Kids First Group’s 34 Premium Nurseries To Now Operate Under Taaleem, Marking A Major Expansion Into Early Childhood Learning
In a move that reshapes the early childhood education landscape across the GCC, Taaleem has signed an agreement to acquire a 95% stake in Kids First Group (KFG), one of the region’s largest and most respected nursery operators. The deal adds 34 premium nurseries to Taaleem’s already growing portfolio and marks a strategic step toward offering families a full educational journey, starting from the earliest years of a child’s life.
KFG currently educates more than 5,000 students through a network of highly regarded brands including Redwood Montessori Nursery, Odyssey Nursery, Willow Children’s Nursery, Ladybird, and Children’s Oasis. The nurseries operate in prime locations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, offering four distinct curricula to meet the needs of diverse communities.
For Taaleem, the acquisition is more than just a numbers game. It reflects a shift in how the group sees long-term value, investing not just in academic outcomes, but in the formative years where character, confidence and curiosity begin to take root.
The Foundation Years
“This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem’s growth strategy,” said Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Taaleem. “By expanding further into the early-learning segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K–12 education.”
Describing KFG as a “plug-and-play” platform, the acquisition gives Taaleem an immediate foothold in the early years sector, one that is not only academically aligned with its vision but already profitable and well-established. Each nursery offers a premium, parent-trusted experience, situated either close to business districts or within family-friendly residential communities.
Importantly, the KFG brand will retain its identity. Following the acquisition, it will operate as a standalone vertical within Taaleem’s portfolio. Founder Kamil Najjar will remain at the helm as Chief Executive Officer, retaining a 5% shareholding and working closely with Taaleem’s board to guide the next phase of growth.
“Since its inception, KFG has been built for one unwavering purpose: the well-being and development of each individual child,” said Najjar. “This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. Taaleem’s legacy will enable both organisations to enhance educational standards and accelerate the growth of premium early-learning centres. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for early childhood education in the region.”
A Legacy of Trust
The sale also marks a milestone for People & Baby Group, the French education group that helped develop KFG into the premium brand it is today.
“We are very proud of what Kids First Group has accomplished over the years,” said Philippe Tapié, CEO of People & Baby Group. “As long-standing custodians of KFG, it is a privilege to now entrust its future to Taaleem, one of the region’s most respected and forward-looking education providers.”
Backed by a proven management team, healthy financials, and a long-standing reputation for quality, KFG brings not only scale to Taaleem, but a pipeline of future students who may one day transition into Taaleem’s K–12 schools, creating continuity in both learning and values.
What Comes Next?
The deal is expected to close by the end of Taaleem’s 2024/25 financial year, subject to regulatory approvals. It will be fully funded through a combination of equity and debt, and is expected to deliver strong cashflows from day one.
For families, the real impact will be felt in the classroom or rather, in the nursery. From the careful selection of materials to teacher training and curriculum design, early years education is now recognised as one of the most critical stages in a child’s development. By bringing it into the Taaleem fold, the group is not only expanding its reach, but strengthening its foundation.
This is more than an acquisition. It’s a statement of belief: that great education doesn’t begin in secondary school, it begins the moment a child steps into their first learning space, where the journey of who they’ll become truly begins.
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