We recognise that the transition from home to nursery is a big step in every child’s and parent’s life and so we strive to ensure that there is little disruption or anxiety involved. For many children, starting nursery may be their first experience of life outside their immediate circle of family and friends and their first encounter with other children who might have different experiences and expectations. Sharing nursery staff with other children and the inability to articulate their emotions may be a little difficult to grasp.

We endeavour to provide the best care possible for our children and assurance to their parents that their child is in good hands. Staff at FIN supports children and their key family members through this transition by keeping children at the heart of policies and procedures and offering a gradual settling-in programme.

Once a child is registered, we organise a home visit to enable the teacher to create bonds with the child and the family and facilitate the settling period for the child. Alternatively, FIN invites parents to their own welcome session during which we endeavour to get to know your child through you. We will ask you to tell us about your child’s routines, likes and dislikes and any other information you deem to be vital. This will help staff to make the transition period as smooth as possible for your child and their future experiences at FIN as pleasant as possible.

We will also share what you and your child can expect when s/he first starts nursery. Basic routines and expectations are discussed, as well as specific information about the programme for the age group your child will attend.

For children who start at the beginning of the school year:

We invite new parents and their children to an informal morning at the start of the first term. This involves parents and children coming to nursery to play and have fun. There are various activities set out for the child to experience, thus making it an enjoyable and happy visit. Children can explore their new environment and interact with teachers in the presence of a parent, which ensures that they can do so with a sense of security.

During the first week of nursery, the day is shortened to a maximum of two hours for new children. We encourage parents to stay with their child for up to half an hour a day during this settling-in period to minimise anxiety. Most children will then begin full-time attendance. Returning children can resume full-time attendance from the second day.

For children joining after the beginning of the year:

Children who join later on in the year will be offered a gradual settling-in period, where they are invited to two short activity sessions and two longer play sessions supported by staff or parents, whenever possible, before full attendance.

FIN offers a safe and stimulating early years education experience for children aged 1 month and above. In accordance with the Ministry of Education regulations, the cut-off date for admission to the KG group is 31st December; this means that children entering KG must be four years of age before 31st December of the academic year.

To apply for admission to FIN, parents will need to submit a completed and signed application form together with a non-refundable registration fee of AED 500 for the application to be processed. Once a space becomes available, we will contact parents and we will require them to provide the following:

• (1) Copy of Birth Certificate
• UAE Family Book (Emiratis only)
• (9) colour Passport Photos (pls. write the name at the back)
• (1) Child’s Passport Copy
• (1) Copy of Child’s UAE Residence Visa (included in child’s passport)
• (1) Copy of Sponsor’s / Father’s Passport Copy
• (1) Copy of Sponsor’s UAE Residence Visa (included in passport)
• Company Letter (if visa under process)
• Copy of Updated Immunisation / Vaccination Records