About us
About Aga Khan Early Learning Centre in Oud Metha, Dubai
A purpose-built British nursery within the Ismaili Centre, Oud Metha.
Who we are
A purpose-built nursery, voted best in Dubai 2019
The AKELC is a purpose-built nursery in Dubai, providing care and education for young children aged 12 months to 4 years. We are a British nursery in the Oud Metha area, aspiring to the highest international standards of excellence, with particular emphasis on social-emotional development, creativity and problem-solving.
We love literacy — with almost 4,000 library books. We are your neighbourhood nursery near Dubai Healthcare City, American Hospital, Mediclinic City Hospital, ENOC, Emirates Airlines and DEWA.
From our team
Message from the Nursery Manager
Located within the beautiful Ismaili Centre in Oud Metha, AKELC is a purpose-built nursery and preschool welcoming children from 12 months to four years. Our inclusive, bilingual English and Arabic programme combines the EYFS curriculum with elements of the HighScope approach. Through purposeful play, exploration and Plan-Do-Review experiences, children are encouraged to make choices, share ideas and become confident, independent learners.
At AKELC, we recognise that every child is unique. Our experienced educators create meaningful learning opportunities inspired by each child's interests, abilities and stage of development. Children benefit from bright classrooms filled with natural light, a well-stocked library, a large indoor gym and two outdoor play areas.
As Nursery Manager, I am passionate about creating a calm, nurturing and joyful environment where children feel safe, confident and excited to learn. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, I believe strong relationships between children, families and educators provide the foundation for every child to thrive.
Cara Small, Nursery Manager
Vision, mission & philosophy
Vision
To provide a strong foundation for children's continuing educational growth and lifelong learning.
Mission
To offer broad, holistic early childhood education on a secular and non-denominational basis that demonstrates internationally recognised standards of excellence.
Recognition
Accreditation & awards
NDNA Level 3 – Exemplary
UK National Day Nurseries Association accreditation.
Jawda 5-Star
UAE Jawda Quality Improvement Program rating.
Best Nursery, Dubai 2019
Top Schools Awards.
International Nursery of the Year 2018
NDNA international award.
Edarabia Parents' Choice 2017
Parents' Choice Award.
Fatima Bint Mubarak Finalist 2018
Leading Nursery finalist.
Our lineage
Part of the Aga Khan Development Network
AKELC is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), located within the Ismaili Centre Dubai, and draws on the extensive experience of the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) — a global system of more than 250 schools and educational programmes across Asia and Africa.
“The Aga Khan Education Services will draw on its own extensive experience in many parts of the world to offer broad, holistic, early childhood education on a secular and non-denominational basis at the highest standards of excellence.”