Home Grown Nursery Review
Nearby schools
The original Home Grown Nursery in Umm Suqeim opened in September 2011 and caused a real buzz in the Dubai nursery scene. Its “inspired by nature” interpretation of the EYFS has strong parent appeal (as evidenced by the nursery’s commonly long wait lists) as does the natural look and feel of the nursery and gardens.
The management have now added a second location (Al Safa, near to the small Al Safa 2 park and convenient for the Al Manara exit to Sheikh Zayed Road).
Home Grown Nursery continues to support the charity Harmony House in India (also founded by Lucy Bruce, owner and Director of Home Grown) with a portion of each child’s fees dedicated to paying for a child in need to attend Harmony House.
The Good Stuff
Home Grown is an organisation true to their principles with ecology and care for the environment at the heart of every day. This is clear right from small details (such as children producing art work on recycled materials and parents being discouraged from using cling film or foil in snack boxes) to large scale fundraising events supporting eco-charities, both locally and internationally.
The grounds of Home Grown Nursery Al Safa have been designed to feel welcoming and above all, natural. Man-made materials have been kept to a minimum and the garden is divided into wide open play areas, a nature trail, wooden play equipment, a sand pit and a large vegetable patch which is tended to by the children. The garden is not cluttered and feels light and spacious. To the rear of the garden is an outdoor classroom equipped with mainly wooden toys for sensory, messy and noisy play.
Inside, the once residential villa has been carefully redesigned to maximise space. On the ground floor are classes for the youngest children (1-2 years) with older children occupying the upper two floors.
Downstairs also incorporates a small imaginary play area for hotter days. Upstairs there is a well-equipped gym and library. All the classrooms and play areas are given a natural sounding name (for example: Treetops, Sand Dunes, etc.) with accompanying calm and natural décor. Children receive a daily language lesson of either French or Arabic and visiting teachers teach Music, Yoga and Sport.
Staff ratios are in keeping with the EYFS curriculum, with younger children having a Teacher, TA and two nannies; older children have the same Teacher and TA plus one nanny.
Overall this is a beautiful, well managed nursery which adheres to its eco principles.
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