Which Nursery Section Is Right for My Child?

The KHDA has introduced updated admission age requirements for the 2026–2027 academic year. To make these changes easy to understand, we’ve created this simple guide to help you determine the most appropriate nursery section for your child.

Who Is Affected by This Change?

The updated KHDA cut-off age applies to children joining a nursery for the first time who are not yet registered on the KHDA system from the 2026–2027 academic year.

Children who are already registered on the KHDA system will continue progressing through their nursery journey in accordance with KHDA guidelines.

If you’re unsure whether these changes apply to your child, our Admissions Team will be happy to help.

Children Joining a Nursery for the First Time

For children who are not yet registered on the KHDA system.

Transitional Placement Arrangements

To support families during the transition to the new KHDA cut-off age, some children may be invited to attend a readiness assessment before their nursery section is confirmed.

This transitional arrangement applies only to children who are not yet registered on the KHDA system.

• Children born between September and December 2023 may be assessed for FS1 readiness.
• Children born between September and December 2022 may be assessed to determine whether FS1 or FS2 is the most appropriate placement.

Children Already Registered on the KHDA System

For children who are already registered on the KHDA system.

Please note: Children who are already registered on the KHDA system will continue progressing through their nursery journey in accordance with KHDA guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this change apply to my child?

The updated KHDA cut-off age applies to children joining a nursery for the first time who are not yet registered on the KHDA system.

If your child is already registered on the KHDA system, they will continue progressing through their nursery journey in accordance with KHDA guidelines.

My child was born between September and December 2023. Which nursery section will they join?

The transitional arrangement applies only to children who are not yet registered on the KHDA system.

Eligible children born between September and December 2023 may be invited to attend a readiness assessment for FS1. Placement will be determined in accordance with KHDA guidelines and your child’s developmental readiness.

My child was born between September and December 2022. Which nursery section will they join?

The transitional arrangement applies only to children who are not yet registered on the KHDA system.

Eligible children born between September and December 2022 may be invited to attend a readiness assessment to determine whether FS1 or FS2 is the most appropriate placement, in line with the transitional KHDA arrangements.

How is my child’s nursery section determined?

Placement is determined by your child’s date of birth, whether they are already registered on the KHDA system and, where applicable, their developmental readiness.

My child is already registered on the KHDA system. Will they automatically move to the next section?

Yes. Children who are already registered on the KHDA system will continue progressing through the nursery pathway in accordance with KHDA guidelines. The transitional arrangements for children born between September and December 2022 and September and December 2023 do not apply to children who are already registered on the KHDA system.

I’m still unsure which nursery section is right for my child.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to help. Simply share your child’s date of birth, and we’ll guide you to the most appropriate nursery section for your child.

last updated 30th June 2026