Odyssey Nursery Branch
Reggio-inspired early years in JBR
Why Choose This Nursery
Overview
Odyssey Nursery's Al Barari branch brings a Reggio Emilia inspired approach to early years education amid the greenery and villas of one of Dubai's most tranquil residential communities. Part of a well-established UAE nursery group founded in 2010, this branch opened its doors in 2019 and welcomes children from three months to six years old, giving families in and around Al Barari a convenient early learning option close to home. At Odyssey, children are viewed as curious, capable individuals full of ideas. Rather than following a rigid, teacher-led curriculum, learning is guided by each child's interests, with educators, known as Guides, observing and extending discoveries as they happen. This philosophy underpins every stage of a child's journey through the nursery, from babyroom to school-readiness. Families searching for a nursery in Al Barari, Dubai will find a setting that blends hands-on, self-directed play with structured support for social, emotional and academic development, alongside daily communication and a genuine partnership with parents.
At a glance
Curriculum & Approach
Reggio Emilio • Ages 3 months to 6 years
Campus & Facilities
Located within the low-density, garden-filled surroundings of Al Barari, the Odyssey Nursery branch is fitted out with child-friendly play…
Care & Wellbeing
Odyssey Nursery places emphasis on daily communication with parents, sending photos and updates on each child's activities and milestones…
Admissions
Parents interested in the Al Barari branch can request more information or book a tour through the nursery's website by completing an…
Curriculum & Approach
Odyssey Nursery follows the Reggio Emilia approach, a globally recognised early years philosophy that treats the child as an active participant in their own learning rather than a passive recipient of lessons. Teachers act as co-learners and guides, observing each child's natural curiosity and shaping activities around it, while the nursery environment itself is designed as a 'third teacher' to inspire exploration. This approach values a hundred different ways for children to express themselves, whether through art, movement, conversation or imaginative play. Parents are considered partners in the process, encouraged to share their child's interests and observations so that learning at nursery and at home reinforce one another. As children move towards the Foundation stages, the nursery also draws on the Washington State Early Learning Developmental Benchmarks to support school readiness, encouraging social, cognitive, physical and emotional development at each child's own pace. This blend of a child-led philosophy with structured developmental benchmarks aims to build confident, independent learners ready for the transition to primary school.
Ages & Programs
Age range: 3 months to 6 years
The JBR branch of Odyssey Nursery organises children into age-based groups, each with a tailored approach to development. Babies from three to twelve months receive attentive, home-like care focused on comfort and first experiences, while toddlers aged one to two years engage in sensory play and hands-on discovery through treasure baskets and everyday materials. Children aged two to three years, in the Preschool group, are supported in building independence and self-esteem through child-directed activities covering early literacy, mathematics, science, language and social skills. The Foundation stage, for three to four year olds, prepares children for the transition to school, while Foundation 2, for four to six year olds, offers small class sizes and personalised attention for children remaining in a familiar nursery setting during their first year of formal schooling. An after-school care programme is also available, allowing children to continue their day of learning and play at the nursery until 6pm.
Languages
Campus & Facilities
Located within the low-density, garden-filled surroundings of Al Barari, the Odyssey Nursery branch is fitted out with child-friendly play areas, classrooms and dedicated eating areas designed to support both independent exploration and group learning. As with the wider Odyssey network, the setting benefits from easy access and parking, making daily drop-off and pick-up straightforward for families living in Al Barari and neighbouring villa communities. Outdoor and indoor play spaces are designed to encourage self-discovery and social play, with sensory materials and treasure baskets used to help toddlers explore textures and everyday objects. The nursery's leafy setting complements its Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy, with the environment itself treated as an active part of the learning experience.
Gallery
Care & Wellbeing
Odyssey Nursery places emphasis on daily communication with parents, sending photos and updates on each child's activities and milestones directly to their phones. This ongoing reporting is intended to keep families closely informed and reassured throughout the nursery day. Meal times are treated as an opportunity for learning as well as nourishment, with planned meal programmes designed to support focus, encourage healthy eating habits, and introduce children to new foods in a social setting alongside their peers. Settling in is approached as a partnership between nursery and family, with parents encouraged to share their child's interests and be involved in reviewing their child's portfolio and observations over time.
Admissions
Parents interested in the Al Barari branch can request more information or book a tour through the nursery's website by completing an enquiry form and selecting the Al Barari location along with their child's age group. The nursery also offers virtual tours online for families who wish to view the setting before visiting in person, making it easy to plan a visit to this nursery in Al Barari, Dubai ahead of enrolment.
Contact
Al Barari
Location
Dubai · Al Barari
Get directionsThis profile was compiled from the nursery's website — please verify details directly with the nursery.