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New beginning for oldest nursery

DUBAI — Jebel Ali Village Nursery, one of the oldest nurseries in the emirate, has got a second lease of life after being given an alternative place to relocate to near the Ibn Battuta Mall in Jebel Ali.

The nursery's 150-odd children will now begin the new academic year in September at the new location. However, parents can expect a fee increase in the new year.

The 32-year-old nursery was asked to relocate by August 31 from its villa premises as the entire village is being redeveloped to create quality housing. Developer Nakheel has now helped them find an alternative place, following the pleas from parents and children of the nursery to keep it open.

Khaleej Times had reported in June this year that the nursery had been assured of an alternative place in 2009. However, the management and parents were worried whether the nursery would be forced to close down during the interim one-year period.

Shehla Bridle, managing director of Jebel Ali Village Nursery, said the news has come as a relief to them considering that the deadline would have expired in less than a fortnight. "We are very happy that the relocation has happened in time. The children will not have to commute too far and they will be in familiar surroundings. Importantly, the continuity to the nursery remains," she said.

The nursery has started notifying parents, who are mostly on vacation. "We are glad that Nakheel has helped us in finding an alternative place. In September, we will begin our new year once the facilities are upgraded," said Bridle, adding that it could accommodate all students until it moves to the purpose-built nursery near Ibn Battuta Mall.

The parents can, however, expect a fee increase since the facilities are being upgraded and the new premises are lot more expensive. The official said that they are still in the process of working out the details. The term fees are between Dh6,500 and Dh8,000 now.

"The new fees will kick in once we relocate," said Bridle.

A parent, who plans to put her child in Jebel Ali Village Nursery next year, welcomed the move. "I have been hoping they would not close down as it is one of the oldest and reputed nurseries in the emirate. I am glad now that I can put my daughter there," said the parent, who did not want to be named.

Alison, mother of a student, had earlier expressed concern about disrupting the children by changing their nursery.

In a written statement, Nakheel said it is assisting the nursery to relocate to alternative premises. Nakheel spokesperson Aaron Richardson said, "The new (purpose-built) facility will be available within the next 12 months."

preeti@khaleejtimes.com