Small World Nursery opened in Dubai in 1988 and is the sister nursery of Child’s Play Nursery in Umm Suqeim 2.

Small World Nursery is located in Jumeirah 2 opposite the large archaeological site and is housed in a large cream villa surrounded by an extensive garden with secure gates.

There are at least six huge sail awnings to shade play areas which range from a sandy play area for tiny tots to swings and more adventurous apparatus for the older children. A pretty green garden area contains many shrubs and flowers.

WhichSchoolAdvisor.com was warmly greeted by both the American nursery manager and British headmistress on our visit.The manager was full of enthusiasm and helpful information as she showed her around the nursery.

The classes are beautifully set out with wooden floors and shelving and colourfully decorated as they have flower names and colours. While our consultant was there it was the teacher’s break which the manager explained was an opportunity for them to share ideas and discuss their experiences.There were many classroom assistants, a nurse and nannies on hand to care for the children and it was their turn to take a break next.

Although the villa has two floors, joined by a large spiral staircase they only use the ground floor and leave the first for storage.

One of the nursery’s policies is to keep play equipment in a central storage area so that teachers can access the play things for the activity chosen for the day. ‘Less is more’ is a policy they follow limiting toys so that children really focus on them rather than become overwhelmed or bored.

Classrooms definitely looked neat and children could clearly find the toys and space to play. It has a special room for music where they have drums etc.

The nursery has companies in to run paid activities such as yoga, soccer, swimming.

Small World follows the EYFS system and there are almost 80 children at the nursery and they can start from 14 months onwards. The staff are trained throughout the year.

The nursery offers baby Arabic, French and Spanish.Usual hours are from 8 am to 1pm but a late class runs to 3.

There are many nationalities both of children and of staff .The manager herself has a daughter in the nursery and the previous day had an Easter bonnets parade which many parents attended as the mums and dads seem to be fully involved. All the children looked happy and well cared for. The staff clearly knew all of their names.

The school is closely associated with the Outstanding rated Kings'. Not a bad connection...

Our view

Friendliness/ Warmth:A
Able to provide information:A
Availability of registrar:A
Overall: A

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