Sharjah private schools, nurseries direct staff to resume on-site work amid phased return plan

Private school and nursery staff in Sharjah have been instructed to return to in-person work starting Wednesday, April 15, UAE media reported, citing an announcement by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA).

According to reports by Khaleej Times and Gulf News, the move follows directives from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, aimed at ensuring operational readiness and delivering training on emergency and crisis response procedures. SPEA confirmed the update through its social media channels.

In a related development, the authority said some nurseries will begin reopening from April 16, subject to completion of mandatory staff training programs.

Nurseries operating in government facilities and commercial buildings across the emirate are expected to welcome children from Thursday, April 16, in line with the same council decision, SPEA added.

The authority stressed that reopening will only proceed after administrative and teaching staff complete training on emergency protocols, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children returning to care centers.

The latest directives follow an earlier statement by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, which said educational institutions across the UAE are preparing for a phased return to in-person learning, with selected nurseries among the first to reopen this week.

Sharjah’s announcement also comes shortly after the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai confirmed a similar step, saying private early childhood centers will begin a gradual return to on-site operations from Thursday, April 16.

Under Dubai’s plan, priority will be given to nurseries located in government and commercial buildings, while others may continue offering home-based childcare services under approved guidelines.

However, KHDA clarified that reopening of early childhood centers will remain subject to regulatory approval and strict safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for children.