cmmsx - I'm involved in education in Dubai. Advice is absolutely correct - contact schools asap and get the position - places for younger children are difficult to find if you start late. There is no OFSTED, but the Ministry is establishing an 'inspection' process which will begin in September and some schools do get OFSTED to come over to undertake a review. BSME web site will give you background on schools too. Do you know where you will be living, because this may have a bearing on where you want a school - mornings and afternoons on school runs can be tortuous ..