Nanny Training in Dubai: Why Families Love The Nurture Place
Finding the right nanny can feel like a huge win — and it is. But what happens after the hire? For many families, the next step is exploring nanny training in Dubai to ensure their caregiver is confident, aligned, and ready to support their child’s emotional growth.
That’s where The Nurture Place, Yaya’s trusted KHDA-accredited nanny training partner in Dubai, steps in.
Their play-based, research-driven workshops are more than just classes — they’re designed to help nannies truly understand the emotional, social, and developmental needs of the children in their care. The training focuses on essential themes like emotional regulation, imaginative play, motor skills development, supporting developmental milestones, school readiness, and more. Each session is built to transform everyday moments into opportunities for connection and growth.
Whether you’re looking to train a new nanny or help an experienced one grow in her role, The Nurture Place is the natural next step after hiring — and one we’re proud to recommend at Yaya.
Yaya families get 10% off all training at The Nurture Place. Just quote “Yaya” or click here to WhatsApp them directly and ask for the offer.
Want to better understand how to support your nanny in the home? Our Care Guide is full of tips to help you build trust, set expectations, and create a nurturing environment.
We sat down with Kelly McGowan and Cathie Slade, co-founders of The Nurture Place, to learn more about their story, what families really need to know about nanny development, and how thoughtful training can transform your home life.
Cathie McGowan & Kelly Slade – Founders of The Nurture Place
Learn more at www.thenurtureplace.info
Contact them at admin@thenurtureplace.info
How It All Began
Let’s start with your story — how did The Nurture Place begin, and what inspired you both to focus on caregiver education and child development?
“We both come from backgrounds working in schools here in Dubai, Kelly as a primary school teacher and Cathie as a school counsellor. We have always loved working with children. Over time, we realised just how important it is for every caregiver involved in a child’s life to be on the same page, sharing the same understanding and approaches.
What really inspired us to start The Nurture Place was noticing a gap in opportunities for nannies and other caregivers to upskill and deepen their knowledge about child development. We wanted to create a space where caregivers could gain practical skills and confidence, ensuring they feel empowered to support the children they care for in the best possible way. That’s how The Nurture Place was born, out of a passion for nurturing children’s potential by supporting the people who care for them every day.”
What Parents Worry About — and How Nannies Can Help
What are some of the most common concerns that parents bring to you about their children’s emotional or developmental wellbeing?
“One of the biggest concerns parents share with us is how their children experience a wide range of feelings and emotions as they grow. They want their nannies to have the skills/abilities to identify those overwhelming emotions and, with support provided through the programme, manage to de-escalate the situation.
They are also interested in learning how caregivers can create a calm, balanced environment, one that isn’t too stimulating but still engaging enough to nurture their child’s development. Ultimately, parents want their children to feel understood and supported at every stage, and they see their nanny as a key part of their child’s wellbeing.”
Why Nannies Matter in Child Development
Why do you believe it’s essential to include nannies and domestic helpers in the conversation around child development?
“In Dubai, many families rely on nannies and domestic helpers for childcare since we often do not have the support of extended family nearby like we might back home. Because of this, it is even more important that everyone caring for a child shares a consistent approach. When the adults in a child’s life provide consistent caregiving, it provides emotional safety and sameness for children, they know what to expect and feel secure, which helps them develop trust, confidence, and a strong sense of stability.
Including nannies in the conversation around child development ensures they have the knowledge and skills needed to truly support and nurture children. When caregivers understand how children grow and learn, they can create a caring, structured environment that helps children thrive. It is about building a strong, informed team around the child to give them the best possible foundation.”
The Foundation Every Nanny Should Have
In your experience, what foundational knowledge or awareness do you believe every nanny should have when caring for children — especially when it comes to emotional development and healthy attachment?
“We believe every nanny should have a basic understanding of how a child’s brain develops. This doesn’t mean diving into complex neuroscience or technical terms but rather grasping the essentials of child development. It is important to know that feelings and emotions are skills children learn over time, and they need guidance from caring adults on how to manage them.
Key caregivers should understand how to model healthy emotional responses and communicate effectively with children. This foundation helps build strong, secure attachments and supports emotional growth, giving children the tools they need to feel safe and confident as they explore the world around them.”
What role do healthy attachment and consistent routines play in a child’s development — especially in homes where multiple caregivers are involved?
“Children thrive when they have routines and consistency because it helps them feel emotionally safe and secure. This emotional security is crucial for their overall wellbeing and development.
When all caregivers understand and follow clear and consistent boundaries, language, and behaviours, children gain confidence to explore, play, and learn. Consistency creates a calm and happy environment where children know what to expect, which supports their ability to grow and develop in a positive way.”
How Families Can Support Their Nanny’s Growth
What are some practical ways families can support their nanny’s ongoing growth and development, both emotionally and professionally?
