As schools across Dubai reopen, early years settings are focusing on emotional wellbeing, familiar routines and gentle transitions rather than academic pressure. Nurseries are welcoming young children back in phases, helping families adjust after the break.
Across the sector, educators are placing emphasis on reassurance, consistency and play-based learning to support children’s return to daily routines.
A Gentle Return for Young Learners
For many families, the start of term brings renewed attention to sleep schedules, separation anxiety and daily structure. Nurseries are responding by prioritising comfort and familiarity over formal learning in the early days.
Educators are reintroducing routines through songs, playtime and familiar classroom environments to help children feel secure and settled.
Reflecting on the sector’s long standing experience, Geraldine Hill, Director of Education at Kids First Group, highlighted the importance of stability and responsiveness during times of uncertainty.
“At Kids First Group, we’ve been operating for over 15 years, and the UAE is where we were established. We understand the landscape, and our teams have worked around the clock to stay alert, responsive, and fully attuned to families’ needs as they evolve. This long-standing presence, combined with strong systems and experienced leadership,many of whom have been with us for over a decade, allows us to ensure consistency, even in times of uncertainty and instability.” Geraldine Hill – Director of Education at Kids First Group
She also reflected on the emotional nature of the return for both families and educators, noting the strong sense of community across nurseries.
Phased Reopening and Safety Readiness
Katrina Mankani, Managing Director of Jumeirah International Nurseries, explained the early and structured reopening process following approvals from regulators including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
“We did not wait for Monday. Six of our ten branches received permission to reopen on Wednesday, 16 April, immediately after KHDA and SPEA confirmed the phased reopening. Our remaining branches will open their doors on Monday. Safety training and emergency preparedness were done well in advance of the opening. Our protocols were updated throughout the closure period and align fully with KHDA’s Reopening Protocols.”
She added that all safety systems and communication processes have been reviewed and tested to ensure a smooth return for children and staff.
“Every protocol has been reviewed, updated, and tested against KHDA’s official Reopening Protocols. Each branch of Jumeirah Nurseries has designated shelter-in-place zones, mapped and assigned by age group, so every educator knows exactly where they stay with the children. Our parent communication system has been strengthened so that any official update reaches parents straight after the ‘all clear’ notification is received, through a single coordinated channel.
First days with familiar songs, faces, and routines
Age-specific well-being toolkits have been introduced to help children readjust emotionally after a seven-week break.
“Some little ones will run straight in, and others will need a gentle hand at the door. Both are normal, and we are prepared for both. All our facilities remain Dubai Civil Defence approved. Every educator is KHDA-licensed, police-cleared, and carries a valid Dubai Health Authority Occupational Health Card. We know how to keep children safe, and we know how to welcome them back with warmth,” added Mankani.
She emphasised that in-person learning remains the priority for early years, while flexible options continue for families needing additional support.
First Days with Familiar Songs, Faces, and Routines
Age specific well being toolkits have been introduced across many nurseries to help children readjust emotionally after a seven week break. The first few days are centred around rebuilding trust, connection and a sense of belonging through familiar songs, known faces and predictable routines.
Tamara Estwani, Centre Director at Redwood Center of Excellence, reflected on the importance of restoring normalcy for young learners and their families.
“It’s been an exciting first week back, filled with emotion, we know this is not a regular return like coming back from a summer vacation. You can truly sense how connected and compassionate the entire community has been. Our teams are deeply invested in giving the children they love and have missed, a renewed sense of normalcy, comfort, and familiarity, knowing how meaningful that is not only for the children, but for their parents and the U.A.E. as a whole.”
Tamara Estwani, Center Director – Redwood Center of Excellence
Focus on Emotional Reassurance in Early Years
Vandana Gandhi, CEO and Founder of British Orchard Nursery and Teacher Training Centre, highlighted the importance of emotional readiness and routine rebuilding in line with Ministry of Education guidance.
“Reopening follows strict health, safety, and operational trainings and protocols to ensure a smooth and secure transition for children and staff, too.
Priority will be given to emotional reassurance, rebuilding routine, and helping children feel safe and settled before focusing on structured, child-led learning. Teachers will use simple, repetitive guidance, visual cues, and close supervision to support children, ensuring they respond calmly and safely in any situation.
Parents are encouraged to re-establish routines at home, maintain open communication with the nursery and follow the procedures.”
Schools Emphasise Reconnection Over Academics
As schools reopen, the focus remains firmly on emotional reconnection, particularly for Early Years pupils, before academic expectations are introduced.
Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal of Credence High School, said families have responded positively to the return.
“We are absolutely thrilled that we will reopen for all grades, including our Early Years, this Thursday, 23rd April, and the response from our community has been truly heartwarming. For our youngest learners, the first priority in those initial days will be emotional reconnection, settling back into their space, their routine, and their friendships with play, familiar activities, and lots of warmth before any academic expectations kick in.”
She added that safety procedures are designed to be age-appropriate and reassuring.
“Our drills are practised in calm, age-appropriate ways so responses feel familiar, not frightening. To all our Early Years parents, I’d say just this, talk to your child positively about coming back, keep home routines as normal as possible.”
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Further Reading:
- UAE School Transport Safety Rules Ahead of Reopening
- The Wait Is Over, UAE Students Head Back to School on 20 April