Choosing a nursery is one of the biggest decisions a parent will make in their child’s early years. With so many options available in Sharjah, from small home-based setups to established early learning centres, it can be overwhelming to know what actually matters. This guide walks you through the essential questions to ask so you can make a confident, informed choice for your little one.
Why Choosing a Nursery the Right Way Matters
The nursery years shape far more than a child’s daily routine. They lay the groundwork for social skills, emotional confidence, language development, and a genuine love of learning. A good child care nursery does more than supervise children, it actively nurtures growth through structured yet playful learning. Getting this decision right early on saves a lot of stress later, both for your child and for you as a parent.
Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Nursery
When you’re shortlisting a nursery in Sharjah, don’t just rely on the website or a quick tour. Ask direct questions and observe how staff respond. Here’s what to cover.
Curriculum and Teaching Approach
Understanding how a nursery teaches is just as important as what it teaches.
- Does the nursery follow a recognized curriculum such as Montessori, EYFS, or a blend of both?
- How is learning structured for different age groups?
- Is the approach play-based, or is there heavy emphasis on formal academics too early?
- How does the nursery support language development, including bilingual exposure to Arabic and English?
A well-run montessori nursery sharjah program should be able to clearly explain how their curriculum supports independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning rather than rote memorization.
Safety, Hygiene, and Staff-to-Child Ratio
This is non-negotiable when choosing a nursery for your child.
- What is the staff-to-child ratio for each age group?
- Are staff trained in first aid and emergency response?
- What hygiene protocols are followed, especially around mealtimes and naps?
- How is entry and exit of children monitored and secured?
Don’t hesitate to ask for specifics here. A confident answer with clear procedures is a good sign.
Facilities and Play Areas
Children learn as much through play as they do through structured lessons.
- Is there a dedicated indoor play area for each age group or floor?
- Are outdoor play spaces available, and how often are they used?
- What learning materials and STEAM resources are available in the classroom?
- Is the space designed with age-appropriate safety measures?
Fees, Timings, and Flexibility
Practical logistics matter just as much as educational quality.
- What are the fee structures, and are part-time or full-time options available?
- Are there additional charges for meals, transport, or activities?
- What are the operating hours, and is there flexibility for working parents?
- Is transportation offered, and what safety measures are in place for it?
Staff Qualifications and Experience
The people caring for your child matter more than any brochure.
- What qualifications do lead teachers hold in early childhood education?
- How long has the core teaching staff been with the nursery?
- Is there ongoing staff training in child development and safety?
- How are new children, especially shy or anxious ones, supported during settling-in?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
While visiting or researching nurseries, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Vague or evasive answers about staff qualifications or ratios
- No clear curriculum or learning philosophy
- Overcrowded classrooms with limited play space
- Reluctance to let you visit the premises before enrolling
Why Parents Choose Little Feet Nursery
At Little Feet Nursery, we believe these questions deserve clear, honest answers. As a trusted montessori nursery sharjah, our programs combine Montessori values with the EYFS curriculum, supported by qualified educators, dedicated Montessori labs, and separate indoor play areas on each floor. With branches in Al Khan and Al Khalidiya, we welcome parents to visit, ask questions, and see our approach firsthand before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a nursery is a personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But asking the right questions upfront, about curriculum, safety, facilities, and staff, will help you find a place where your child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn every day. Take the time to visit in person and see how your questions are answered.
Ready to see our approach in action? Contact Little Feet Nursery to schedule a visit to our Al Khan or Al Khalidiya branch and get all your questions answered.