ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is expanding the provision of quality early education with the addition of 1,000 new pre-kindergarten (pre-KG) seats for the academic year 2024-2025.

The seats are available across 12 private schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, as part of ADEK’s ongoing efforts to enhance the educational foundation for Abu Dhabi’s youngest learners.

ADEK engaged with various investors and stakeholders and empowered private schools rated Good and above in the latest Irtiqaa ratings to expand their pre-KG sections within their established schools. Clear guidelines and criteria have been put in place, resulting in increased enrollment and smoother transition into kindergarten for children aged three to four, to build a foundation for long-term educational development.

Mariam Al Hallami, Acting Executive Director of Early Education Sector at ADEK, said: “By expanding early education opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, we are investing in the most crucial years of a child's development. Early education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and success. We want to empower parents to give their children the best start in life, helping them to thrive in school and beyond."

The 12 schools offering the new pre-KG seats are: ABC Private School – Al Shamkha; Al Ittihad National Private School – Falaj Hazza; ADNOC Schools – Ruwais; Al Manara Private School – Al Shamkha; Al Nahda National Schools (Girls) – Al Mushrif; Bait Al Maqdes International Private School – Mohamed bin Zayed City; Future Leaders International Private School – Rabdan; International Community Schools – Al Danah; Sharjah American International Private School – Shakhbout City; Summit International Schools – Al Danah; International Community Schools – Khalifa City; and ADNOC Schools – Ghayathi.

Criteria

Schools interested in adding pre-KG seats must meet specific criteria, including: space availability and a unitisation rate of less than 90 per cent; submission of academic plans catering to the age group; building requirements, such as separate entrances and exits; capacity requirements of 25 students, with 2.16sqm per child; a staff ratio of one teacher and one assistant for each 25 students; assignment of Head/Principal to manage pre-KG section; fee structure must align with school’s current approved KG1 fees and include transportation, uniforms, books, educational resources, etc; and an updated school trade licence through the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to include nursery as additional activity.