Nursery Safety Standards in the UAE

6 min read · Safety guide

Before curriculum, before facilities, safety should be the first thing you check when choosing a nursery. At minimum, look for 24-hour CCTV monitoring, secure entrances and exits, and an on-site clinic — and don't hesitate to ask direct questions on a tour.

The basics every nursery should have

• CCTV monitoring — ideally 24-hour coverage of classrooms and common areas
• Secure entrances and exits — controlled access so children can't leave unsupervised and only authorized adults can collect them
• An on-site clinic — equipped for basic first aid and everyday incidents
• Trained, qualified staff — who have passed relevant regulatory requirements

Questions worth asking directly

Don't rely on a website's general claims. On a tour, ask: who exactly can collect my child, and how is that verified? What happens if my child is unwell during the day? How are allergies and medical needs recorded and communicated to all staff, not just one teacher?

Facilities and supervision

Safety extends to the physical environment too — supervised indoor and outdoor play areas, age-appropriate equipment, and dedicated rest areas for younger children. Ask how staff-to-child supervision works during transitions between activities, which is often when incidents are most likely.

Additional support

Some nurseries, including Kids First Nursery, also offer speech therapy sessions and art classes as part of their program — worth asking about if your child may benefit from additional support alongside the standard curriculum.

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