New bilingual, expert-led training programmes: Here is how a UAE education group is empowering nannies

Dubai: Dubai-headquartered global education group GEMS announced Tuesday it has launched a one-of-its-kind initiative to empower families, including nannies, “with the tools, knowledge and confidence to support young children during the most critical phase of their development.”

‘The GEMS of Early Childhood’, according to the school operator, has been designed to support families in nurturing the development of young children from infancy.

The initiative, run by Sarah O’Regan, Principal and CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis (WSO), hopes to create a space where parents and nannies can access “accredited, expert-led training, bilingual resources, community events, and holistic support services.”

She said, “The GEMS of Early Childhood is about meeting families where they are – and walking with them every step of the way.”

Sarah added, “This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s personal, practical, and deeply rooted in science and compassion. We’re building a village – a place where every parent feels supported, every question is welcome, and every child can thrive.”

A key component of the programme is an elite training course aimed at empowering nannies with “the knowledge, tools, and confidence to provide exceptional childcare across the region”.

The training will be imparted through a bilingual nine-module course, which it hopes will set a new benchmark for “childcare excellence across the region.”

According to GEMS, the nine modules will range from the fundamentals of childhood nutrition and establishing healthy sleep routines to harnessing the power of purposeful play. The goal is to equip nannies with the in-depth knowledge and practical skills needed to help children thrive during their formative years.

The course will feature:  

Expert-led training: Professionals will conduct each module, using current research and international best practices in early childhood development. Topics covered include infant first aid, baby brain development, and mental health awareness

Practical resources: Nannies will receive materials for immediate use, such as guides on infant nutrition, sleep strategies, and communication development

Inclusive support: The program is designed for diverse family backgrounds and needs, offering accessible, bilingual resources to promote community and connection

Early childhood oasis

The Early Childhood Oasis will open at WSO in August 2025. Plans are also in place to expand the initiative across the GEMS network. The programme recognises that the journey to lifelong learning, wellbeing and success begins at home and starts well before formal schooling.

“These earliest years are the foundation of everything that follows,” said Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education.

He added, “By empowering families with practical, evidence-based guidance, we are ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life. 

“This initiative reflects our deep belief in the power of partnership between schools and families – and our commitment to supporting every stage of a child’s growth and development.”

Phased opening

The launch of the initiative will follow a two-phase roadmap from now through December 2025. Phase 1, from April to July, has focused on branding, ambassador engagement, and the development of bilingual, accredited training content.

Phase 2, expected to commence in September, will introduce GEMS’ flagship, Elite Training for Nannies, a nine-module course. This will focus on the fundamentals of childhood nutrition, embedding healthy sleep routines, and unlocking the power of purposeful play.

The next phase, from August to December, will see the opening of the first Early Childhood Oasis at WSO with a full calendar of events, including parenting classes, drop-in wellbeing support, and connections with healthcare and SEND specialists. Data collection and feedback will shape future scaling, explained GEMS.