Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We understand that, as a parent, you have a wide choice of childcare providers, each offering different benefits and promises. Nurseries can also vary considerably in the care, facilities and learning experiences they provide.

This comprehensive checklist is designed to help you ask the right questions when choosing a nursery that is right for you and your child.

We sincerely hope that you choose Jumeirah International Nurseries. We are committed to providing your child with an outstanding early childhood education in a caring, nurturing environment.

Our curriculum is based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for children aged 45 days to five years.

For children aged 5–5.11 years in Year 1, we offer the International Preschool Curriculum (IPC) at our JBR and Palm Jumeirah branches.

Jumeirah International Nurseries provides high-quality, active learning programmes and developmentally appropriate learning objectives for children aged from 45 days to 5.11 years.

We follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for children up to five years of age. For children aged 5–5.11 years in Year 1, we offer the International Preschool Curriculum (IPC) at our JBR and Palm Jumeirah branches.

We give children endless opportunities to grow, learn and imagine. Through a balanced approach to learning, we provide parents with peace of mind that their children will have fun while developing socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

Our learning environments are thoughtfully planned around children’s needs. They are inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of the environment as the third teacher, as well as the Curiosity Approach methodology.

To learn more about our British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and International Preschool Curriculum (IPC) programmes click here.

We currently have 10 vibrant branches across Dubai and Sharjah:

• The Greens, located within the campus of Regent International School
• Al Safa
• Downtown Dubai
• Jumeirah Village Triangle, located within the campus of Sunmarke School
• Ghoroob, Mirdif
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Villanova
• JBR
• Palm Jumeirah
• Al Mamsha, Sharjah

To book your personalised nursery tour between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, call our friendly team on +971 4 5400 500.

Most parents choose Jumeirah International Nurseries because of the reputation of our team and the quality of our facilities. More than 1,000 children are registered across our nurseries, with attendance ranging from one to five days a week.

We offer specialist facilities for children aged 0–36 months, and many families secure a place for their child before birth. Each nursery is led by an experienced Nursery Manager, ensuring that children benefit from a rich, nurturing and carefully planned educational environment.

Many parents also choose for their older children to remain at the nursery rather than move to a school-based FS1 setting. In July 2023, 95% of our three-year-olds continued with us. One of the main reasons is that our adult-to-child ratios are more favourable than those typically found in school-based FS1 classrooms.

Registration Fees

Administration Fee: AED 630, inclusive of 5% VAT
Annual, non-transferable and non-refundable

Application Fee: AED 525, inclusive of 5% VAT
One-time, non-transferable and non-refundable upon the offer of a place

Fee Information for the 2026–27 Academic Year

• There are three terms in each academic year.
• Term fees are payable in advance.
• Annual and monthly payment options are also available.

A full breakdown of fees for all Jumeirah International Nurseries branches can be found here.

Autumn Term: 1st August

Spring Term: 1st December

Summer Term: 15th March

Re-enrolment: 1st May

Children are placed in classes according to the following age groups:

• Little Learners: 0–1.5 years
• Curious Beginners: 1.6–2.3 years
• Inquisitive Adventurers: 2.4–2.11 years
• Confident Explorers: 3–3.11 years (FS1)
• Active Discoverers: 4–4.11 years (FS2)
• Creative Achievers: 5–5.11 years (Year 1)

Jumeirah International Nurseries offers sibling discounts for families with multiple siblings:

• 1st child: Full tuition fee
• 2nd child: 5% tuition fee discount
• 3rd child: 5% tuition fee discount

Transportation

Jumeirah International Nurseries offers an optional, air-conditioned transport service in partnership with My Bus LLC and Sunmarke School. The service operates five days a week across various areas of Dubai, with one-way and two-way options available.

Transport Regulations

Nursery transport is governed by the nursery’s Bus Rules and Regulations, which may be amended at the nursery’s discretion and in accordance with RTA requirements.

Parents are required to sign a bus transport agreement for each academic year in which their child uses the service.

If a place has been reserved for a child from the beginning of the academic year but the child joins at a later date, the full tuition fees for any unattended term from the start of the academic year will remain payable.

