Gulf Business: Sharjah will begin a phased return to in-person early childhood education from April 16, as authorities move to restore on-site learning following weeks of disruption.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) said late on Tuesday that nurseries located in government facilities and commercial buildings will reopen to children from Thursday, subject to the completion of mandatory staff training on emergency and crisis protocols.

Administrative and teaching staff across private schools and nurseries in Sharjah have already been instructed to return to campuses from Wednesday, April 15, according to reports. The authority said the early return is aimed at ensuring institutions are fully prepared, including the rollout of training programmes designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

“This is subject to the completion of training for nursery administrative and teaching staff on emergency and crisis protocols, to ensure the children return to a safe and supportive environment,” SPEA said.

The decision follows guidance from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, which earlier confirmed that nurseries across the UAE would reopen in phases.

Sharjah’s move aligns with similar steps in Dubai, where the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has also confirmed a gradual return for early childhood centres from April 16.