The period of infancy to toddlerhood marks the most important years in a child’s development. Growth is quick — by age five, a child’s brain is already 90% the size of an adult’s. They’re sewing the pieces of the world together in their minds through exploration and imitating what surrounds them.
To allow their minds to bloom and shine, parents should seek an age-appropriate learning environment where these formative years can be nurtured and elevated. For Mariah, all signs led to Nord Anglia International School Dubai.
“Our daughter Bella, who’s now in Primary School, still talks about the friends she made and the caring teachers who helped her grow in confidence,” she says. “Now that her younger brother Leo is attending the same nursery, we’re reminded all over again why we love this place so much.”
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum blends structured learning with imaginative play. With students from over 90 nationalities, classrooms are global communities where children build confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills — all through activities designed around their natural curiosity. Teachers act as facilitators, creating warm, responsive environments that spark ideas, nurture friendships, and unlock every child’s potential.
What sets these educators apart is their dedication to continuous improvement. Regardless of tenure, all staff members are constantly looking for ways to advance their approaches. Backed by research-driven pedagogy, they actively engage in global forums like the SEAMEI Teaching & Learning Conference 2025 — where topics like innovation, resilience, inclusion, and leadership in early education take centre stage.
NAS Dubai partners with the Juilliard School in New York School to give students the opportunity to experience world-class performing arts training. Source: NAS Dubai
Language as a cultural necessity
Students in the Early Years may be as young as three to four-years-old, but NAS Dubai believes children in this age group are primed to absorb language with astonishing speed and ease. That’s why multilingualism is central to the EYFS curriculum.
“One of the things we absolutely love about the nursery is the way they introduce children to different languages in such a fun and natural way,” says Javad. “Our son comes home singing songs in Spanish and greeting us in French.”
NAS Dubai’s rolling language programme introduces them to Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin in eight-to-nine-week blocks. Instead of nosediving into textbooks, they explore languages through storytelling, songs, drama, and games, making every moment interactive and memorable.
Each language is introduced once in Foundation Stage 1, and then again in Foundation Stage two to strengthen recall, deepen understanding, and build confidence. This repetition boosts cognitive flexibility, attention span, problem-solving ability, and vocabulary — not just in new languages, but in their mother tongue as well. By Year One, students choose a language to pursue more deeply alongside Arabic.
Such immersion is key to instilling a sense of empathy and inclusivity in young learners. Javad says of his son, “At such a young age, he’s developing an awareness of different cultures and sounds, and it’s really sparked his curiosity.”
NAS Dubai surrounds campus with natural green surroundings like the urban Jungle Space for students to get their rest and relaxation. Source: NAS Dubai
Where hands-on learning lays as solid foundation
Curiosity is the heartbeat of learning in early childhood. At NAS Dubai, it’s celebrated every day. Here, the youngest learners are empowered to explore the world on their own terms, through hands-on experiences that spark imagination and ignite critical thinking.
Within state-of-the-art facilities, including green outdoor spaces, specialist classrooms, and immersive play zones, they engage in rich, sensory-driven activities that fuel academic and emotional growth. “The variety of activities, from messy play and outdoor exploring to music, stories, and creative arts keeps Leo engaged and excited to go in every day,” Mariah says.
Learners like Leo lead their learning journey while teachers guide and support. In classrooms averaging 22 students, they receive the attention they need to thrive — and the results speak volumes. Since 2023, the Early Years Foundation Stage has been rated “Outstanding” by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.
For Mariah, the school’s impact is more personal than it is measurable. “As parents, it’s incredibly reassuring to know your children are learning and thriving in a space that values kindness, curiosity, and connection,” she says. “We look forward to providing their sibling, who arrives next month, the same foundation.”
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