"It takes a village to raise a child,
and a community to raise a genius"
Our Story
Kids Academy UAE is an early learning community dedicated to providing high-quality education in a nurturing and inclusive environment. We believe that early childhood is the foundation for lifelong success, and we are committed to supporting each child’s unique journey of growth.
Our Vision
To inspire confident, compassionate, and capable learners who contribute positively to their communities and the future of the UAE.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that blends international best practices with UAE educational standards, empowering children through play, inquiry, and strong relationships.
Our Values
• Child-Centred Learning • Respect and Inclusion • Wellbeing and Safety • Partnership with Families • Continuous Improvement and Professional Excellence
We are proud to align our practices with:
• UAE Vision 2030 • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) • ADEK Early Years Standards • KHDA Early Childhood Quality Framework – The Dubai Child
Our Leadership
Our leadership is committed to executing our strategic goals from facilities management to training and developing our staff.
Jade Peter-Swain
Group Director
Jade has more than 20 years experience in education, and has worked in senior management roles in early years settings in London, Singapore and the UAE. A qualified trainer and assessor, Jade specializes in training early years teachers and leaders and holds a Masters in Education specializing in Coaching, Early Years Professional Status in the UK and a degree in Drama and Education.
Zeina al Banna
Head of Operations
Zeina has over 13 years of experience in early childhood education and care. Zeina oversees all non-educational aspects of our daily operations including licensing and compliance, health and safety, buildings and maintenance, child protection and safeguarding. She holds a BSc. in Psychology and a CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services
Our Educators
Our educators are the heart of our nursery. They're passionate about child development and instil a love of learning in every child.
Sarra Ben Abroug
Nursery Manager- Khalifa City A
PGDE (post graduate Diploma in education), Cache level 5
Heba Elshinawy
Nursery Manager- Al Bateen
Cache level 3, Cache level 5,
SEN Diploma, B.A. in Dentistry
Yasmeen Shoukry
Nursery Manager- Al Mushrif
Bachelor of Engineering,
Cache Level 5, Cache L3 SENCO
Registrars:
Olga Hammonda
Dubailand
Holds a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching & Learning, with experience in nurseries, schools, & residential care supporting children’s learning & well-being.
Lea-Anne Steyn
Mirdif
Lea-Anne grew up in Durban, South Africa. With over 8 years of experience managing school front desk operations, she has been the warm & welcoming face for families & children every day.
Neyvette Guillermo
Jumeirah
Holds a Psychology degree & postgraduate diplomas in School Counselling & Communication, with 5+ years of customer care experience in Cuba, Serbia & the UAE.
Amy Pickering
Um Suqeim
Amy holds Master’s in Marketing and brings 20 years of customer care experience
Kirsty Mundigian
Dubailand
Kirsty has a background in Front of House roles and is a past parent of Step by Step
Amy Cairns Holder
Mirdif
Amy has a background in assisting Executive Directors and is a past parent of Step by Step
Colleen Mullarkey
Jumeirah
Colleen holds a B.A Business and Administration with a background in Customer Service
Aiofe Gilligan
Umm Suqeim
Aiofe has a background in sales and customer service.
Our Nurses
All our nurses are licensed by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DOH) and hold specialist qualifications and experience in family medicine, paediatrics, and midwifery. Each nurse has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and is deeply committed to safeguarding the health, wellbeing, and safety of our children and wider community.
Affiliated Schools
Graduates of Step by Step nursery can take advantage of ongoing partnership with the following GEMS schools
Work with Step by Step
From nurses to nursery managers, we consider everyone to be a valuable custodian of child development If you'd like to make a real difference to a child's future, please view and apply to our job openings directly on linkedin
Start your career in Early Years Education
If you'd like to know more about starting your career in Early Years education, email us and we'll arrange a chat
