Welcome to the Amity Early Learning Centre official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

If you have to highlight three strengths of your school, what would they be?

At Amity ELC, we are proud to host world-class facilities that truly empower students and encourage an active and engaging learning environment to flourish. Our state-of-the-art classrooms are equipped for the learning needs of every child; our outdoor play areas and splash pad bolster our belief in integrating physical activity into our curriculum; a library displaying an array of early years literature truly entertains the minds of our students; and a fantastic auditorium space further allows for creativity to thrive. Our school prides itself in providing unrivalled opportunities, and our facilities offer an incredible foundation for this.

A further strength of Amity ELC is our all-encompassing teaching of the UK Curriculum at Early Years Foundation Stage. Adopting the ‘Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ practice as our core teaching principle, we ensure each child is exposed to an enriching educational journey. Our teachers are committed to delivering an excellent education to every student, committed to the progress of your child's learning journey across all educational facets. Furthermore, we strongly promote project based learning, inspired by the imaginations of our students. Teachers take time to understand your child's passions and interests, and transforms this into an exciting learning opportunity.

Amity ELC is an all-inclusive school welcoming children of varying abilites to our Community. No matter what stage a child is at in their education, we strive to provide them with a tailored progression plan that shall allow them to excel. Our core belief is that every child should be offered the chance to thrive. Our entire faculty, and wider Community, would be delighted to welcome your child to Amity ELC and watch them flourish amidst a bustling and diverse school.

What is the single biggest challenge your school is currently addressing?

The road infrastructure around the school does not allow for parking therefore we have limited parking bays withing the school grounds. We have implemented certain measures, such as staggered drop-off and pick-up timings as well as a 'Stop-Drop-And Go' facility in order to ease the flow of traffic. Staff are always on hand at drop-off and pick up times to monitor and supervise the traffic situation within the school grounds.

Amity ELC offer global benchmarked education right from Pre-School to Ph.D. level. Amity has institues and campuses across Dubai and worldwide. However, Amity ELC does not have a follow-on school within the vicinity.

Does your school have a waiting list? In which years?

Yes - currently every year group from baby to FS2 level has a waitlist.

What are qualities and characteristics that define your school and its students?

Amity ELC is defined by our Community. Our Community is creative, innovative, energetic, passionate, optimistic, dynamic, and supportive. The educational enrichment of each student is defined by the latter adjectives, but it also amounts to so much more. Providing students with unrivalled opportunities through our engaging teaching of the UK Curriculum allows for students to become global, conscientious citizens from an early age. Having pride in our learning processes allows for our creative, innovative qualities to shine through, and each student is a crucial part of allowing this to flourish.

How many nationalities are represented in your school? How international would you say your school is?

Amity ELC have 38 different nationalities within its student body

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Yes - British. British student account for 30% of our student body.

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

Baby Level: 1:3

Toddler & Pre-School Level: 1:7

FS1 & FS2 Level 1:10

Please describe your approach to teacher recruitment in terms of the balance of staff you seek in terms of nationalities and in terms of years of experience/ qualifications you look for. Please also provide details of how you use teaching assistants.

All of our Teachers are educated to cache level 3/degree level, When recruiting we look for teachers who share the vision of Amity ELC. Teachers must teach in an imaginative and creative manner

Does your school measure Value Added data? Please provide details of how you measure, and current Value Added benchmark scores.

Termly Teacher assessments/initial baseline assessments/comparisons with UK national standards.

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

N/A

Please provide details of how well your school did in its previous external exams for students at 16 and at 18 years of age? Please provide sufficient detail to allow parents to have a view on how academic your school is?

N/A

What percentage of your sixth form that take exams at 18 go to university, and where, in general, do they go?

N/A

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

We are passionate about creating the next generation of change makers and provide a stimulating, imaginative, nurturing setting which establishes ‘out of the box’ thinking and at the same time develops the emotional well-being of the child.

At Amity Early Learning Centre our children learn to develop and grow, while also having fun along the way. Every child is unique, full of vitality and inquisitiveness, with a wealth of potential to unlock and discover their surroundings. We have blended a variety of Early Learning practices from around the world (Reggio Emilia, New Zealand and Scandinavia) to support our unique philosophy of learning.

