Welcome to
Nursery
About
Nursery
At the heart of everything we do is the child. Our dedicated and experienced staff are passionate about early years education, creating nurturing, play-based environments that spark curiosity, problem-solving, and self-expression. We tailor activities and the curriculum to support each child’s unique strengths and interests, encouraging exploration and confidence. Through co-learning with adults, children are empowered to discover, imagine, and develop a lifelong love of learning, laying the perfect foundation for their educational journey.
Welcome from our
Nursery Director
Welcome to WEK Nursery, part of The Early Years Centre here at GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail. Providing high-quality provision for children aged 2 and 3 years old (2 years old by August 31st of current academic year).
Our purpose-designed setting offers a child-centred, holistic approach, where every child’s individual strengths and interests are nurtured. With early years specialist staff at the heart of our care, we foster a language-rich, home-from-home environment that encourages exploration through natural resources and hands-on activities.
At WEK Nursery, we pride ourselves on building a strong sense of community, where connections between children and adults are valued, supporting the growth of independence and confidence. Together, we create a safe, supportive space for each child to develop a love of learning while forming lasting relationships.
We look forward to partnering with you as we embark on this exciting adventure together.
Angela Cariappa-Richter
Explore Our
Nursery Curriculum
Our approach prioritises child-led discovery and play, allowing children to explore at their own pace. We tailor experiences to support individual growth, ensuring children develop key skills across all areas of learning. This fosters independence, creativity, and a love for learning from an early age.
The Reggio Emilia approach
In our Reggio Emilia-inspired setting, we embrace natural resources, light, and textures to create an inviting, sensory-rich environment. Natural materials encourage exploration and creativity, while abundant natural light fosters a sense of openness and connection. These elements support hands-on learning, nurturing curiosity and inspiring children’s imagination and discovery.
British
Curriculum
We proudly follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, with a strong focus on the three prime areas of learning: Communication and Language, Physical Development, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
We support Communication and Language through storytelling, singing, and rich conversations that help children develop speaking and listening skills. Physical Development is encouraged through active outdoor play, movement games, and hands-on activities that strengthen coordination and fine motor skills. Personal, Social and Emotional Development is nurtured by helping children build friendships, express their feelings, and grow in confidence. We use the EYFS observational checkpoints to track developmental milestones throughout the year, providing a smooth pathway into FS1 and beyond.
Early Language Development
Our language-rich environment, supported by trained staff, promotes rapid language development for all children. Through storytelling, conversation, and song, we nurture communication skills in both native English speakers and those learning English as an additional language, building confidence, vocabulary, and strong foundations for future literacy and learning success.
Building
Friendships
We place great importance on helping children develop strong friendships and essential social skills. Through daily group activities, shared play, and collaborative games, children learn to take turns, listen to others, and express themselves respectfully. Circle time encourages open communication, while role-play and imaginative play foster empathy and cooperation. Our caring staff guide children in resolving conflicts, building confidence, and understanding different perspectives. Whether it's working together to build a tower or sharing a story with a friend, every interaction helps children grow into kind and confident individuals.
Home from home environment
Our nursery provides a warm, welcoming environment that truly feels like a home from home. Each classroom is spacious, bright, and thoughtfully designed to support calm, engaging learning experiences. Soft furnishings, cosy reading corners, and natural materials create a nurturing atmosphere where children feel safe and comfortable.
We maintain small group sizes to ensure every child receives individual attention and builds strong, trusting relationships with their key person. To support healthy sleep routines, we offer a separate, peaceful sleep room equipped with individual beds for each child, allowing for restful naps in a quiet, cosy setting. Our environment is carefully planned to meet each child’s emotional and physical needs, helping them feel secure, relaxed, and ready to explore the world around them.
ENGAGING
LEARNING SPACES
Our nursery features purpose-built learning environments designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Each room is carefully arranged to support key areas of development, including a dedicated role play area where children can explore imagination and social skills through pretend play. We offer daily opportunities for sensory and messy play, encouraging exploration through textures, materials, and hands-on experiences.
Our outdoor area is accessible throughout the day, allowing children to enjoy physical activity and nature-based learning. To support early literacy and encourage a love of books at home, we also provide a well-stocked library where families can borrow books regularly. Additionally, our calming sensory room offers a soothing space for relaxation, self-regulation, and quiet exploration.
Specialist Subjects and Teachers
Our nursery is proud to have a dedicated team of Early Years specialist-trained teachers who are passionate about providing high-quality care and education. All staff are certified in pediatric first aid, ensuring children’s safety and well-being at all times.
To enrich our curriculum, we offer weekly visits from specialist teachers in Arabic, PE, and Music, providing children with diverse and engaging learning experiences that support their overall development. In the third term, our FS1 staff work closely with our children, offering tailored support to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the next stage of their educational journey.
