Parent questions

Frequently Asked Questions

01

About Beginnings

What is Beginnings Forest Montessori?

Beginnings Forest Montessori is a boutique early childhood centre in Dubai for children from 2 months to 6 years. We combine authentic Montessori principles with meaningful outdoor experiences, helping children grow in independence, confidence, curiosity and respect.

What does “Forest Montessori” mean?

Forest Montessori brings together the carefully prepared environment of Montessori with the freedom and discovery of nature-based learning. Children enjoy regular opportunities to explore, move, observe and learn outdoors within our expansive natural environment.

What makes Beginnings different?

We are intentionally small, welcoming no more than 60 children at a time. This allows us to know every child and family personally while creating a calm, warm and thoughtfully prepared environment.

Our approach also includes daily Arabic, Islamic values, UAE culture and meaningful outdoor learning alongside Montessori education.

Is Beginnings a nursery or an early childhood centre?

Beginnings is a KHDA-regulated Early Childhood Centre offering education and care for children from infancy through 6 years of age.

Where is Beginnings located?

Beginnings Forest Montessori is located in Muhaisnah 1, Dubai.

02

Montessori Education

What is the Montessori approach?

Montessori is a child-centred approach that supports independence, concentration, confidence and a genuine love of learning. Children work within carefully prepared environments using purposeful materials and receiving guidance from trained educators.

Will my child be allowed to do whatever they want?

Montessori offers freedom within clear and respectful boundaries. Children are supported in making appropriate choices while learning responsibility, patience, consideration and care for their environment.

Is Montessori suitable for every child?

Montessori can support many different personalities and learning styles because children are observed and guided according to their individual development. Our admissions team will discuss your child’s needs with you to ensure Beginnings is the right environment for them.

Does Montessori prepare children academically?

Yes. Montessori builds strong foundations in language, mathematics, practical life, sensory development, culture and social understanding. It also develops concentration, problem-solving and independence—skills that support children well beyond the early years.

Will my child be prepared for primary school?

Yes. Our programme supports children academically, socially, emotionally and practically. We help them develop the confidence, independence and foundational skills needed for a smooth transition into their next school.

Do children learn through play?

Yes. Young children learn through movement, exploration, repetition, imagination and hands-on experience. At Beginnings, play and purposeful activity are thoughtfully balanced according to each child’s age and development.

Do you offer Arabic and Islamic learning?

Yes. Arabic is part of the children’s regular experience from infancy. Islamic values and cultural learning are introduced gently and meaningfully, with respect for the age, background and understanding of each child.

How much time do children spend outdoors?

Outdoor learning is an important part of the Beginnings experience. Children regularly use our extensive outdoor environment for movement, exploration, nature-based discovery and age-appropriate learning, subject to weather and safety conditions.

03

Babies and Tiny Toes

At what age can my baby join Beginnings?

We welcome babies from 2 months old, subject to availability and an admissions discussion with the family.

What is the Tiny Toes programme?

Tiny Toes is our calm and nurturing environment for babies. It supports early movement, sensory discovery, communication, secure relationships and growing independence in an age-appropriate Montessori setting.

How do you help babies settle in?

Settling-in is handled gently and individually. We work closely with parents to understand each baby’s routine, comfort needs and temperament, allowing the child time to build trust with their educators.

Will you follow my baby’s feeding and sleeping routine?

Our team discusses each baby’s established routine with the family and aims to maintain consistency wherever reasonably possible. As babies grow, routines are reviewed together to support their changing developmental needs.

Is the baby room safe?

Yes. The Tiny Toes environment is carefully prepared with age-appropriate furniture, materials and movement spaces. Safety, cleanliness, supervision and emotional security are central to the room’s daily practice.

What should I pack for my baby?

Families receive an age-appropriate packing list before the child starts. This may include labelled bottles or food, spare clothing, nappies, wipes and any other approved personal-care items required during the day.

How will I know about my baby’s day?

Parents receive regular communication about their child’s care, development and important moments. Our educators also maintain open communication with families during settling-in and throughout the child’s time at Beginnings.

