
Reggio Emilia inspired nursery on Yas Island
Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island is a Reggio Emilia inspired early years setting for boys and girls aged from a few months old up to six years, located in the West Yas area of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Regulated by ADEK, the nursery follows the UK EYFS framework alongside a Reggio-inspired philosophy that treats every child as a curious, capable individual with their own ideas to explore. Rather than delivering rigid lessons, the Odyssey team, referred to as Guides rather than teachers, observe each child's interests and use them to extend learning through play, discovery and hands-on exploration. Parents searching for a nursery in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will find a setting that positions the environment itself as a 'third teacher', designed to spark curiosity and confidence from the earliest years. As one of several Odyssey Nursery locations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Yas Island branch offers the same core approach to early education, with age-appropriate groupings from N0 through to SN, daily communication with families, and a focus on building independence, empathy and a lifelong love of learning.
EYFS • Ages 3 months to 6 years
The Yas Island branch of Odyssey Nursery is fitted out with child-friendly classrooms, play areas and eating spaces designed to support…
Daily wellbeing at Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island is supported through specially designed meal plans, with children eating together to build…
Annual tuition AED 44,325
Prospective families can book a tour of Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island directly through the nursery's website, either by requesting an…
Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island bases its educational approach on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, delivered through a distinctly Reggio Emilia inspired lens. Rather than following a fixed set of lessons, learning is guided by each child's natural curiosity, with Guides observing, supporting and extending discoveries as they arise. This approach treats children as active participants rather than passive receivers of information. Classrooms and play spaces are intentionally designed as a 'third teacher', encouraging exploration through sensory play, treasure baskets, natural materials and open-ended activities that develop tactile senses, coordination and early problem-solving skills. As children progress from the baby room through toddler, preschool and foundation stages, the nursery continues to build on early literacy, mathematics, science, language, communication and social skills, always encouraging children to learn at their own pace. Parents are treated as partners in this process, invited to share their own interests with the children and to stay closely involved in each child's portfolio and development.
Age range: 3 months to 6 years
Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island organises children into age-appropriate groups spanning N0 to SN, broadly covering babies from around three months old through to children approaching school age at six years. Babies benefit from calm, home-like care focused on first experiences and secure early attachments, while toddlers engage in sensory and discovery-based play designed around monthly developmental themes. As children move into the preschool and foundation stages, the emphasis shifts towards building independence, self-esteem and readiness for school, with child-directed activities supporting early literacy, numeracy, science and social skills. Small class sizes are used to ensure children receive personalised attention as they progress through each stage towards a smooth transition to primary school.
The Yas Island branch of Odyssey Nursery is fitted out with child-friendly classrooms, play areas and eating spaces designed to support exploration and social play throughout the day. As with other Odyssey locations, the setting places importance on easy access and a welcoming, calm environment intended to nurture a sense of wonder in young children. Indoor spaces are arranged to encourage hands-on, self-directed learning, with materials and sensory resources such as treasure baskets and natural objects made accessible so children can investigate at their own pace. Outdoor and shared play areas support physical development and social interaction alongside the nursery's academic activities.












Daily wellbeing at Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island is supported through specially designed meal plans, with children eating together to build good eating habits and curiosity about food. The nursery takes a considered approach to nutrition as part of its broader focus on healthy development. Families receive daily updates on their child's activities, progress and milestones, sent directly with photos and reports so parents can stay closely connected to their child's day even while at work. This ongoing communication is designed to build trust between families and the nursery team. An afterschool care programme is available until 6pm, allowing working parents to extend their child's day in a stimulating environment. Settling-in is supported through close partnership with parents, who are encouraged to share observations and take part in their child's ongoing development.
Children at Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island move through a day shaped by their age group, from calm, home-like routines for babies to more structured, child-directed activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Learning is woven into everyday moments such as mealtimes, sensory play and group activities, with Guides observing and responding to each child's interests throughout the day. For families needing extended hours, an afterschool care option keeps children engaged in stimulating activities until 6pm.
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (ADEK)ADEK-listed annual tuition | yearly | AED 44,325 |
Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island has a published annual tuition fee of AED 44,325. Parents should confirm current fees and any additional charges directly with the nursery, as costs may vary by age group or programme.
Prospective families can book a tour of Odyssey Nursery - Yas Island directly through the nursery's website, either by requesting an in-person visit or viewing a virtual tour online. Enquiry forms allow parents to specify their preferred location and their child's age group, from 3-12 months through to over 4 years, so the nursery can provide tailored information on the Odyssey approach.
Yas Island
Abu Dhabi · Yas Island
Get directionsThis profile was compiled from the nursery's website — please verify details directly with the nursery.