Some parents in the UAE are turning to homeschooling or hiring babysitters to bridge the gap caused by strict school age cut-offs. This situation particularly affects children born just after the admission cut-off dates, leaving families with limited options for formal education or preschools.
For children born after August 31 (international curricula) or March 31 (Indian curriculum), admission to Foundation Stage 2 (FS2) or Kindergarten 1 (KG1) can be problematic. Parents often find themselves juggling between homeschooling, temporary playschools, or additional childcare expenses.
Parents’ Frustration
Mariam Moemen Mostafa, an Egyptian-Canadian expat, moved to the UAE in October 2023, hoping to enroll her four-year-old daughter in FS2. However, the British curriculum's age cut-off ruled her daughter ineligible. "It’s frustrating. I even considered schools in Dubai, but no one made exceptions," she said. Mariam’s daughter is now being homeschooled, which she calls “a waste of resources.”
Another parent, Femina Nuvaise, an Indian expat, faces financial strain as her daughter, born in June, cannot start school until she turns five. Femina has resorted to playschool and hiring a babysitter, costing her Dh1,500 monthly, far more than typical school fees. "Transitioning to the Indian curriculum later will be harder, so I’m stuck with these expenses," she added.
Calls for Flexibility
Parents are urging regulatory authorities to reconsider rigid cut-off dates. While schools adhere to these policies, leaders suggest bridging programs or systemic changes to address gaps. Sarah Hollingworth, vice-principal at GEMS Wellington Academy, emphasized the importance of age-appropriate placements but acknowledged the need for open dialogue between schools and regulators.
Authorities like the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) maintain that cut-offs are designed with students’ social and emotional readiness in mind. However, many parents believe that more flexible options could better serve children and families in unique situations.
