British Oak Montessori KG received an overall rating of Acceptable in its first ADEK Irtiqa inspection for the 2025-2026 academic year. The kindergarten demonstrates several strengths, particularly in fostering positive student attitudes and respectful relationships with staff, alongside effective safety arrangements.
Key strengths include positive teacher-student interactions that create a calm and supportive learning atmosphere, and strong partnerships with parents, ensuring the kindergarten is an integral part of the community. Reading development is well-embedded across the curriculum, utilizing programs like Jolly Phonics and Read Write Inc., supported by regular professional development for teachers.
However, the inspection identified areas for development, including strengthening students’ achievement across core subjects, enhancing teaching strategies and differentiated instruction, and improving curriculum adaptation. Leadership is encouraged to establish a dedicated inclusion team, extend the leadership capacity, and enhance self-evaluation and governance oversight to improve student outcomes.
Outstanding
Very Good
Good
Acceptable
Weak
Very Weak
British Oak Montessori Kg Overall Rating
Acceptable
The six Irtiqa inspection standards used by ADEK to evaluate school performance across Abu Dhabi.
Students' achievement is rated Acceptable overall. Attainment and progress in English, Mathematics, and Science are Acceptable, with Science showing improvement from Weak to Acceptable over the past two years. However, attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic as a second language are Weak, requiring significant strengthening of foundational literacy and numeracy skills across all core subjects. Islamic EducationArabic as a second languageEnglishMathematicsScience
Students demonstrate positive attitudes, responsible behavior, and respectful interactions. They show an adequate understanding of Islamic values and an appreciation for UAE culture, though deeper understanding of global cultures and the broader role of Islam in UAE society is developing. Social responsibility is evident through community initiatives, but innovation skills remain at an early stage, and overall attendance is Very Weak. positive attitudesrespectful interactionscommunity initiativesVery Weak attendance
Teaching for effective learning is Acceptable, with teachers demonstrating secure curriculum knowledge and using practical, sensory experiences. However, the range of teaching strategies is limited in Arabic, and differentiation is inconsistent in practice. Assessment processes are consistent in English and Mathematics, but moderation and data analysis by groups are still developing, particularly in Arabic and Science, limiting reliable progress measurement. EYFSNational Curriculum for Englanddifferentiationassessment data analysis
The curriculum, based on EYFS and the National Curriculum for England, is generally broad and balanced, providing adequate progression. However, implementation of the MoE Arabic curriculum is not yet secure, and cross-curricular links are inconsistent. Curriculum adaptation is adequate in planning but less effective in practice, with limited structured opportunities for creativity, innovation, and deeper integration of UAE culture and values. EYFSNational Curriculum for EnglandMoE curriculumcurriculum adaptation
The kindergarten provides Good protection, care, guidance, and support. Safeguarding procedures, including child protection and online safety, are effective and well-communicated. Staff are trained in health and safety, and the environment is safe, hygienic, and secure. Students feel safe and confident in reporting concerns, though their awareness of safeguarding is mainly limited to the kindergarten setting. effective safeguardingchild protectionsafe, hygienic, and secure environment
Leadership and management are rated Acceptable. While partnerships with parents are Good, the effectiveness of leadership, self-evaluation, governance, and management of resources are Acceptable. There is a need to strengthen leadership capacity, enhance self-evaluation and improvement planning with wider evidence, and formalize governance oversight to improve student outcomes. leadership effectivenessparent partnershipsgovernance oversight
Standout achievements identified by the inspection team that distinguish this school.
Students demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and their kindergarten, fostering respectful relationships with staff.
Teacher and student interactions are positive, promoting a calm and supportive environment conducive to learning.
The kindergarten has effective arrangements for ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff, including clear child protection measures.
Strong partnerships with parents ensure the kindergarten is seen as an integral part of the community, actively involving families.
Reading development is effectively embedded across the curriculum, utilizing structured phonics programs and regular monitoring.
Teachers demonstrate secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for England.
Effectiveness of school governance, strategic planning, and leadership capacity to drive continuous improvement.
The leadership team is committed to improving student outcomes, demonstrating an Acceptable approach to management and self-evaluation. They foster strong partnerships with parents and ensure adequate resources. However, there is a recognized need to extend leadership capacity, establish a dedicated inclusion team, and enhance systematic monitoring and governance oversight to drive consistent improvement in teaching, learning, and curriculum implementation.
Students' attainment and progress are Acceptable in English, Mathematics, and Science, with Science showing improvement. However, attainment and progress in Islamic Education and Arabic as a second language are Weak, indicating a need to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills, accurate Qur’an recitation, and scientific inquiry across all core subjects.
Students exhibit positive attitudes, responsible behavior, and respectful interactions. They have an adequate understanding of Islamic values and appreciate UAE culture, though deeper engagement with global cultures and the broader societal role of Islam needs development. While social responsibility is evident, innovation and creativity skills are limited, and overall attendance is Very Weak.
Teachers demonstrate secure curriculum knowledge and use practical, sensory experiences, but teaching strategies are limited in Arabic, and differentiation is inconsistently implemented. Internal assessment processes are consistent in English and Mathematics, but moderation and data analysis by groups are still developing in Arabic and Science, impacting reliable progress measurement and consistent feedback.
The curriculum, based on EYFS and the National Curriculum for England, is generally broad and balanced with adequate progression. However, the implementation of the MoE Arabic curriculum is not yet secure, and cross-curricular links are inconsistent. Curriculum adaptation is more evident in planning than in practice, and structured opportunities for creativity, innovation, and deeper integration of UAE culture are limited.
The kindergarten maintains effective safeguarding procedures, including child protection and online safety, with trained staff and a safe, hygienic environment. Students feel secure and confident in reporting concerns, though their awareness of safeguarding is primarily limited to the kindergarten setting. Care and support are Acceptable, with positive student-staff interactions.