Ages 3 - 18
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EYFS Stay & Play on May 6, 2026
At Star International School, Mirdif, children between the ages of 3 and 5 years benefit from a secure, play-based Early Years Foundation Stage in Dubai within a nurturing school environment. The school is based on exploration, creative work and intentional daily experiences that make children gain confidence, curiosity and a positive attitude towards learning in a caring environment.
Dedicated learning spaces
Young learners are provided with both indoor and outdoor systems that are well designed and thus enable them to explore and be creative, in addition to providing an orderly early learning environment. These learning areas promote independence, partnership and development in a secure physical, social and cognitive environment.
Partnership with parents
Teachers are in close, frequent contact with the parents, providing observations and updates about the progress of every child. This cooperation not only ensures that both the home and school learning are relevant to one another but also improves the development of children at large.
Multilingual learning
Children are trained to communicate in English and Arabic. English as an Additional Language (EAL) facilitates confident communication and assists in establishing a unifying classroom atmosphere, wherein children will feel free and at ease when conversing with others.
Spark curiosity with the EYFS curriculum
The EYFS curriculum, based on play, contributes to curiosity, imagination, and confidence, equipping children to continue with the next stage of their learning.
Friendly admission process
The admissions process is welcoming and personalised, with multilingual guidance to support international families in finding the right school for their child.
Life skills
Through hands-on activities and imaginative role play, children develop problem-solving, teamwork, and independence skills essential for lifelong education.
EYFS leadership
Young learners practise leadership by taking turns, supporting peers, and sharing ideas with gentle guidance from their nursery teacher.
Supportive transition
Playful sessions and peer support help children transition confidently into primary school life.
Free Stay and Play sessions
Families benefit from flexible Stay and Play sessions, giving children more time to explore, connect, and grow.
The British EYFS gives children the opportunity to participate in a well-planned education programme which helps them to develop their curiosity, confidence, and love for learning. The EYFS in Dubai, helps children to grow through giving them knowledge, skill practice, and the opportunity to show understanding in the seven essential areas of education for preschoolers.
The ability to express oneself at ease through wordsThrough stories, songs, and serious conversations, children learn to communicate. They also learn to communicate effectively, listen to people, and participate with confidence in group discussions with the assistance of skilled teachers.
The active play of children leads to the development of their physical strength Children's active play helps them to develop their predominantly physical skills and their ability to coordinate their movements, the ability to retain their balance, as well as their fine motor skills. Regular movement helps children build physical confidence and enjoy being active. Through active play, children build physical confidence and healthy movement habits from an early age. Seemingly simple activities such as crawling, rolling, or climbing support children's overall growth during early childhood education and help to develop habits of being physically active all their lives.
Becoming self-assured and understanding othersCommunication with others under supervision helps children to cultivate emotional awareness, coping capabilities, and positive relationships. The focus on the well-being of students is so intensive that it ensures that all children feel safe, respected, and confident within the school environment.
Making children love reading and writingChildren are introduced to literacy through phonics, storytelling, and hands-on activities. They get to experience and practice the skills of early reading and writing, vocabulary, and comprehension, thus being provided with the basic skills needed for the success of their entire learning period
Problem-solving through playPlayful methods of learning lead to the utmost understanding of the different mathematical concepts. Children learn in enjoyable ways, which gradually lead them to the hard places called numbers, patterns, and problem-solving, and even more so in the area of self-confidence and curiosity as well.
Fostering curiosity about nature and the environmentYoung learners are naturally curious, as they constantly pose questions and make discoveries within their immediate surroundings. This curiosity supports early thinking skills and helps children make sense of the world around them.
Inspiring creativity and imaginationThrough art, music, and creative play, children explore ideas and express themselves freely. These activities help children express ideas and emotions while developing creativity and imagination.
At Star, Mirdif, children spark curiosity and build skills like teamwork, respect and self-belief. Through our EYFS pillars, they thrive academically in a multicultural setting, with progress tracked via key milestones and personalised support to help them grow confidently.
Academic achievement
Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.
Life competencies
Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.
Multilingualism
Develop proficiency in at least one world language, while being supported in home or first languages.
Students follow the EYFS assessment framework, progressing through key milestones to show what they know and can do. Their learning is personalised based on their progress towards each outcome, with support tailored to help them move forward confidently.For instance, if a student needs support with phonics, we provide targeted strategies such as sound mats or model techniques like using ‘monster fingers’ to break words into sounds.
Students develop strong social and collaborative skills by putting our STAR values into practice every day. In EYFS, they learn to work together with the support of the Collaborative Camel, which encourages teamwork from an early age. You can see this in action in areas like construction, where students cooperate to solve problems and bring their ideas to life. Social interaction is woven throughout the day, as children learn and grow through play, shared experiences and peer-to-peer feedback.
Students explore different cultures by reading diverse stories, taking part in cultural celebrations and learning in classrooms enriched with multilingual signs.
Star International School, Mirdif, follows a carefully planned daily routine that balances play, discovery, and care. Being a British school, the routine of EYFS makes children feel assured, self-confident, and thus ready for learning all day long.
Arrival
07.30 – 07.45am
The day starts with the teachers' cordial reception each morning, assisting the little ones in a less stressful way from home to school. A peaceful and known surrounding is the main factor for children' emotional comfort; thus, no child would feel anything else but 'settled', 'safe', and 'ready' to start the day with a positive note.
Form time
07.45 – 07.55am
Morning circle time is an important daily routine. Children sing the national anthem, share thoughts and express feelings, supporting emotional awareness, communication skills, and a strong sense of belonging within the learning community.
Lessons - Periods 1 and 2
07.55 – 9.35am
The first part of the morning is totally devoted to learning through play. Children take part in storytelling, sensory play, and hands-on learning experiences that make them curious, creative, and early problem solvers with the literacy, numeracy, and creative activities.
Break
09.35 – 09.50am
Snack and outdoor playtime allow children to recharge. Physical activity supports motor skill development while social interaction helps build friendships and confidence.
Lessons - Periods 3 and 4
09.50 – 11.30am
Late morning sessions are mainly dedicated to discovery and exploration activities. Child-initiated play and guided activities give the children a chance to understand more deeply and at the same time develop the skills of being independent, collaboration, and confidence.
Lunch
11.30am – 12.15pm
Lunch is a casual and friendly time. The children have well-balanced meals, after which they have supervised outdoor play, which supports their wellbeing and positive social behaviour.
Lessons - Periods 5 and 6
12.15 – 13.30pm
The afternoon sessions are new chances for each child to get involved in creative learning, whereby every child can work at their own pace and share their ideas with confidence.
Pick-up
13.30pm
The children are led by the teachers to the parents or caregivers, thus providing a relaxing and loving finish to the day.
Extended day activities
13.45 – 16.30pm
The Extended Day programme offers enriching activities and guided learning for families needing flexible care.
Please note: On Fridays, pick-up is at 11.30 am, with lessons concluding before lunch to support staff training and preparation.
As a mum of three children at Star, I have seen how much they love learning here. Each of them is happy and excited to go to school every day. The teachers really care and make sure my kids are supported. I feel reassured knowing my children are in a positive and safe place where they are encouraged to do their best.
Katia, Parent 2025
At Star School, Mirdif, we understand that every family’s journey is unique. Contact us today to secure a place and discuss enrolment dates that fit your plans. We look forward to welcoming your child to our community!
Give your child the brightest beginning at Star International School, Mirdif's Early Years programme – where curiosity, creativity and confidence come to life.
Step inside our Early Years classrooms and experience learning through imagination, movement