If a child joins at any other point during the academic year, the full registration fees will be payable. Tuition fees for the term in which the child joins will be calculated on a pro rata basis, according to the child’s start date.

• Completed online application form
• Copy of the child’s birth certificate
• UAE Family Book, for Emirati families only
• Digital colour passport-sized photograph of the child
• Copy of the child’s passport
• Copy of the child’s UAE residence visa
• Copy of the child’s Emirates ID
• Copy of the parent’s or guardian’s passport and UAE residence visa
• Copy of the parent’s or guardian’s Emirates ID
• Company letter if the residence visa is under process
• Copy of the child’s updated immunisation or vaccination record in English
• Jumeirah International Nurseries Fee Policy
• Jumeirah International Nurseries Indemnity and Consent Form
• Jumeirah International Nurseries Medical Consent and Declaration Form
• Jumeirah International Nurseries Vaccination Information
• Jumeirah International Nurseries Photo Consent Form

Payments can be made via cash or cheque or via an online payment portal.

Please speak with our admin team if you would like to make a bank transfer.

At Jumeirah International Nurseries, we offer Arabic and French language lessons from the age of 45 days. These sessions take place at least twice a week and introduce children to basic words, songs and phrases in both languages.

We also offer Russian language classes as an extracurricular activity at our Sunmarke School, JVT, JBR and Palm Jumeirah branches.

Bus transport is governed by the nursery’s Bus Rules and Regulations, which may be amended at the nursery’s discretion and in accordance with RTA requirements.

Children must be aged two years or above to travel on the nursery bus. Parents are required to sign a Bus Contract for each academic year in which their child uses the service.

Autumn Term: September – December
Spring Term: January – March
Summer Term: April – June

Yes, you may withdraw your child at any time during the academic year, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

If a child is withdrawn or does not join Jumeirah International Nurseries, registration fees, including the application and administration fees, as well as fees for uniforms, transport, paid extracurricular activities and other services, are non-refundable.

If a child’s withdrawal is initiated by Jumeirah International Nurseries, the pro rata balance of any tuition fees paid will be refunded after the applicable registration fees have been deducted.

A parent can withdraw their child by completing the withdrawal form and providing with a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice to secure a refund on the Tuition fee if any.  Failing to do so, the Fees will be non-refundable. 

The communities of Dubai and the wider UAE continue to grow and evolve, and Jumeirah International Nurseries aims to be part of this journey by bringing high-quality early years education to more families in exceptional settings.

The Jumeirah International Nurseries brand is highly sought after, with parents choosing us for the quality of our care, facilities and learning resources, as well as our classroom practices and curriculum approach, developed through more than 45 years of experience in early childhood education.

Our team members across all branches hold recognised qualifications, including Bachelor of Education degrees, bachelor’s degrees in childcare, NVQ Level 3, CACHE Level 3 or Level 5 qualifications, and Postgraduate Certificates in Education.

Our nursery teams include full-time teachers and Learning Support Assistants.

Our team is truly international, giving Jumeirah International Nurseries a distinctive blend of cultural diversity and professional experience. Our qualified staff come from countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, India, Serbia, Kenya, Cameroon and the Philippines.

Before joining us, all staff members undergo a rigorous three-stage interview and practical assessment process. Once appointed, they receive training in the Jumeirah International Nurseries philosophy, enabling them to design, adapt, explore and review inspiring learning experiences developed through years of early childhood expertise.

Our teachers also remain up to date with the latest developments in early years education and continue to strengthen their professional skills.

At Jumeirah International Nurseries, we provide high-quality educational resources within an innovative yet homely environment designed to stimulate every child’s imagination. Our bespoke learning spaces inspire joy, curiosity and discovery, while our passionate teachers create rich learning opportunities every day.

Our transitional pathway supports each child through regular observations, individualised planning, assessments and feedback, helping them develop their unique potential. We create a warm and welcoming environment where children grow from bundles of joy into bundles of curiosity.

