The Knightsbridge Nursery School launches in Umm Suqeim

Catering by the French Bakery, play and educational equipment imported from Britain and France and staff touting the importance of starting education early.

Termed "the ivy league for the junior set" - the Knightsbridge offers a British Foundation education for children 4 months to 4+ years. Their proprietary Ivy Advantage curriculum blends British and American models with a sensory-based learning environment that stimulates a childs curiosity and desire to learn.

The 24,000 square foot space is custom designed to teach with learning zones incorporating reflexology, phonics, fitness, math magicians, languages and the celebrated miss manners ensuring dubai's youngest are comfortable in a variety of settings and exposed to skills and concepts from around the world.

Founder and Ivy league graduate, Miss Zahra explains: "Skillplay is a first in the region; an activity based afternoon learning experience for ages 3-8 years old with an innovative schedule with value adds like tennis, math magicians and yoga which help the youngest find things to excel in and later develop hobbies into talents that help them compete in the global educational marketplace."

While Dubai schools do not yet interview children as young as two for its coveted educational spots, in SW7 London and New York's swanky Upper East side this is the norm and children are expected to have acquired certain skills and know how by a very young age. Is this too much pressure - not by the Knightsbridge design where the curriculum is weaved into activities - learning fractions at three? Sure, in cupcakes cooking class sharing an apple is made into such a lesson. The key is innovative learning materials and staff with qualifications, experience and enthusiasium who engage children with everyday activities all designed to keep childrens brains and bodies active. Theis nursery aims to be more than proven methods and mantras - but a true ivy league for the junior set of Dubai.

The Knightsbridge Information:

The Knightsbridge is open 50 weeks per year and parents have the option of academic term or the all year program enrolment. Healthy breakfast is served each morning ensuring children get off to a right start and snacks and lunch are also included in the fees. The "smartbook" record keeps parents informed of their childs development with art, photos and formal assessments. The two qualified nurses make sure there is always a medic on site and all staff have gone through certificated St. Johns Ambulance First Aid training. The Knightsbridge package ensures children aged 4 months to 4+ years are given the best pre-prep nursery experience with the guidance and opportunity to "strive for the best" along with the right skills to get there.

Registration is now open for January 2007 at their Umm Suqeim 3 site located just one minute away from The Jumeirah Beach Hotel.