Discovering the perfect nursery for your child is a significant decision for any parent. When it comes to finding a nurturing and enriching environment that feels like a second home, family-run nurseries offer a unique charm and personal touch. In Dubai, several exceptional family-run nurseries have established themselves as leaders in early years education, providing children with a holistic and inspiring learning experience. From nature-based learning to Waldorf-inspired pedagogy and Montessori principles, these nurseries have carved a niche in the Dubai educational landscape. Here are the top five family-run nurseries in Dubai, where your child’s education and well-being are prioritised every day. So, let’s dive in and uncover these nurturing havens that will make your child feel right at home.

Kid’s Island Nursery 

Kid’s Island Nursery is a place that embodies a unique and progressive Nature Play-Based Learning approach to Early Years education. As one approaches Kid’s Island Nursery, one immediately comes to the realisation that the hand-carved wooden sign outside of the gate is the first sign that this nursery is truly one of a kind in the UAE. When you enter, it is evident that much care and attention to detail has been taken to achieve a beautiful nature-friendly environment. From vintage furniture and authentic resources to indirect lighting and the signature cosy glow of fairy lights that fills every indoor space. Everything has been carefully selected to create a warm, magical atmosphere encouraging Nature Play-Based Learning.

The nursery is run by a formidable mother-daughter team, Isabelle Amatoury and Agathe Jameson, who have over 70 years of combined teaching and leadership experience.  Having kept true to their values and ethos, this duo has shaped the nursery over the last 33 years into the enriching learning space it is today. The nursery’s learning philosophy is the Inspire Philosophy, which is a unique nature-infused approach that seamlessly integrates into the British Curriculum. It emphasises play-based learning, where children are encouraged to learn through their interests and forge their paths. They take inspiration from many incredible pedagogies and teachings, such as Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Te Whāriki, Montessori, Forest School, and the Curiosity Approach. Walking around, it’s easy to see their indoor and outdoor learning areas merge effortlessly. The nursery team is enthusiastic, caring, and supportive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a second home to the children.

Kid’s Island Nursery strongly promotes sustainability and caring for the environment. They encourage children to be eco-conscious by surrounding them with reused and recycled recourses. The nursery’s team also shares the joy of caring for small creatures and bugs. They have 3 resident snails, which the children love to take care of.

Kid’s Island Nursery, Villa 101, Al Zoubaidi St, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, 04 394 9394, www.kidsislandnursery.com.

Zaya Early Learning Centre

Zaya Early Learning Centre (ELC) draws its inspiration from Rudolf Steiner’s educational philosophies, specifically Waldorf Education. It was founded by Nadia Zaal, CEO of Zaya Living, and founder of Al Barari. Zaya ELC aims to introduce Waldorf-inspired education to Dubai, providing children and their families with the benefits of a nurturing, child-centred, and holistic pedagogy based on Rudolf Steiner’s insights. Remaining true to their Waldorf-inspired ethos, they also foster the child’s innate curiosity about the world, while maintaining a commitment to delivering quality education and preparing children for school.

The centre strives to create a homelike environment, emphasizing predictable rhythms and offering appropriate maternal figures for the children to emulate. Each day, a single lesson is presented to the children, and the entire day is dedicated to preparing for, experiencing, and concluding that lesson. Zaya Early Learning Centre is an excellent choice for parents seeking a creative, progressive, and collaborative learning environment for their children.

Zaya Early Learning Centre, 10B Street, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, 04 323 1618, www.zayaearlylearning.com.

Little Land Nursery & Montessori Centre

Little Land Nursery & Montessori Centre is a warm and delightful Montessori Nursery located in the heart of Umm Suqeim Dubai. Founded by Siog Moore in 1994, they provide an enriched and professional learning environment for children in their early years.

Over 28 years, Little Land Nursery & Montessori Centre has retained a sense of professionalism and homeliness across its learning spaces. Their heartfelt mission is to continually build on and improve their high-quality provision. They recognise the importance of keeping up to date with current research and development in the early years sector. What they think is exciting about today’s professional development sector, is the easy access to experts around the world.  Online, continued professional development with experts from the UK, USA and Canada are now regular features in the Little Land team’s diary.

Little Land & Montessori Centre is a wonderful choice for parents looking for a warm, stimulating, and family-oriented learning environment for their children.

Little Land Nursery & Montessori Centre, Villa 11, Al Dassi Street, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, 04 394 4471, www.littlelandnursery.com

Mon Ecole Early Childhood Center

Mon Ecole is a charming, family-owned Montessori Early Childhood Center established by Maha Sahyoun in 1979, with branches in the heart of Jumeirah 1 & Umm Suqeim. A unique feature of Mon Ecole Nursery is its French immersion program, where children are exposed to the French language and culture through daily activities and interactions with native-speaking teachers.

As is typical for a Montessori nursery, children are taught in mixed age groups. Children will either join the toddler class (1.5 to 3 years) or the ‘Casa’ class (3 to 6 years).   The nursery has more than 15 nationalities represented in the current student body.

Mon Ecole Nursery is a wonderful choice for parents looking for a caring, stimulating, and bilingual learning environment for their children.

Mon Ecole Early Childhood Center, No. 10, 23B Street, Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, 050 287 7047, www.instagram.com/monecole.me

British Rose Nursery

Established in 1988 by Edie Rayson-Basha, who also serves as the owner and manager, the British Rose Nursery has been a beacon of excellence in early years education for families in Sharjah and is now located in Dubai. Edie’s extensive 18 years of nursery leadership experience in the United Kingdom culminated in the creation of this nurturing haven, incorporating the best practices observed throughout her career.

The nursery’s classes are characterized by their spaciousness, open-plan layout, and abundant natural light. Embracing a warm and inviting atmosphere, the classrooms feature predominantly wooden equipment, the space allows for a diverse range of carefully crafted activities, ensuring that each child’s unique interests and needs are catered to.

For parents seeking a welcoming and accessible environment for their children, the British Rose Nursery stands as a great choice.

Mon Ecole Early Childhood Center, 27 6B Street, Umm Al Sheif, Dubai, 04 255 4649, www.britishrosenursery.com