Things to know when choosing a nursery or play school
Nursery Space: Nursery schools need to have enough space for children to work in small groups. This will help the actively learn. Learning also through multi-sensory play methods. Play schools or nurseries need to encourage children to extend their imagination and thinking. They need to be thought to explore and develop an understanding of basic mathematical concepts and literacy. This can be done by encouraging children to participate in physical and creative and artistic activities. Some of those could be singing, dancing, design, art and little acts. There are regulations stipulated for mandatory space and facilities required depending on the number of kids in a nursery
Qualified staff: A good nursery will have a bright, warm, lively and welcoming atmosphere. This supervised by well-qualified staff trained to handle children and curriculum. Qualified staff also ensures trust, plenty of interaction as the staff have been trained how to interact with children, thus providing a high standard of care. AIM Middle East Consulting and Training is a great training and equipping institute for a nursery or play school teachers and staff to be trained
Activity Room 1: Nurseries should have a main activity room This activity room is for the children to enjoy group activities and play with a range of building blocks, toys, drawing and craft materials. The room should also have a computer or TV for watching educational shows. The room depending on the space can have designated areas for different games. An area to as My Home corner – this can include a shop, clinic, restaurant… for children to role play. Another corner for soft toys or building blocks or water play etc. The concept of the activity room is for the kids to learn while they play.
Activity Room 2: This room is where the children gather for registration. This can be used for story time where children will listen to stories, develop listening skills. It is here that the children listen to stories, develop their listening skills. They also can take part in simple reading and number work. This place can also be a rest area for kids after some activity. As a quiet place, it can also be used for reassuring, listening. The room can be stocked with books, a keyboard, games, and puzzles.
Outdoors: Playing outside in the summer is not advisable for children residing in UAE of for that matter the GCC. Winters are best for children to spend time outdoors. An enclosed garden is a very great asset for the nursery if possible. A nice safety area enabling children to have fun playing on tricycles, swings, small merry go rounds, water play area. An area for physical skills like the climbing frame, A grass patch to roll around and play.
It is very important that all activities are as per the curriculum laid down by the school approved by KHDA in Dubai, ADEC in Abu Dhabi and the MOI for Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Al Fujairah. The curriculum should be part of the Early Years Foundation of a child. uaenurseries.ae provides with lists of nurseries segregated by the curriculum, area, and other features. Choose from the list, call and visit some nurseries before you finalize.
The EYFS or IPC curriculum has topics on communication and language, Physical Development, Mathematics, Personal Social and Emotional Development, understanding, art and design etc.
All curriculums are planned to ensure the child’s development and record of their achievements are maintained and shared with the parents.
