BOURNEMOUTH's first bilingual Arabic/English nursery school opens in East Howe in October, thanks to the efforts of a local mother.

Parents who want their children to receive a bilingual pre-school education can send them to the Al Amani Nursery in Kinson Road, which opens on October 1.

The nursery is the brainchild of Amal Shibani, whose six-year-old twins and 16-year-old son missed out on nursery school because they were not able to receive a bilingual education.

Mrs Shibani, of West Howe, said: "When I came down here from London several years ago, I realised there was no chance to learn Arabic, whereas in London there was lots of choice.

"My children did not go to nursery here because my husband wanted them to have an Arabic education as well, which is important for remembering your roots.

"But I wanted to show parents that nursery school is an important stage for children, otherwise it is hard for them when they go to school.

"I think children learn language very quickly before the age of seven. Many parents keep their children at home during nursery years, which means that their emotional and creative development is not being stimulated.

"A lot of parents from ethnic minorities are not involved with their children's learning but they would like to be, so in this way they are at least able to play a part.

"I also have English friends who are going to bring their children to the nursery."

After deciding to train as a nursery teacher, Amal graduated to level two at the Punshon Centre and then to level three. She has already taught at a Libyan school in London and spent two years teaching at an English school.

She is grateful for the help she has received.

"The West Howe Network Shop has agreed to help me until I get charitable funding for the school," she said.

"We will follow the national curriculum and the children will sing nursery rhymes in Arabic and English."

She added: "I would like to start up another school in Poole eventually."

The 22-capacity nursery will employ four qualified teachers, including an Egyptian, a French Algerian and an English teacher.

It will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and parents will be charged £1 per session.

First published: Sept 27