Recent clarification from the KHDA has confirmed how admission ages will be applied for FS1, FS2, Year 1 and Year 2 from the 2026 to 2027 academic year for schools and nurseries that follow an August or September academic calendar.
Under the national guidance set by the UAE Ministry of Education, 31 December becomes the official cut off date for determining a child’s year group. This applies across all curricula and to all public and private schools and nurseries in the United Arab Emirates. Importantly, placement is determined by date of birth, not by parental preference or individual nursery policy.
Two Distinct Groups Of Children
A key clarification in the guidance is the distinction between continuing cohorts and new cohorts.
Continuing cohort
Children who were already enrolled in FS1, FS2, or Year 1 during the 2025 to 2026 academic year, either in a nursery or a school, will continue on their existing progression pathway in 2026 to 2027. These children are not reclassified or moved backwards. Children enrolled below FS1 in the nursery during 2025 to 2026 are not considered part of the continuing cohort and will be placed according to the new age cut off.
New cohort
Children who were not enrolled in 2025 to 2026, or who were enrolled below FS1 in a nursery, must be placed in 2026 to 2027 strictly according to their date of birth, in line with the national framework.
A One Time, Limited Exception
The Ministry has also confirmed a very specific, one off exception for children born between 1 September and 31 December 2021 who were not eligible in 2025 to 2026.
For this cohort only, placement into FS2 or Year 1 in 2026 to 2027 may be considered, subject to:
• the school’s readiness assessment, and
• availability of places.
This exception does not create a general right to skip year groups and does not apply beyond this date of birth range.
A Non Negotiable Rule At Age Six
The guidance is explicit that any child who turns six by 31 December and who has not attended any school or nursery before that must be placed in Year 2.
Readiness Still Matters
While the updated cut off determines eligibility, early years educators emphasise that readiness is developmental, not chronological. At Jumeirah International Nursery, children from 45 days to 6 years are supported within the British EYFS framework, enriched by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, The Curiosity Approach, and Positive Education. Play based environments focus on emotional security, confidence, communication, and resilience alongside early learning foundations.
According to Katrina Mankani, Managing Director of Jumeirah International Nursery:
“The clarification brings helpful consistency. At the same time, it reinforces why readiness matters. Childhood is not a race, and early education should never feel rushed. Our role is to guide families clearly and responsibly, so each child transitions at the pace that best supports their wellbeing and confidence.”
Supporting Families Through Change
Within the approved MoE and KHDA framework, families may still have a choice. For some children around 2.8 or 4.8 years, remaining in a nursery environment for longer can be a powerful choice, offering smaller groups, familiar routines, and close adult support. Jumeirah encourages families who are unsure how the updated cut off applies to their child to speak directly with nursery leadership teams. Through individual conversations, parents can explore readiness, progression options, and the pathway that best supports their child’s long term development.
In a changing admissions landscape, Jumeirah International Nursery’s commitment remains clear, to apply national regulations with integrity, provide transparent guidance, and keep each child’s wellbeing at the centre of every decision. Families interested in joining this vibrant community are encouraged to book a personalised tour and explore the JINS learning experience first-hand. To learn more about enrolments and the exclusive premium benefits, click here
Further Reading:
- Jumeirah International Nurseries Joins Eid Al Etihad National Day Celebrations at Ibn Battuta Mall
- Jumeirah International Nurseries Opens Flagship Preschool in Al Mamsha, Sharjah