We also offer enrichment programmes and additional learning opportunities that complement our curriculum, including:

• Music and Movement
• Expressive Arts
• Gymnastics
• Judo
• Tennis
• Football
• Ballet
• Yoga
• Gardening
• STEAM and Robotics

Jumeirah International Nurseries offers a wonderful selection of fully equipped “inoutainment” spaces, both indoors and outdoors, where children can learn, explore and develop through the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and, for Year 1 children, the International Preschool Curriculum (IPC).

Our outdoor facilities include grassed areas for active play sessions, play zones with a range of climbing equipment, and indoor and outdoor sand and water play areas. Our classrooms also feature versatile spaces for physical activity.

The nurseries offer well-stocked libraries, interactive multipurpose zones and well-resourced classrooms.

A particular highlight is the Zig Zag Zoom indoor edutainment centre, which includes a role-play area that is regularly transformed into different activity zones.

Jumeirah International Nurseries supports working, non-working and visiting parents by providing children with safe, supervised and engaging learning experiences at times that suit their families.

The best way to begin is by completing our online application form. As we expect places to fill quickly from the start of term, applying early will help us accommodate as many children as possible from our local community.

Children enrolled in the following programmes may bring food from home:

Early Class, 7:00 AM–8:00 AM
Children may eat breakfast at the nursery. Parents can provide suitable options such as fruit, porridge, yoghurt or wholegrain cereals with no added sugar.

Morning Programme, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Children may bring one snack, such as fruit, vegetables, yoghurt or a finger sandwich, as well as a hot lunch in a thermos flask. Suitable lunch options may include rice, pasta, stews or a wholegrain sandwich.

Afternoon Programme, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Children may bring a drink, such as milk or a smoothie, along with suitable snacks such as dried fruit or fresh fruit, including pineapple, banana, apple or orange.

At Jumeirah International Nurseries, we support parents by providing healthy food suggestions for children’s snacks, lunches and afternoon tea. Any uneaten food is sent home so that parents can see what their child has eaten during the day.

Parents should also provide nappies, cream and spare clothing where required. Children are welcome to bring a familiar comforter from home.

Cooked lunches are available through an external catering company at an additional daily cost. Drinking water is provided throughout the day.

Parents are required to contact the nursery by telephone or email if their child is unwell. Due to staffing commitments, fees cannot be refunded for absences caused by illness.

If a child becomes unwell while in our care, we will monitor them closely and contact their parents immediately. In an emergency, we will assess the situation and, where necessary, arrange for the child to be taken promptly to the nearest hospital.

To protect the health and wellbeing of all children at the nursery, a child with a contagious illness must remain at home and may be required to provide medical clearance before returning.

The attendance schedule selected at registration forms part of a carefully coordinated timetable, which must be staffed accurately in accordance with the required adult-to-child ratios.

Where possible, we will try to accommodate minor changes, provided that we are notified by the 15th of the month for changes required during the following month. It is not possible to swap one attendance day for another without formally amending the child’s registration.

While verbal communication is always welcome, any requested changes should also be confirmed by email.

As adult-to-child ratios are statutory, we are required to monitor drop-off and collection times carefully. Where necessary, a child’s registered attendance times may need to be adjusted. Punctuality is therefore essential, as arriving before a booked start time could affect the nursery’s required staffing ratios.

Children must always be collected on time.

Our nurseries are secure environments with strictly controlled access. All parents and carers are met at the entrance by a member of staff and must be recognised before entry is permitted.

If a child is to be collected by another nominated adult, the parent must complete an authorised collection form in advance. The nominated person will also be required to present valid identification. Without this identification, the child will not be released.

Each child has a Key Person who maintains an individual progress file. These files contain records relating to the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or the International Preschool Curriculum (IPC), as applicable.

The quality of our progress files is an important feature of our nursery provision, and parents are welcome to view them at any time.

On a day-to-day basis, all members of staff work together to understand and support each child’s needs and development. Our generous adult-to-child ratios also provide regular opportunities for parents to receive feedback about their child’s day.

More formally, we offer parent meetings throughout the year, as well as a transition meeting around the time of each child’s second birthday. Parents will also receive regular updates about their child’s development through our parent communication app.