Learn about our recent breakfast event ‘The future of your child’s education’

The theme for January’s free parent breakfast event was ‘The future of your child’s education’, sponsored by Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, South View School and Blossom Nursery. Let’s review the insightful discussions at the event – and keep a look out for the event article in the February issue of Mother Baby & Child!

The event took place on 29th January at “The Irish Village- Studio One Hotel”, Studio City, Dubai and was supported by our partners from Dubai British School Jumeirah Park Foundation, South View School and Blossom Nursery. It started with a welcome address from Veronica Martin, before introducing the first of our guest speakers.

How nursery education shapes early learning

Rose Akachi, Head of Early Years at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park Foundation.

Rose Akachi, Head of Early Years at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park Foundation spoke about how their education programs focus on integrating foundational literacy and numeracy skills through engaging and interactive methods. Play-based learning is a core part of their curriculum, fostering cognitive and social development while encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

She emphasised that social interactions in the nursery environment help children build confidence, cooperation, and empathy, supported by structured strategies that nurture these essential skills. Their curriculum is designed to ensure a smooth transition into primary education while preserving a child’s curiosity and love for learning.

Additionally, Rose outlined their strong collaboration with parents, providing guidance and resources to reinforce key skills at home, creating a well-rounded early learning experience.

Education trends in Dubai’s schools

Eisha Patton, Deputy Head of Primary – Learning, Teaching and Assessment at South View School.

Eisha Patton, Deputy Head of Primary – Learning, Teaching and Assessment at South View School took to the stage next for an insightful discussion on the future of primary education, focusing on how schools must adapt to equip students with future-ready skills in an era dominated by technology and AI.

She emphasised the evolving role of primary education in preparing students for an AI-driven world, highlighting the importance of integrating digital literacy from an early age. South View School is pioneering innovative teaching methods that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that every student thrives in an inclusive environment.

She spoke about the emerging trends in curriculum design such as project-based learning and interdisciplinary approaches. These are considered to be key drivers in preparing students for a rapidly changing global landscape.

Eisha also shared insights on combining traditional teaching with modern methodologies, ensuring that both foundational academic skills and 21st-century competencies are equally prioritised. A strong focus was also placed on nurturing creativity, emotional intelligence, and resilience alongside academic achievement, reinforcing the importance of developing well-rounded individuals.

The importance of educational play in childhood development

Hannah Pierce, Owner of Child Unplugged.

Hannah Pierce, Owner of Child Unplugged led an engaging discussion on the importance of educational play in childhood development, providing parents with practical strategies to make learning fun, natural, and screen-free.

She highlighted how everyday activities, such as cooking or walking, offer valuable opportunities to teach children foundational skills through play. Encouraging both structured and independent play helps children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence, and Hannah shared expert tips on fostering independence while ensuring meaningful engagement.

For busy parents, Hannah suggested simple yet effective activities, including sensory bins, DIY crafts, and outdoor scavenger hunts, all requiring minimal preparation. Reducing digital distractions benefits both children and parents, leading to improved focus, better sleep, and stronger family connections. Hannah offered practical strategies for making the transition easier and highlighted how playtime strengthens relationships and enhances communication.

The holistic well-being of primary students

Zaina Shihabi, Centre Director at Blossom Nurseries, Mudon.

Zaina Shihabi, Centre Director at Blossom Nurseries, Mudon ended our time with the speakers with an insightful session on the holistic well-being of students, emphasising the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition, physical activity, and screen time management.

She highlighted the significance of providing children with nutrient-rich meals to support cognitive function, energy levels, and overall well-being. She shared practical meal-planning tips for parents and educators.

Regular movement is essential for children’s mental and physical health. The discussion covered creative ways to integrate exercise into daily routines, from structured sports to unstructured outdoor play. Excessive screen exposure can impact sleep, attention span, and social interactions. Zaina provided actionable strategies for setting healthy screen-time limits while encouraging alternative activities that foster creativity and learning.

The session reinforced the importance of a well-rounded lifestyle for young learners and left attendees with valuable strategies to promote health, happiness, and holistic development in primary-aged children.

The breakfast morning ended with gift bags from Evok, who gave away chocolate bars with a heartfelt note to all attendees, Al Ain Farms contributed juices and milk and Palmer’s skin care included a body oil and cocoa butter biotin pack.

Keep an eye on the website and your email for details of our next event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Check out the Event Image Gallery HERE!