Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa
A Japanese, Finnish and Montessori-inspired learning journey
Why Choose This Nursery
Overview
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa is a Montessori and EYFS-inspired nursery in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, welcoming boys and girls from six months to four years old. Regulated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the nursery is set within a dedicated villa on 17th Street, Khalifa City A, and is designed around a calm, positive environment where children feel safe, secure and free to explore. The nursery's approach blends three early years practices, Japanese, Finnish and Modern Montessori, into what it describes as a transformational learning journey. Child-led learning sits at the centre of daily life, with practitioners supporting each child's natural curiosity through practical, relationship-driven experiences. Parents searching for a nursery in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi will find a setting that places nature, sustainability and hands-on discovery alongside structured early years learning, with classrooms organised by age group and a strong focus on independence and confidence-building from the earliest years.
At a glance
Curriculum & Approach
EYFS · Montessori • Ages 6 months to 4 years
Campus & Facilities
The Khalifa City A branch of Ichiban Nursery is based in a dedicated villa on 17th Street, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, offering a home-like…
Care & Wellbeing
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa describes a strong focus on staff-to-child ratios so that each child receives individual attention from qualified…
Fees
Annual tuition AED 38,000
Admissions
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa welcomes both boys and girls across its N0 to N4 and SN age groups. The nursery offers daily tours for…
Curriculum & Approach
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa follows a UK EYFS and Montessori-based approach, combined with influences from Japanese and Finnish early years practice. This fusion is intended to give children a free-flowing learning journey that is led by their own natural interests, rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all timetable. Learning is structured around a blend of six concepts across the nursery's classrooms and activity areas, supporting children's healthy development within a positive, engaging environment. Practitioners aim to nurture creativity, curiosity and critical awareness, helping each child develop their own interests and talents. Nature and sustainability run through much of the programme, with resources made from reclaimed or recycled materials and dedicated organic vegetable and flower patches used as a source of everyday learning. Activities such as gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, music, yoga and imaginative play are woven into the curriculum alongside more traditional early years foundations.
Ages & Programs
Age range: 6 months to 4 years
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa organises its classrooms by age, covering children from six months through to four years old, in line with the ADEK-recognised stages from N0 to N4 and SN. Dedicated classroom groupings are provided for babies aged 6 to 12 months, toddlers aged 13 to 23 months, children aged 2 to 3 years, and children aged 3 to 4 years. Each age group has its own activity areas designed to support the specific developmental needs of that stage, from sensory exploration in the baby room through to more structured pre-school activities as children approach school readiness. Across all groups, children take part in a shared programme of painting, music, storytelling, gardening, cooking, sand and water play, and introductory language activities.
Languages
Campus & Facilities
The Khalifa City A branch of Ichiban Nursery is based in a dedicated villa on 17th Street, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, offering a home-like setting for young children. The nursery is open from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, giving working families a full-day option in this popular residential area of Abu Dhabi. Outdoor space plays a central role in the setting, with specially designed planting areas used for gardening and growing vegetables and flowers as part of the nursery's wellbeing programme. Activity rooms are arranged by age group and resourced to support hands-on, exploratory play, including reading corners, sand and water play areas, and space for music and movement. As part of daily life, children take part in supervised water play and outdoor learning designed to engage the senses and build physical confidence, alongside quieter spaces for stories and rest.
Gallery
Care & Wellbeing
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa describes a strong focus on staff-to-child ratios so that each child receives individual attention from qualified practitioners. The nursery's team is presented as highly qualified and dedicated, working within a relationship-driven environment intended to help children feel secure and well cared for throughout the day. Settling in is supported through guidance for families whose child may be starting nursery or school for the first time, including practical tips on separation to help ease the transition for both children and parents. Healthy eating is encouraged through the nursery's cooking activities, where children help prepare snacks using fresh ingredients, including produce harvested from the nursery's own garden.
Daily Schedule
While a detailed timetable is not published, a typical day at Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa runs between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, and blends structured and child-led activities across the nursery's six concepts of learning. Children move between activity areas for painting, music and singing, story time, table and floor toys, and sand or water play. Outdoor and nature-based learning, including gardening in the nursery's planting areas, is built into the day, alongside cooking sessions where children help prepare healthy snacks. Yoga and mindfulness activities are also included to support focus and relaxation across the day.
Fees
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (ADEK)ADEK-listed annual tuition | yearly | AED 38,000 |
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa publishes an annual tuition fee of AED 38,000. Parents are encouraged to contact the nursery directly for full details of what is included and any additional charges.
Admissions
Ichiban Nursery - Khalifa welcomes both boys and girls across its N0 to N4 and SN age groups. The nursery offers daily tours for prospective families, who are invited to contact the Khalifa City A branch directly to schedule an appointment and see the classrooms and facilities in person. Enquiries can be made by phone, WhatsApp or through the nursery's website contact form, with staff available to discuss enrolment, age groupings and next steps for joining the nursery in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi.
Contact
Khalifa City
Location
Abu Dhabi · Khalifa City
Get directionsThis profile was compiled from the nursery's website — please verify details directly with the nursery.