How #MEtime and Flexible Day at NAS Abu Dhabi Supports Staff Recruitment and Retention

This article was featured in the BSME Newsletter 2024-25 | Edition 3

At Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, the #MEtime initiative and Flexible Day model reflect a bold shift in priorities: putting students’ and educators’ physical and emotional needs first, while giving families the space to manage mornings in a way that works for them.

We’ve reimagined the start of the school day to allow for more rest, better focus, and greater balance. While most schools in Abu Dhabi begin at 7.30am, our day officially starts at 8.30am. Between 7.30 and 8.30am, students can choose how they begin their day. Some arrive early to join an activity, enjoy a healthy breakfast, or catch up with friends. Others stay home a little longer for a slower start and much-needed rest. We call this time #MEtime, short for Morning Enrichment, but also a nod to the value of taking time for oneself.

This window of choice gives students a more intentional start to the day. Whether they’re getting active, building a skill, or simply catching their breath, every option supports a stronger, more positive mindset before lessons begin.

We recognise that student wellbeing doesn’t exist in isolation - it’s closely tied to the wellbeing of the adults around them. So #MEtime applies to staff too. Once a week, teachers can start an hour later. They use the time to exercise, walk with colleagues, spend a quiet morning with their family, or simply take a pause.

This seemingly small adjustment has had a big impact. Staff have used their #MEtime to train for marathons, meet informally with peers, and reset their routine in ways that leave them more energised and focused for the day ahead. We’ve seen that when educators feel supported and have space to look after themselves, it is reflected directly in the quality of their teaching, and in the energy they bring to the classroom.

#MEtime also supports stronger relationships between students and staff. It creates space to meet across year groups and interact beyond the formal structure of lessons. For students, this means more social confidence, broader friendships, and easier transitions into new parts of school life. For teachers, it means a deeper understanding of students’ interests and needs, and a chance to build trust in more informal, authentic ways.

The Flexible Day also gives families a better start. Parents with work commitments can drop their children earlier knowing they’re safe, engaged, and cared for. Others use the later start to enjoy breakfast together, walk to school, or simply reduce the usual morning rush.

We also welcome parents on campus during #MEtime. Some join fitness sessions. Others spend time in the Parent Café: a warm, informal space where connections are made and friendships grow. In a transient city like Abu Dhabi, these touchpoints matter. They help build a support network that feels like an extended family.

Our approach is backed by research. Teenagers need more sleep, not less. Yet globally, the majority aren’t getting the 8–12 hours they need. By offering a later start, we’re giving students the rest their brains and bodies genuinely need. This small shift supports better learning, stronger focus, and healthier habits over the long term.

At its core, #MEtime is about belonging. We know that when children feel seen, safe, and supported, they flourish. They engage more deeply, push themselves further, and grow more resilient. A sense of belonging strengthens mental health, builds self-esteem, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Through #MEtime, we’re not just offering extended enrichment: we’re creating the conditions for every member of our community to connect, grow, and thrive.