so attentive, caring and really love what they do. They really helped my little one grow with confidence and learn through play. Well done Ms Sue and team, we will miss you.
THE BEST NURSERY IN DUBAI! My daughter loves coming here (Al Furjan), it’s really like a home from home and the staff are so lovely! Mrs. Nada at the front is a wonderful lady and I am so happy that I chose this nursery for my first child. 5 stars!
What makes you stand out is your kind flexibility, which I can only imagine is difficult to cope with sometimes but makes a huge difference. Not only for the convenience of the parents, but makes your nursery very elastic and open minded rather than a dry institution ran by strict rules!
Both Miss Petra and Miss Sunshine have greatly contributed to her development starting from understanding seasons, colours, shapes, numbers etc, but also dealing with emotions, understanding others and critically potty training. We look forward to enrolling both our daughters in the upcoming term and continue to enjoy their journey at Jebel Ali Nursery, in preparation for the big school.
My daughter began her nursery journey with a very anxious mother! From the moment we stepped inside Jebel Ali Village Nursery in JBR I felt completely at ease. I knew my girl would be in good hands.
An extraordinary, magical place, where the commitment that every single person puts in can be seen in the results, seeing the children happy and above all learning so much is wonderful. All the parents I meet every morning are always smiling, in two years we have had the pleasure of meeting 6 teachers and all 6 are fantastic professionals and really kind people. Nothing to say, even though it is very inconvenient for me and very far from my daily commitments, we will always bring our children here with them.
I would just like to take this opportunity to tell you what a wonderful nursery jebel Ali village nursery is, they are so warm and welcoming everyone from the admin staff to the teachers, they not only create and warm and safe environment for your most precious but also but create such an environment that it’s impossible for your most precious little ones not to thrive.
Dear Michelle and all staff of JAVN, Thanks to you, we had an amazing 1st year in Dubai. I remember the first couple of days when Isabella didn’t want to go to the Nursery (as it was her 1st time to go to a nursery or away from Mama). And after these couple of days she told me she wants to go to the Nursery every day also on the weekends. This is all because of you guys and the amazing job you all do. BIG THANK YOU to all of you!
My son was in JAVN in Motorcity for 2 years and he absolutely loved it! I was very happy with the school and all the staff were extremely friendly! Everything was well organised, the teachers class set ups and learning activities were great! Definitely going to miss this school as my son moved to a higher grade.
We LOVE this place. the only nursery my kid didn’t feel anxious during nursery tours. The staff is warm and welcoming, the receptionist is super friendly with kids. We love the cozy setting and the nature based play learning, and most importantly the horses that my kids pet before the class starts.
Welcome to our village
A place where little minds make big leaps.
Your trusted name in early childhood education, providing high-quality care and learning for generations.
A strong, welcoming community where parents and educators work together to give children the best start.
Play-based, emotionally balanced learning that helps children grow into smart, confident, resilient individuals.