Raising children in Oman
Childcare in Oman encompasses a range of services and facilities designed to support families with young children. These services include nannies, nurseries, kindergartens, and daycare centers to meet the needs of working parents and promote children's early development and well-being.
Nurseries and daycare centers in Oman
Nurseries and daycare centers usually cater to children from infants to around age 4. These facilities provide early childhood care, supervision, and education. Activities are designed to promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Some nurseries in Oman follow the Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning, independence, and hands-on activities. Many nursery schools also accept the EYF structure, focusing on structured programs that cover communication, physical development, and personal, social, and emotional development, and some follow the IB program, which emphasizes demand and global awareness.
Kindergartens are generally attended by children aged 4 to 6, preparing them for primary school. The curriculum often includes basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
Given the diversity of Oman's expatriate population, many kindergartens offer bilingual or multilingual programs where English and Arabic are the primary languages of instruction. Some places can also integrate the lessons and practices for Muslims, such as prayer time and Arabic lessons.
Good to know:
Daycare centers generally operate fewer regular business hours, often only in the mornings, but some offer extended hours to accommodate working parents.
Nannies in Oman
Hiring a nanny in Oman is a common practice among local and foreign families, especially those with young children or busy schedules. Nannies can be live-in or live-out, and their responsibilities may include childcare, household chores, and sometimes cooking. Some families choose live-in childcare, where a caregiver cares for a small group of children in a home environment, though mostly common within the expatriate community.
Full-time support and live-in nannies
A live-in nanny lives in the employer's home and usually has her own bedroom and bathroom. This arrangement is convenient for families who need 24-hour care. They often perform a wide range of tasks, including children's care, cooking, washing, and simple homework.
Full-time nannies go to their employer's home every day as some do not live with the family. They usually work regular hours and leave when they have completed their daily tasks. First, they should concentrate on children-related tasks, which may also include other duties.
Good to know:
Some nannies specialize in certain areas, such as infant care, special care, or educational support. These nannies often have additional qualifications or training related to their specialty.
Families can hire nannies directly via personal networks, references, or online platforms.
Usually, the employer is responsible for sponsoring the nanny's visa. It's important to have a clear employment contract outlining the nanny's duties, working hours, salary, days off, and other conditions.
The cost of hiring a nanny
The salary of a nanny in Oman varies depending on experience, qualifications, and the nature of the work. Generally, live-in nannies may have a lower salary, but living expenses will be covered. Additional benefits include paid leave, medical insurance, and holidays. A full-time nanny in Oman can cost between 120 and 250 OMR per month.
Foreign au-pair nannies are not much used in Oman due to the difficulty of providing them with an employment visa, especially if they intend to stay only for a short period.
Good to know:
Many families use domestic helper agencies specializing in nanny recruitment. These companies can handle visa arrangements, training, and other management tasks. Foreign nannies need a work visa and residence permit to work legally in Oman.
How to choose a daycare in Oman
Childcare in Oman is regulated by the Ministry of Social Development and, in some cases, the Ministry of Education. These authorities set standards for safety, staff qualifications, and educational programs. Regulations often dictate the ratio of staff to children, ensuring adequate supervision and attention.
You should look for a nursery or preschool with a good reputation and, if possible, one that is accredited by a recognized educational institution. You must check for proper safety measures, hygiene standards, and the quality of facilities. Ensure the caregiver and teacher are qualified and have experience with early childhood education.
Keep in mind that international and private daycare centers tend to be more expensive. Some employers offer financial assistance or subsidies for child care, especially for expatriates.
Extra-curricular activities in Oman
Summer and holiday camps
Summer and holiday camps in Oman offer a range of exciting activities for children during their school holidays. These camps give children the opportunity to take part in sports, arts, science, and cultural activities whilst developing their social skills, physical fitness, creativity, and learning.
There are also a few outdoor and adventure-focused camps, including trips, campsites, climbing, and other courses in fresh air. These camps focus on studying nature, survival skills, and physical problems.
Sport camps
Sports camp activities focus on a specific sport, such as soccer, swimming, tennis, or basketball. They help children improve their skills, fitness, and teamwork. Many sports clubs and organizations in Oman offer specialized camps for different age groups.
Creative camps
Arts and creativity camps offer activities such as visual arts, music, dance, theater, etc. These camps encourage artistic expression and creativity. For example, art studios, music schools, and cultural centers often host such camps. There are also companies offering specific camps to children, especially covering topics such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, coding, and robotics. They are designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and improve academic skills.
Therefore, you should choose a camp that is appropriate for your child's age group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Consider your child's interests and hobbies, and choose a camp that suits their interests and preferences. Camps may offer full-day or half-day programs. Some camps last a few days, while others can last several weeks.
Regardless of your choice, make sure that qualified, experienced employees are working in camps for specialized events such as sports and outdoor adventures. Check for proper safety protocols, including first aid availability, emergency procedures, and secure facilities. Camp costs can vary widely. Compare prices and consider what is included, such as meals, materials, and special activities.
Expat parenting in Oman
The Omani law provides maternity leave to women working in the public and private sectors. As a rule, women have the right to 50 days of paid maternity leave, usually available for women who work for a certain period (often six months) before childbirth. Women, in principle, have the right to return to previous work or equivalent positions after maternity leave.
The Omani labor law also allows women to take additional breastfeeding breaks during their working hours. These breaks are not normally deducted from wages and are separate from regular breaks.
Good to know:
While not required for everyone, some employers, especially larger companies and government agencies, offer on-site childcare or support. Some companies offer flexible or part-time work schedules to accommodate working mothers.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of remote work, benefiting working mothers by allowing them to better balance their work and home lives.
Many organizations in Oman are increasingly adopting family-friendly policies, recognizing the importance of work-life balance for employee satisfaction and productivity.
Omani society traditionally places great importance on family and caregiving roles, which are often expected of women. However, there is an increasing acceptance of women pursuing professional careers. Extended families often play an important role in childcare and household responsibilities and provide additional support to working mothers.
Useful links:
Kindergarten in Al Hail South, Muscat ᐅ KGIS Kindergarten
Maple Bear Nursery in Muscat, Oman | Kindergarten & Preschool in Muscat
Kindergarten – The Sultan's School
Camps | Summer and Vacation Activities for Kids | Mad Science
Cheltenham Muscat Summer Camp 2024