Parents as Partners
We work hand in hand with parents as partners, celebrating each child’s achievements together and recognising the vital role families play in early development. By building strong, trusting relationships between home and nursery, we create a supportive, connected community where every child feels secure and valued.
Daily communication, whether through face-to-face updates or our digital platform, keeps parents informed and involved in their child’s progress. We also host regular parental events and celebration days, offering opportunities for families to actively engage in nursery life.
Real Stories
Real Experiences
Discover the impact of our community through the voices of parents who are part of our journey. Hear heartfelt testimonials sharing their experiences, insights, and the difference our school has made in their children's lives. Learn how we partner with families to create a thriving learning environment.
What I love most about the nursery environment is its warmth and inclusivity. The staff is nurturing and encourages every child to express themselves, which has significantly boosted Mylas confidence. She comes home excited about her day, sharing stories of her activities and friendships, which reflects her happiness and ease in that environment.
Raman
Nursery Parent
Our overall experience has been very positive. The caring staff, diverse activities, and supportive environment have made a big difference in our son's development. We've seen him grow in confidence, happiness, and skills since joining the nursery. We're grateful for the nurturing community that feels like an extension of our family.
Nizar
Nursery Parent
frequently asked
questions
What are the timings for the Nursery?
Our nursery offers flexible attendance options to suit the needs of busy families. Children can attend 2, 3, or 5 days per week, and we do our best to accommodate each family's preferred days. We offer three convenient pick-up times: 12:30 pm (1.30pm for FS siblings), 3:00 pm, or 4:00 pm, allowing families to choose the time that best fits their schedule. These pick-up times are aligned with the different timings of our primary school, ensuring a smooth transition for families with older children.
Do you offer the bus service for Nursery students?
Yes, nursery children can take the bus to and from school. We offer bus timings at 1:30 pm or 3:00 pm (no bus service for the 4pm session). Each child is allocated a bus guardian who ensures a safe handover to the class teacher at the start of the day. At the end of the day, our nursery staff provide support to ensure children board the bus safely. For added comfort and security, child seats are available upon request.
What kind of meals and snacks do I need to provide?
At our nursery, children will eat twice a day, or three times if staying for the later 3pm and 4pm sessions. All meals and snacks must be sent in from home, as we are unable to reheat or cool food. We also ask that all children bring a refillable water bottle with them each day. We follow a healthy eating policy, encouraging nutritious meals that support children's growth and development. For safety reasons, we ask that parents avoid sending in nuts, as we have strict guidelines to protect children with allergies. We are also a pork free setting.
Is there a settling-in period, and how is it managed?
To support our youngest learners during their transition into nursery life, we implement a gradual settling-in period during their first two weeks. Children will attend for 2 hours daily, allowing them to bond with new adults and peers and adapt to daily routines in a gentle, supportive manner. This approach helps children feel secure and confident as they begin their learning journey. We understand that each child is unique, and our experienced staff will work closely with families to ensure a smooth and positive start. If needed, we are happy to extend the settling-in process to meet the individual needs of each child.
How do you support toilet training and personal care routines?
At our nursery, we welcome children who are still in pull-ups and provide full support with intimate care as they transition towards toilet training. Our trained staff assist children with nappy changes, encourage handwashing, and promote independence in toileting routines. We work closely with families to create a consistent approach, sharing strategies and celebrating milestones together. Parents are asked to provide nappies and wipes for their child.
Our goal is to support each child's journey toward toileting independence, which is an expectation for all children in FS1. We understand that every child progresses at their own pace, and we are here to provide the care and encouragement needed to help them succeed.
Do the children nap and for how long?
Yes, Nursery children have a designated nap time of one to two hours each day. They sleep in a separate, quiet sleep room, each in their own bed. The children are always supervised by staff during nap time, and gentle support is provided to help them settle and fall asleep. Parents are asked to provide a blanket, pillow, and a soft toy if desired, to help their child feel comfortable and secure during rest time. The children do not have to sleep if parents do not require this.
Do the children need to wear a uniform?
Yes, we do have a WEK Nursery uniform available. However, children's comfort is our top priority, so wearing the uniform is not forced and children are welcome to wear their own clothes as long as they are safe and practical for a nursery setting. As we are a ‘shoes off’ nursery, children remove their outdoor shoes on entry and wear socks, bare feet, or slippers/indoor shoes while indoors. Parents are asked to provide a pair of shoes suitable for outdoor play, which will remain at nursery.
Blog
HIGHLIGHTS
While creativity and exploration are essential in the early years, a well-planned routine is just as important.
Our Nursery programme is rooted in the belief that play is the most powerful vehicle for early learning.
At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, we offer a nurturing environment rooted in the British curriculum and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.