
Best Nursery Near You in 2025: Complete Parent’s Checklist
Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life. In 2025, choosing the ‘best nursery near me’ is no longer just about location, it’s about finding a space where your child feels safe, valued and inspired to grow.
Across UAE, more families are taking a closer look at what early childhood settings offer beyond the basics. Research shows that high-quality early education has long-lasting effects on a child’s learning and social skills. According to the OECD, children who attend quality early years programmes are more likely to do well in school and build stronger emotional wellbeing.
With so many nurseries to choose from, how do you know what’s right for your child?
Let’s walk through a complete, practical checklist for parents looking for a nurturing, well-rounded, and top-rated nursery in Dubai.
What to Look for in a Nursery: Your Complete Checklist
Let’s look at the nursery checklist for parents.
1. Curriculum and Learning Approach
Start by asking what framework the nursery follows. Is it the British Curriculum, EYFS, Montessori or Reggio Emilia? The approach should align with your values and focus on holistic development.
Check if the curriculum encourages:
- Play-based learning
- Language and numeracy exposure
- Emotional and social development
- Individual learning goals
2. Teacher Qualifications and Staff Ratio
Look for qualified, trained, and experienced educators. Ask if the staff are CACHE-certified or hold early years teaching credentials.
Important questions to ask nursery staff:
- What is the educator-to-child ratio?
- How often do staff receive training?
- Do educators have experience with different learning styles and needs?
3. Health and Safety Standards
Nursery health and safety standards are non-negotiable. Visit the site to assess:
- Cleanliness and hygiene measures
- First aid availability
- Fire exits and safety protocols
- Whether the nursery has a full-time nurse or clinic
A good nursery will have child-friendly toilets, safe classroom and play areas, and proper supervision at all times.
4. Emotional Environment and Staff Warmth
Pay attention to how staff interact with children. Are the children engaged, calm, and happy? Do educators speak gently and listen actively?
Children flourish in nurturing spaces where they feel seen and supported.
Nursery Admission Checklist: What to Prepare
Before enrolling, keep these essentials ready:
- Child’s birth certificate and Emirates ID copy
- Passport-sized photos
- Vaccination record
- Completed admission form
- Any learning needs or medical history
Also, we suggest visiting a nursery before enrolling. Observing the environment in real life can tell you more than a brochure ever will.
Questions to Ask Nursery Staff During a Visit
- What is a typical day like?
- How do you manage behaviour and emotions?
- Do you support children with special educational needs?
- How do you update parents on progress?
- Are meals, naps, and diaper changes included in the routine?
These answers will give you a clear picture of the daily operations and overall care.
Be Thorough: Explore All Available Batches and Programmes
When choosing a nursery, take time to explore all available batches, age groups, and programmes. Some nurseries offer flexible options based on your child’s developmental stage, daily routine, and your family’s needs.
Ask for:
- A detailed breakdown of what each programme includes
- Timing options such as morning, mid-day, or full-day batches
- Additional support services like extended care or enrichment sessions
A well-structured nursery will guide you through the options clearly, helping you make an informed decision that fits your child’s routine and learning journey—not just your schedule.
Why Parents Choose Tappy Toes Nursery
If you’re searching for a warm, secure, trustworthy nursery in Dubai, Tappy Toes Nursery is a name many parents confidently turn to.
With branches in Karama, Sharjah, Fujairah and Dubai South, Tappy Toes nursery offers:
- British Curriculum (EYFS) with elements of Montessori and Reggio Emilia
- Qualified educators with CACHE certification and ongoing training
- Safe, hygienic and stimulating indoor and outdoor play areas
- DHA-approved nurse, First Aid trained and full child clinic on-site
- Personalised learning goals and one-on-one support
- Support for children with additional needs
- Flexible day care and extended hours for working parents
- Strong Parent Partnership model through daily updates and customised guidance
Every space at Tappy Toes Nursery is built around the idea that children are natural learners. We simply provide the tools and encouragement to help them thrive.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the ‘Best Nursery Near Me’
The search for the ‘best nursery near me’ is deeply personal. But with the right checklist and questions, the path becomes clear. Look for a place that celebrates your child’s individuality, supports your role as a parent, and provides an environment where learning happens naturally.
From the curriculum to the classrooms, every detail matters. And when you find the right match, your child will feel safe, supported, and ready for a beautiful start.
Ready to start your child’s learning journey? Visit Tappy Toes Nursery, where education begins with care, trust, and joy.