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Moving to Abu Dhabi with a toddler? Finding the right nursery for expats in Abu Dhabi can make settling into a new country easier for the whole family. From admission documents and nursery fees to the British EYFS curriculum and settling-in support, this guide covers what parents should check before enrolling their child.
For expat families, nursery selection often involves more than finding a convenient location. You may need to understand the local admission process, compare curricula, organise documents, coordinate childcare with work schedules and help your toddler settle into an unfamiliar environment.
Abu Dhabi offers a diverse early education landscape. According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the emirate has more than 200 private nurseries offering a range of curricula for children aged 0–4. This gives families options, but it also makes careful comparison important. Source: ADEK.
This guide explains how to choose a nursery in Abu Dhabi before or shortly after relocating, what documents to prepare and how to help your toddler feel comfortable in a new setting.
If your relocation date is approaching, begin researching nurseries as early as possible. Your preferred nursery may not have an available place in your child’s age group or on your required start date.
Start by identifying three things:
Create a shortlist of nurseries and contact each one to ask about availability, fees, operating hours, admission requirements and visits.
If you are still searching for accommodation, shortlist nurseries in the areas where you are most likely to live. You can narrow the options once your address is confirmed.
Remember that contacting a nursery does not guarantee a place. Ask for written confirmation of availability and the next steps before making plans around a specific start date.
Nursery registration in Abu Dhabi is handled directly by individual nurseries, which establish their admission procedures in line with applicable regulations.
ADEK lists the following core registration requirements:
Individual nurseries may request additional documents. Source: ADEK Registration Requirements.
For families relocating from overseas, the timing of these documents may require extra planning. Ask the nursery which documents are needed to reserve a place, which are required before the child starts and whether any additional documentation applies to your circumstances.
Before paying a registration fee, request the nursery’s fee schedule, payment terms and refund policy in writing.
Children develop at different rates, so the right programme should suit your child’s current stage rather than simply their age on paper.
When comparing nurseries, ask how the programme supports communication, movement, independence, emotional development and early social interaction.
At Spring Fields Preschools, the listed programmes include:
Spring Fields also states that it accepts children from two months up to four years, with age-appropriate classroom areas and learning resources. Check directly with the nursery to confirm the appropriate class and current availability for your child.
Explore the Spring Fields classes and age groups.
Families moving from another country may be familiar with a particular educational system. Understanding how a nursery approaches early learning can help you decide whether it suits your child’s needs.
Spring Fields Preschools follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and describes its approach as play-based. Its learning experiences aim to support children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Learn more about Spring Fields.
When visiting any nursery, ask how children learn through everyday activities.
Look for opportunities for:
For toddlers, early education should not be judged only by worksheets or visible academic output. Relationships, exploration, communication and opportunities to practise everyday skills are also important.
Relocation can make daily routines unpredictable during the first few weeks. A nursery that fits your family’s location and schedule can reduce some of that pressure.
Before choosing a nursery, consider:
Distance from home: How long will the journey take during your usual travel times?
Distance from work: If you commute, would the nursery fit into your route?
Drop-off and collection: Do the available hours match your working schedule?
Extended care: Is early drop-off or late collection available, and does it cost extra?
Backup arrangements: What happens if you are delayed or cannot collect your child personally?
Spring Fields Preschools is located at No. 48, Al Falah Sector, East 18/3, Najda Street, behind Burjeel Hospital, in Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi. Families considering central Abu Dhabi can contact Spring Fields to confirm current hours, programmes and availability.
Starting nursery in a new country can mean adjusting to unfamiliar educators, a different language environment and a new daily routine at the same time.
Ask the nursery how it supports children during their first days and weeks.
Useful questions include:
Share practical information about your toddler, including their usual sleep schedule, comfort items, food preferences and ways they communicate their needs.
Where possible, maintain familiar routines at home and talk positively about nursery. Give your child time to adjust rather than expecting immediate comfort or independence.
A supportive partnership between parents and educators can make this transition easier.