We are highly committed to child initiated learning and follow a sophisticated play-based curriculum. As part of our ethos, we encourage our children to gain autonomy over their learning and find creative ways to share their experiences and growth.

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

N/A

Physical education and sport is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?

Establishing a healthy lifestyle from an early age is crucial to encouraging positive habits in later life. At Amity ELC, we actively encourage the adoption of healthy habits, and physical activity is a crucial facet of this. Through our purpose-built gym area, outdoor play sections for each class, and tailored elements of our curriculum that encourage movement, Amity ELC is committed to encouraging a healthy lifestyle throughout our Community. Physical activity is made engaging and enriching, and our teachers ensure our students are safe and dynamic in each session.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

From our healthy eating policy, to physical activity being embedded in our curriculum, Amity ELC is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Our teachers ensure students are educated on the attributes that make a healthy lifestyle; and we ensure such learns are reinforced at home by encouraging our parents to invest in our approach to a healthy lifestyle.

How do you promote healthy eating?

Amity ELC has a strict healthy eating policy. This ensures students receive lunches and snacks that will nourish them for a day of engaging learning. We work with our parent body to ensure each family understands the benefits of healthy eating, and that such habits are manifested in what students are given as lunch and snacks for school.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students? How does it promote a balanced diet?

Canteen facilities are not provided due to the age group of our children. However, we are in partnership with a catering company, Yum in Box, who provide a balanced and nutriious menu. They also cater for any dietary requirements and allergies.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

Parents have the option of providing their child's food from home or using our catering service. The typical cost of a mid-morning snack and warm lunch is 21AED

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

A typical school day is 8am until 2pm.

Early drop off option is from 7am with extended care option 2pm until 6pm

Is there a school uniform?

Yes for children in Pre-School, FS1 and FS2 levels

Please advise on your discipline policy?

We encourage and role model to our children, the ethos of collaboration and empathy. We highlight to the children that we have something to learn from everyone we encounter and therefore reflect on scenarios that may occur to gain an understanding of ourselves. We focus on self improvement and growth with the children, which often develops empathy for others.

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

A full school report is issued at the end of each academic year. Parent/teacher meetings are held once a term.

How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?

Parent/teacher meetings are held once a term. A full school report is issued at the end of each academic year.

Which languages are taught at your school - please detail any as a first as well as second language?

The language of instruction is English.

From Toddler to FS2 level children receive lessons in Arabic.

From Pre-School to FS2 level children also receive a lesson in French

Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?

Yes - we do offer a one step language programme

Do you offer a dedicated prayer room/s for students? For which faiths?

N/A

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

Due to the high standard of teaching and learning at the Amity Early Learning Center, many of the children exceed expectations. We ensure that every child is challenged in order for them to reach their maximum potential. Many of our students demonstrate a particular talent in some area of learning. These students are immediately flagged and supported by teaching staff with either challenging resources, learning objectives or additional projects to ensure continued progression.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

Yes we have an Inclusion Team made up of an Inclusion Leader and a Learning Support Assistant. We are also well connected with other outside professionals who provide Speech and Language support, Occupational Therapy and Psychologist assessments.

Not all schools are staffed or resourced to offer learning support to those children with either moderate or significant learning needs. To what level can you offer support for those with learning differences?

Children in need of additional support would have an Individual Educational Plan which is specific for their needs and next steps. We also work in partnership with Sensation Station who offer Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Learning Support Assistants. We also refer to Insights Psychology for those children needing Psychology assessments. Our teachers also meet regularly with other professionals working with children to ensure consistency and progress.

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

Yes, we work alongside Sensation Station to support those children in need of further support in communication, gross motor skills, sensory needs and other specific learning needs.

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

Yes, we work with Insights Psychology when needing to refer children to an Education Psychologist.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

Yes - we have a Parent Teacher Association - Friends of Amity

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

events/coffee morning

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

N/A

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

We do. Amity ELC offer regular Parent/Curriculum workshops and information sessions within our dedicated Parent Lounge. Each Parent is issued with a detailed Parent Handbook outlining all procedures and policies within the Centre. We also invite parents to meet with their child's class Teacher, on a one to one basis, prior to a child joining Amity ELC.