Nurseries closed? Here’s how to keep under-fives learning, busy and settled at home
When nurseries close, everything shifts, especially if you have a baby, toddler or preschooler at home.
Under-fives are not built for long stretches of screen time or independent learning. They need movement, attention, interaction and a clear rhythm to their day. Without it, things can unravel quickly, for them and for you.
Right now, many UAE parents are juggling work calls with playtime, snack time and everything in between, often without a pause.
But there is help.
Across Dubai, early years providers have stepped in with practical, flexible solutions. From free online nursery sessions to educators who come to your home to small-group pod learning, there are real options to restore routine, structure, and a sense of calm.
If you’re looking for ways to keep under-fives engaged during closures, these are the options worth knowing right now.
Redwood Montessori & Odyssey Nurseries (KFG)
Location: Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Redwood Montessori and Odyssey Nurseries have introduced a flexible model for home-based and online learning designed specifically for young children, with a clear focus on hands-on activities rather than prolonged screen time.
This programme is open to all families, not just those already enrolled at Redwood or Odyssey.
Families can choose from a mix of options, including online sessions, one-to-one home learning, small group pods, and partner-led venues for those unable to host at home.
The approach combines Montessori principles of independence with Reggio Emilia-inspired creativity, alongside home learning kits to support learning beyond sessions.
Online access costs AED 750 per week, with programmes available for children up to 5 years in Abu Dhabi and up to 6 years in Dubai.
For further details, visit theredwoodnursery.com / call 800 733 9663 or odysseynursery.com / call 800 734 4463
You might also like: The best free online learning platforms for kids in the UAE
Jumeirah International Nurseries
Location: Dubai (UAE-wide online access, including Abu Dhabi)
Jumeirah International Nurseries has introduced three flexible options for families during closures.
Their free daily online sessions (8:00 am–1:00 pm) for children aged 3–5 are open to all UAE families (regardless of enrolment), with no registration required.
The structure closely follows a typical nursery day, including circle time, phonics, creative activities and story sessions, helping children maintain a familiar routine.
For families who need more interaction, there are also live, small-group online classes and a home learning option, where a KHDA-aligned, police-cleared educator delivers sessions in the home, either one-to-one or in small groups.
Pricing starts from approximately AED 300 per day for home sessions and AED 838 per week for structured online learning.
For further information, visit jinspire.com
Chubby Cheeks Nursery – Teacher @ Home
Location: Dubai
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Chubby Cheeks Nursery offers a fully structured at-home nursery experience based on the British EYFS curriculum and approved by KHDA.
Sessions are led by qualified early years educators and follow a consistent daily routine, supporting all areas of development from infancy through FS2.
Parents can choose one-to-one or small-group sessions (up to 8 children), allowing for both personalised attention and social interaction. Flexible timings are available, and siblings can learn together.
A key feature is the Host Home model, where families can host a small learning group, with the host child attending free of charge. Educators are police-cleared, first-aid trained and safeguarding-certified.
For further information, visit chubbycheeksnursery.com or 052 944 3324
Little Land Nursery – Pod Sessions
Location: Gymboree and Bounce, Dubai
Little Land Nursery’s Pod Sessions offer a more flexible, small-group alternative. These sessions combine structured early learning with movement and play, creating calm, engaging environments where children can settle and participate at their own pace.
Led by experienced educators, the approach draws on Montessori principles, guided play and physical exploration.
Sessions are held in small groups at Gymboree (Al Barsha) and Bounce (Spring Souk) during morning blocks, offering a balance of structure and social interaction without requiring a full nursery commitment.
For further information, visit littlelandnursery.com
Gymboree Play & Music Dubai – Home Sessions
Location: Dubai (home visits available)
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Gymboree offers home-based early years sessions focused on developmental play rather than a formal nursery structure.
Educators bring equipment into your home and lead fun, interactive sessions centred on music, movement and sensory play, supporting physical, cognitive and social development.
Sessions can be one-to-one or small-group, making them particularly suitable for babies and toddlers, who benefit more from guided play and interaction than from screen-based learning.
Pricing typically starts from around AED 155 per child per hour.
For further information, visit gymboreeclasses.ae
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