Dubai British Foundation

Dubai British Foundation, known as DBF, opened in 2014 in Jumeirah Islands as the Early Years school of the Taaleem group's Dubai British School community. Children aged three to five follow the English EYFS framework in FS1 and FS2, and a Rising 3s programme, stay-and-play mornings and playgroups prepare toddlers before they start.

Teaching is play-based and aligned with the EYFS framework, drawing on Reggio Emilia, Maria Montessori and the Curiosity Approach. Planning follows children's interests, with continuous and enhanced provision and high-quality interactions, and the Leuven scales are used to monitor each child's emotional wellbeing. All teachers hold a Bachelor of Education or higher, and specialist teachers cover performing arts, Arabic and PE and swimming.

Everything sits on one level in a building designed for this age group. Children move between indoor classrooms and outdoor learning areas, use a swimming pool and a library, and have a sensory room open all day.

DBF calls itself fully inclusive and follows the Dubai Universal Access Code. A SENDCO and Inclusion Lead run a three-tier model of support, universal, targeted and specialist, for neurodiverse children and students of determination, drawing up Individual Education Plans and liaising with Early Intervention Centres when a child moves into mainstream schooling. The step-free building suits children with mobility needs, the sensory room is available throughout the day, and families can hire an Individual Learning Support Assistant at their own expense.