Jebel ali nursery in JBR or Raffles nursery in Dubai marina: which one to choose?

Hi HAK, Thanks a lot for your answer. From what I saw, I liked both, but I still have some questions about both too, hence my hesitation. Apparently, the child ratio per class is much higher now in raffles, I was told 22 children in the class where my LO would go. Then, there is 2,5 persons per class ( 1 teacher, 1 assistant, and 1 other assistant that navigate between 2 classes)....last but not least, they haven't recruited the teacher yet. So I am a bit worried. Concerning jebel Ali, call me crazy, but I was a bit concerned about the lovely big patio that they use for outdoor time. It is very nice, but I am always scared when standing at the feet of these high towers in jbr. What if someone drops something from a balcony/ window? (I know, I am bit paranoid...) Sounds like she'd be in the same class as my DD! They actually split the FS1 group into 2, the younger being the rising 3s and the older being the rising 4s, of which apparently there are many this year, so DD's class will be primarily of children who turn 4 in the next couple of months (ie just missed the FS2 cut-off). The vice made her numbers call based on that, as in the maturity of the kids in that class actually reflects a primary school class, more than a nursery. I too was a bit surprised, but I asked her this morning and that was her response. As for the teacher... yes, another raised eyebrow on my part, but she was completely open about it and I can't really say anything on a public forum, but basically, she assured me there would be someone competent in place next week, and if there happened to be a cross-over, she would do it herself. She's very clear on the kind of teacher she wants for the job and is not willing to compromise... Regarding Jebel Ali, I have to say I looked at it and formed my opinion of it a couple of years ago, so the target age I was looking at was different (although my son is now that age) and a lot could have changed in between time. I wasn't happy about the ratios and the [lack of'> activities in the afternoons. Anyhow, the decision on nursery should really be about what suits you and your child/ren best - they all offer different levels of care, different focusses and activities and go about them in slightly different ways... just as we do, as parents. I think also another decider is to ask yourself what you are hoping to get from the nursery experience for your child - some will want a home-from-home feel, others just need childcare or want a place to socialise their children, especially if they don't attend m/any toddler groups... others still (like me) want a setting that offers focussed activities to complement what is (or isn't!) available at home. I hopes this helps a bit. Certainly talk to the vice about your concerns directly - she really is very open about it all and very reasonable.

I'm biased because DD goes to the Raffles, which I preferred to the Jebel Ali one, but I have friends whose children go/ have been to the Jebel Ali one and have loved it. I like the Raffles because of the staff (all enthusiastic and well-trained, plus a vice-principal who is spot on the mark and always open to a conversation if there are any problems), the class sizes (my 2yr old is in a class of 12 and last year, DD (then 3) was in a class of 16), the facilities (cosy, but bright, nicely laid out classes and a good-sized outdoor area which they use every day). DD loves it there - she's been asking me for the last week if it's time to go to "school" yet - and the best is that they really tailor their class activities to the individual child, rather than just paying lip-service to it.