“One of the most important things families can do is maintain regular, open communication with their nanny. This helps clarify expectations, keep everyone updated on upcoming events, and share insights about the child’s development or any changes happening at home. Clear communication builds trust and helps nannies feel valued and informed. It is important to be conscious of any potential language barriers here, this is something we address in our workshops when we share key phrases that both parents and nannies can use at home, with children.
Providing opportunities for nannies to upskill through training or workshops is also key, it helps them grow professionally and feel more confident in their role. Recognising and appreciating the vital contribution they make to the family’s daily life goes a long way emotionally.
And of course, everyone needs rest, making sure nannies have uninterrupted time off is essential for their wellbeing.
For more insights into keeping your nanny happy, motivated, and aligned with your family values, read our article on why nannies quit in the UAE — and how to build a stronger bond.
Aligning Parenting and Nannying Approaches
What’s your advice for families when their nanny has a different approach to discipline or routines than the parents do? How can those differences be addressed in a healthy way?
“It is completely understandable that nannies and parents might have different approaches, after all, many of us naturally draw on how we were parented ourselves. That is why knowledge and awareness are so important. Understanding how to positively support a child’s wellbeing and development through nurturing and connection can help guide everyone toward the same goals.
Clear communication is key: share your parenting approach and expectations openly with your nanny. Sometimes role-playing scenarios can be helpful to illustrate what you mean. It is important to approach these conversations with compassion, so your nanny feels comfortable and confident discussing any concerns or questions. Our bespoke, at-home training supports parents and nannies in building this open dialogue, ensuring everyone is aligned and confident in providing consistent, attentive care.”
Rethinking Children’s Behaviour
Let’s talk behaviour — what are some common misunderstandings that nannies (or even parents) have about children’s behaviour, and how do you address them in your work?
“One common misunderstanding is not fully recognising how closely children’s behaviour is linked to their development. When caregivers have a good understanding of child development, it becomes much easier to interpret a child’s actions and emotions with more patience and insight.
We also emphasise that behaviour is a form of communication, children are still learning the words or awareness to express their thoughts and feelings clearly. Understanding this helps caregivers respond with kindness and empathy rather than frustration.
Our workshops include many practical, hands-on activities that encourage caregivers to see the world through a child’s eyes. This helps build empathy and supports caregivers in responding in ways that nurture the child’s emotional growth.”
A Word to Parents — You’re Doing Enough
What would you say to parents who feel guilty about relying heavily on their nanny for day-to-day caregiving?
“Living overseas, away from extended family and familiar support systems, can make raising children especially challenging. Many parents in the UAE face this reality. Choosing to rely on a nanny doesn’t mean you are any less involved or invested in your child’s life, it simply means you are making a thoughtful choice that works best for your family. As a parent, you know your child best. Whether you choose a nanny, nursery, or a mix of both, what matters most is that your child is receiving consistent, nurturing care.
The time you spend together, no matter how much or how little, has incredible value. It is not about quantity, but about quality. Connection time doesn’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming, small, simple moments, like kicking a ball around in the park, or reading a bedtime story, can have a big impact. These moments help build your relationship and support your child’s emotional development.
It is also important to remember to look after yourself. There is no defined, one set way to parent, it all depends on your unique family circumstances. When you prioritise your own wellbeing, whether through rest, support, or simply taking a moment to pause, you are better able to be present, calm, and connected with your child.”
What Makes The Nurture Place’s Nanny Training in Dubai Unique
The Nurture Place stands out as one of the few KHDA-accredited providers of nanny training in Dubai designed specifically for in-home caregivers. What do you believe sets The Nurture Place apart from other nanny training providers or parenting workshops in the UAE?
“What sets The Nurture Place apart is that our training isn’t part of a large, generic programme, it was created right here in Dubai by two mums who are raising our own children here. We understand firsthand both the beauty and the challenges of parenting and caregiving in the UAE.
With backgrounds in teaching and psychology, we take a holistic view of child development. We consider every aspect of a child’s needs and focus on what truly helps them thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. That same care and insight go into how we train nannies.
Each of our workshops is thoughtfully designed by us, specifically with the context of raising children in Dubai in mind. We are deeply passionate about what we do, and that comes through in how we connect with and support the nannies who attend our sessions.”
Final Thoughts on Nanny Training in Dubai
At Yaya, we believe that hiring a nanny in Dubai is just the beginning. Supporting her growth, alignment, and confidence is how you turn good care into something truly transformative.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with The Nurture Place, Dubai’s only KHDA-accredited nanny training provider dedicated exclusively to in-home caregivers. Their sessions empower nannies, support children, and make home life smoother, calmer, and more connected.
Yaya users receive 10% off all nanny training courses. Simply mention “Yaya” when registering or click here to message them directly on WhatsApp.
Learn more at www.thenurtureplace.info
Contact: admin@thenurtureplace.info
Investing in nanny training in Dubai isn’t just helpful — it’s transformational for both children and caregivers.