Finnish-inspired, play-based nursery in Al Bateen for babies from 2 months to 4 years
Kipinä Nursery School in Al Bateen is the Abu Dhabi campus of Kipinä, an international early childhood group whose curriculum is built on Finnish early education. The group credits Ali Irfan with opening the first Kipinä preschool in the UAE, and parents' testimonials on the site date the Abu Dhabi community back to 2015. The programme blends play-based, guided learning with short Focused Instruction sessions, tracking each child across six domains: literacy and language, relationships and character, cultural awareness, physical development and wellness, numeracy, and cognitive development through play. Character development and eco-consciousness are woven into daily routines, and the school follows a no-homework, no-worksheet philosophy. Kipinä follows a full-inclusion approach, with individual needs met through Focused Instruction time and early interventions tracked on the teachers' app.
Manager Farah Isa has worked with Kipinä since 2017, holds a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard's Zaentz Academy and has trained in paediatric first aid, child protection and safeguarding. Head/manager: Farah Isa.
Full inclusion policy: all children follow the same programme, with individual needs met through Focused Instruction time and early interventions tracked by teachers; additional support staff agreed with parents where needed. Academic managers complete leadership training including special needs (Häme University of Applied Sciences).
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This nursery has been an absolute blessing for our family. You know you've found the best place when your child runs with open arms to give their teacher a big, happy hug every single morning. The high standards of the educational system shine through every day.
My son has been there for more than two years, and we have seen such a big difference in his development, confidence, and overall progress. We are so happy that we have decided to enroll our daughter at Kipina as well.
I have had 3 children attend Kipina and it has been a wonderful experience each time. The quality of play-based education, paired with the kind and compassionate staff, is unmatched. Every day there is a new fun setup outside for the kids to play and explore.
Both of my children have attended Kipina nursery in Bateen for several years. The nursery follows the Finnish approach and the positive impact on my children has been very clear. It prepares children for school socially and emotionally as well.
13 Al Mirzam St, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Behind the BMW showroom (Al Khalidiya).