JINS Set to Open Four New Centres

Jumeirah International Nurseries (JINS) will soon open two new state-of-the-art early childhood centres (ECCs) located in Palm Jumeirah and JBR, and two new nurseries located in Ibn Battuta Mall and Villanova, in August/September 2022. 

Jumeirah International Nurseries celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021, making it one of the longest running (if not the longest running) early childhood education organisations in the UAE. The nursery group is part of Fortes Education, the UAE homegrown education group responsible for Sunmarke School and Regent International School, both rated ‘Very Good’ by KHDA, and ‘Outstanding’ by British Schools Overseas (BSO). The group's established nurseries are located in JVT (within Sunmarke School), the Greens (within Regent International School), Al Safa, Downtown and Ghoroob (Mirdif). 

Samina Khanyari, General Manager of Jumeirah International Nurseries and Early Childhood Centres said, told us: 

“Each branch has been designed by world-renowned architects and our early years educators. Our Early childhood Centres in JBR and Palm Jumeirah will feature a ‘Zig Zag Zoom’ courtyard area that is an exploratory space based on the concepts of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). We are extremely excited to open our new centres and to offer parents who are looking for the ability to personalise their children’s academic journeys in a premium high-quality education setting. What we have coming is something truly unique to the JBR and Palm communities.”

Katrina Mankani, Managing Director of Jumeirah International Nurseries and Early Childhood Centres, added:

“Our vision is to bring a customised school-level education to children in the JBR and Palm communities, ensuring that the curriculum and academic programmes in FS1, FS2 and the Prep-School Year (the Transition Year for 5-6 year olds) are aligned with the standards followed at our Outstanding BSO Certified Schools, Sunmarke and Regent.”

What can we expect from these ECCs and nurseries?

While these settings use the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, elements of  Reggio Emilia and the Curiosity Approach are evident in their existing centres, and will be an influence in the new ECCs and nurseries also. These influences are considered child-centred and promote experiential learning for children, and tend to include the use of natural materials. Other nurseries in the UAE using a similar approach include Odyssey Nurseries and Kangaroo Kids Nursery. 

Jumeirah International Nurseries has long had a focus on languages for young learners, and Mrs Mankani informed us that this will also be the case in the new centres, with specialist language programmes in Arabic, French and, unusually, Russian to be offered. The new centres also promise a broad range of extracurricular activities such as gymnastics, ballet, drama, gardening, football, judo, music, STEAM and robotics.

What is the difference between a nursery and an ECC?

Quite simply, the difference is in licensing and the range of age groups that can attend. Historically in Dubai, nurseries have been permitted to accept children aged 45 days to 4 years (up to FS1/Pre-KG), while ECCs have been licensed to accept children up to 6 years (Year 1/KG2). In the last two years, some nurseries have been able to amend their licenses and provide classes for these age groups also, meaning the different in age range is not necessarily apparent from the label of ECC or nursery anymore. In many cases, ECCs have larger, often purpose-built facilities, and this certainly appears to be the case in the two new ECC settings from Jumeirah International Nurseries and Early Childhood Centres. For more information on age requirements, see Age Requirements in Schools: A Guide.

Location, location, location

The new Palm Jumeirah early childhood centre, expected to open in early to mid-September 2022, will be located in Golden Mile (Building 1), a residential and retail development that already houses the popular Redwood Montessori Nursery and Blossom Nursery. While the idea of an ECC within a retail building is perhaps not initially appealing, Golden Mile allows for considerable natural light and substantial outdoor space on its mezzanine floors. This location also provides considerable ease for families residing in the Golden Mile development and near by Shoreline Apartments.

The new JBR early childhood centre, expected to open by mid-September 2022, is located in Al Rimal 1, another residential building. Similarly, this centre will have outdoor play space in addition to the large indoor facilities (including a planting area, sand and water play). This location means the new ECC will be neighbour to the new Odyssey Nursery, long-time favourite Toddler Town British Nursery, and Jebel Ali Village Nursery, amongst others.

While these are undoubtedly prime residential family locations, the number of excellent nurseries available close by suggests that JINs must be very confident that these new centres will stand out (the images provided, and the group's usual high standards certainly indicate that they will). 

The new Ibn Battuta nursery, expected to open on 29th August 2022, will stand out as one of very few premium nurseries in this area. Located within Ibn Battuta mall itself, it will also win points for convenience for those living or working close by. The new Villanova Community nursery is expected to open a little earlier, on 20th August 2022, and will be located within the Villanova Community Mall.