Topsy77

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Latest post on 13 January 2017 - 01:51

Butterfly - can I ask how the Dial a Driver has been going for you if you ended up using them? We have a transport issue at DESS too and I would love to know how this option has worked out. Thanks.

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Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 18:03

No, unfortunately I won't pass a test before coming. I will take lessons as soon as we arrive, but it will take some time to pass (if ever!). I think the school bus was roughly 25, 000 per academic year for three children, so will have to think about what's best. Had been leaning towards Jebel Ali, so now wondering whether we should be doing DESS instead...are they good for music and drama as well as sport? Love the idea that we could get places on the metro from school. What is Mirdiff like as an area? Are there any family compounds there? Thanks so much for your help. It's so difficult from a distance.

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Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 16:45

Thank you.

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Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 11:36

We are arriving in January and will be looking to hire a driver straightaway as I can't drive and we need to start school runs etc. immediately. This is my biggest worry about moving to Dubai. Could anyone tell me the best way to find a driver - through an agency/word of mouth and roughly what it would cost please? The two school runs a day are the priority at the moment, but if it's impossible to find part-time, then will go for whatever we have to. Thanks.

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Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 10:47

By the way, Buddha, you were right about JESS, they are totally full. We have discounted them now unfortunately.

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Latest post on 27 September 2016 - 10:45

Thank you Buddha. Yes, I can see now that we will need a driver, at least part-time. for the school runs. This also would give us the freedom of after-school clubs. We have offers of places, subject to assessment, at Jebel Ali, DESS, DBS Jumeirah Park and Kings Al Barsha. We are waitlisted at Nord Anglia, but prioritised as coming from a sister school. No guarantee there though of course. We can't pay the registration for all of them though so will need to come to a decision before the look-see. I understand we will need to have a driver whichever of these options we go with except, potentially DBSJP if we can get a villa in Jumeirah Park near to the school. DBSJP is the only one I haven't heard much about though - the others all seems to have good reports from people I've asked (limited number to be fair) and from forum searches. I couldn't see any villa-type accommodation near to DESS, though might be wrong. Seemed to be more apartments. Do you know a reliable place to enquire about driver rate and availability? THanks.

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Latest post on 26 September 2016 - 10:29

Thank you Countess Wrinkle. If we were to go for Jebel Ali, where would be the most convenient place to live? I don't have a car so am in trouble in that sense with any school and will have to get a driver. Is The Ranches convenient for the new campus? Thanks,

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Latest post on 25 September 2016 - 18:28

Thank you. It sounds like you are very happy with the school! I hear it is really good for sport as well. I suppose my real question is, if the fees were al the same, would you still pick a not for profit school over a private one? Our children are in yrs 1, 3 and 5 so the level of academics is quite important, especially for our yr 5 boy who will be competing to get into secondary soon enough. Is it right that many people go for DESS because of the route into DESC for secondary? This is tempting for us. I am hearing from acquaintances who are teachers that the not for profit schools are really good, but with Nord Anglia etc. I know what to expect as we are coming from a similar school. It's very confusing and time is not on our side. All the schools want money to register and we can't pay all of them - really difficult to choose over long distance.

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Latest post on 25 September 2016 - 02:49

The school dilemma continues.... I would love to hear comments on Jebel Ali (I think this is now at a new campus?), JESS AR and DESS please. If you were offered a place at Nord Anglia, Kings Al Barsha or DBS JP would you turn it down in favour of one of the not for profit schools mentioned above? Grateful for any opinions.

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Latest post on 18 September 2016 - 21:00

Got it. Will send a mail now and you'll have my address too.

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Latest post on 18 September 2016 - 18:57

Thank you. It's great to see that there are a few options out there. Feeling a little more positive now. I need to look into school transport cost vs.hiring a driver and then make a final decision on whether to try and find a villa near a school (with places!) or to knock it all on the head and get the school bus. Thanks again.

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Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 20:12

Thank you. You've been very helpful.

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Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 15:42

Sorry Buddha - do you know the name of the new school in Arabian Ranches please?

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Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 15:41

Thank you very much sarahlou and Buddha. I had hoped that cycling within a residential complex would be ok, but sounds like it might not be such a good plan. Unfortunately we don't live in the UK and I don't think an intensive driving course is an option, though I will look into it. THis is worrying. I have no choice about this posting so will have to come up with a solution. Perhaps I can learn to drive whilst we're there? Meanwhile, I had thought that DBSJP looked to be in the actual residential area. It's so hard to tell when you've not visiited and relying on google maps ;) Regarding school buses - am happy to use them, but, as you say buddha, the after school clubs would be an issue. In Dubai are most extra-curricular activities centred around school or do they run things in the communities too? Thanks.

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Latest post on 17 September 2016 - 15:32

Newdxb - I am an ancient mother (45 when our last one was born, she is now almost 18 months) and would be very happy to meet up. We are arriving around Christmas time and I will get in touch then if you are still interested :)

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