A nursery’s environment and the way its educators interact with children deserve as much attention as its curriculum.
During a visit, observe whether classrooms appear organised, resources are age-appropriate and educators communicate with children in a calm, respectful manner.
Ask about:
Also confirm that the nursery is appropriately licensed and that its registration procedures align with ADEK requirements.
These checks can help you understand the nursery’s approach to care and decide whether it is a suitable environment for your child.
Relocating involves several costs, and childcare should be part of your monthly budget.
When comparing nursery fees in Abu Dhabi, look beyond the headline tuition amount. Ask whether the quoted fee includes registration, meals, uniforms, learning materials, transport and extended hours.
Compare the total cost of the package you expect to use. If your start date is flexible, ask whether fees are calculated annually, termly or monthly and what happens if you need to change your child’s schedule.
You can also review our guide to nursery fees in Abu Dhabi for 2026 for more information on the costs parents should compare.
The aim is to find a nursery that fits your budget while meeting your child’s needs and your family’s practical requirements.
Children may respond differently to relocation. Some become curious about new surroundings, while others need more time and reassurance.
A few simple steps can help create a sense of familiarity.
Introduce changes gradually. Where possible, establish predictable meal, sleep and play routines before nursery begins.
Talk about the new routine. Use simple language to explain that your child will spend time playing and learning with educators and other children.
Visit the nursery together. If permitted, a short visit can help your toddler become familiar with the environment before their first day.
Share familiar comforts. Ask whether the nursery permits a comfort object or another familiar item during settling-in.
Allow time for adjustment. Your child may need time to become comfortable with new people and routines. Maintain communication with educators and discuss any ongoing concerns.
The goal is not to remove every difficulty but to give your child a predictable, reassuring start.
For families exploring nurseries in central Abu Dhabi, Spring Fields Preschools offers programmes for children across the early years, including Toddler, Nursery and F-S1 classes.
Its stated approach combines the British EYFS framework with learning through play, age-appropriate resources and experiences designed to encourage children’s development.
Before enrolling, parents can arrange to discuss their child’s age group, ask about the daily routine, review the fee structure and confirm available places.
Spring Fields is located on Najda Street, behind Burjeel Hospital, in Al Danah, Abu Dhabi.
You can:
If you are moving to Abu Dhabi with a toddler, speaking with the nursery before your relocation can help you understand the next steps and plan your child’s transition.
Before your move, use this checklist to organise your nursery search.
Start researching as soon as your relocation plans become clear, especially if you have a preferred location or start date. Contact individual nurseries directly because availability and admission procedures vary.
ADEK lists a registration form, a copy of the child’s Emirates ID and birth certificate, and presentation of the original Emirates ID among the core requirements. A nursery may request additional documents, so confirm the exact list with your chosen provider.
ADEK states that private nurseries serve children aged 0–4, but admission policies and age-group arrangements differ between providers. Contact the nursery to confirm whether it accepts your child’s age and which class is appropriate.
There is no single curriculum that suits every family. Consider your child’s needs, the nursery’s teaching approach, your longer-term education plans and how well the programme supports play, communication, independence and social development.
Keep familiar routines where possible, talk positively about the new environment, share your child’s preferences with educators and ask about gradual settling-in support. Allow your toddler time to adjust.
Spring Fields Preschools is located at No. 48, Al Falah Sector, East 18/3, Najda Street, behind Burjeel Hospital, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi.
Visit the Spring Fields contact page to enquire about current availability, age groups, fees and the registration process.
Moving to Abu Dhabi with a toddler involves more than finding a new home. Choosing the right nursery can help your family establish a routine, build local connections and give your child opportunities to learn, play and develop.
Start your search early, understand the admission requirements, compare the complete fee structure and ask how each nursery supports children who are new to the environment.
For families considering central Abu Dhabi, Spring Fields Preschools welcomes enquiries about its early-years programmes and current admissions.
Planning your move? Contact Spring Fields Preschools to discuss your toddler’s age group, availability and next steps.
