We’re lucky to have so much choice when it comes to picking nurseries in Dubai, but it does make the selection process a little baffling. To help British mums setting out, we’ve compiled a check-list to scroll through before you pop in for a nursery tour…

Where is it located? 

With friends and family having the luxury of walking to nurseries and schools back home, this seems like the ultimate dream for those of us in the desert (especially without the need for rain coats and waterproof covers for the buggy!) If you are lucky enough to have a nursery on your doorstep, paying a little extra for the convenience of a quick stroll may be well worth it – but do check that there’s parking available too, as you may change your mind about that 10 minute stroll when the thermometer peaks 40’C! If walking isn’t an option, however (and that is sadly the case for most of us living here), make sure that the route is convenient and quick enough in the morning. After all, negotiating school run traffic when you are running late for work is no joke at all…

Do the hours suit you?

If you are a working mum (or your child has siblings in a nearby school), the nursery needs to work to your schedule, and that might mean an early breakfast club, afternoon sessions, or even flexibility to change hours or days at short notice. Some nurseries in Dubai don’t offer this, but many do and offer a range of timing options, so make sure you ask those important questions before you arrange a tour.

Are you hoping for a place in a particular school?

If this is your first child and you have your hopes set on a certain primary school, selecting a feeder nursery (which gives your child priority for assessments into FS1 or FS2) is a very clever move. There are plenty to choose from too, with Horizon Nursery offering priority for assessments into Horizon English and Horizon International Schools, Child’s Play Nursery and Small World Nursery feeding into King’s School, and Wonder Years Nursery feeding into Victory Heights Primary School (to name just a few). Not sure whether your chosen school has a feeder nursery? Giving the registrar a quick call for clarification can save you a lot of stress when it comes to school applications and assessments…

Does it work within your budget?

It seems obvious, but falling in love with a nursery and then realising it doesn’t fall within budget is frustrating to say the least – but the good news is that nurseries come at all different price points in Dubai. Some nurseries offer five days a week fees for little more than three days a week fees, and this may be worth the investment if it offers you the flexibility you need. You can also choose to send your child for as little as two mornings a week at some nurseries and this will help save funds with some offering a monthly payment scheme, which helps to spread the costs. Keep your eye on news of newly opened nurseries too, as they often offer ‘founder discounts’ that last the length of your child’s attendance at the nursery. It’s also worth querying any extras that will be added onto your bill each term too, which could include uniform, arts and crafts costs, field trips, and fees for late pick-ups. Education isn’t the cheapest business here in Dubai (to put it mildly) and forgoing weekend takeaways or family outings to pay for a couple of extra polo shirts can become a very real possibility…

Did you feel comfortable inside?

Most importantly of all, however, is the feeling you get when you walk inside the door. Do you feel instantly at ease? Do the staff make your feel confident and comfortable? Do you feel your child will be well suited to the curriculum, the class sizes, and the range of activities on offer? If in doubt, it probably isn’t the nursery for you – but staff will always be keen to welcome you back (perhaps with your husband in tow) if you want another look before you commit. There’s no arguing with ‘Mother’s Instinct’, after all – and nobody knows that little person like you do.

If you would like to write for British Mums we’d love to hear from you! Please drop us an email at blog@britishmums.com