04

Age Groups and Placement

What ages do you accept?

Beginnings welcomes children from 2 months to 6 years.

How are children placed into classes?

Placement is based on the child’s date of birth, developmental readiness, previous educational experience and applicable KHDA requirements. Our admissions team confirms the appropriate class after reviewing each child individually.

What are the class groups at Beginnings?

Our environments include:

  • Tiny Toes
  • Toddlers
  • Twos
  • Threes
  • Children’s House

The admissions team will confirm the correct placement for your child according to age, readiness and regulatory requirements.

Can my child move into a higher age group early?

Class movement is not based on academics alone. We consider the whole child, including emotional readiness, independence, communication, social development and applicable age-placement requirements. Any transition is discussed carefully with the family.

How does the age cut-off affect school placement?

Age cut-offs are determined by the relevant UAE education requirements and may also depend on the curriculum followed by the child’s future school. Because every child’s date of birth and progression history is different, our admissions team provides individual guidance before enrolment.

Can my child stay at Beginnings until age six?

Yes, subject to the child’s date of birth, placement, availability and applicable KHDA requirements. Our Children’s House environment supports children through their final early-years stages before primary school.

Do you accept children during the academic year?

Admissions may be available throughout the year when a suitable place is open. As Beginnings maintains a limited capacity, families are encouraged to enquire early.

05

Daily Life at Beginnings

What are your operating hours?

Programme timings and available attendance options may vary according to the child’s age and selected schedule. Our admissions team will provide the current timings and options during your enquiry.

Do children need to wear a uniform?

Yes. Beginnings has a uniform, and children aged three and above also require the designated PE kit. Full details are provided during registration.

What should my child bring each day?

Children should bring the items listed for their particular age group, clearly labelled with their name. Families receive a complete packing guide before starting.

Do you provide meals?

Our admissions team will explain the current food arrangements and provide guidance on what should be packed for your child. Families must inform us of any allergies, dietary requirements or medical concerns before the child begins.

Do children have nap or rest time?

Yes. Age-appropriate rest opportunities are included in the day. Younger children’s routines are discussed individually, while older children are provided with suitable quiet or rest periods where needed.

How do you support children who do not speak English?

Our educators use calm communication, familiar routines, visual guidance, observation and positive relationships to help children feel secure. Children are given time to understand and communicate without unnecessary pressure.

How do you manage challenging behaviour?

Behaviour is approached with calmness, consistency and respect. Educators help children understand emotions, boundaries and appropriate ways to communicate while considering the developmental reason behind the behaviour.

How do you communicate with parents?

Parents receive regular updates and developmental observations. Educators and management are also available to discuss important matters concerning a child’s learning, care and wellbeing.

06

Admissions and Visiting

How can I apply for a place?

Families can submit an enquiry through our website or contact the admissions team. We will discuss your child’s age, required schedule, preferred start date and current availability before guiding you through registration.

Is there a waiting list?

Places can be limited because Beginnings maintains a boutique capacity of no more than 60 children at a time. If the required class or schedule is full, families may be offered a place on the waiting list.

Can I book a tour before registering?

Yes. We warmly encourage families to visit Beginnings, experience the environment and understand our approach before making their decision.

Can I bring my child to the tour?

The admissions team will advise whether your child should attend based on the type and timing of the appointment.

What documents are required for registration?

Required documents generally include identification, residency, medical and previous educational records where applicable. The admissions team will provide the current registration checklist.

Is a place guaranteed after submitting an enquiry?

Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee placement. A place is confirmed only after availability has been checked, the admissions process has been completed and the required registration steps and payments have been received.

How can I learn more about your teaching approach?

Our website provides an introduction to the Beginnings philosophy. The best way to understand the depth of our approach is to visit us, experience the environment and speak personally with our team.

Still Have a Question?

Every child and family is different.

If your question has not been answered here, please contact our admissions team or arrange a personal tour of Beginnings Forest Montessori.