Bahrain is tightening rules for childcare nurseries

Bahrain’s Council of Representatives will discuss next Tuesday a Shura Council–proposed draft law aimed at strengthening rules for licensing and managing childcare nurseries under the Child Law.

The draft law states that no changes or modifications may be made to a nursery’s location, management, or specifications without prior approval from the Ministry of Education.

Under the proposal, anyone who violates nursery licensing and operating rules could face jail time and fines ranging from BD100 to BD1,000.

According to the explanatory note, the current Child Law (Law No. 37 of 2012) does not clearly require licensing as a mandatory condition for establishing a nursery. It also does not require approval from the Ministry of Education when operating an existing nursery or changing its location or specifications. The proposed amendments aim to address these gaps by criminalising unlicensed nursery operations or unauthorised changes, with penalties including imprisonment or fines between BD200 and BD1,000, or both.

The draft law highlights the importance of strengthening the role of the Ministry of Education in regulating nurseries, protecting the best interests of children in Bahrain, clearly defining violations, and improving oversight.

The government has approved the draft law, saying it aligns with Bahrain’s approach to developing flexible and modern legislation that responds to current economic and social changes and meets public expectations. It also noted that the proposal clearly addresses shortcomings in existing laws and strengthens the regulatory and monitoring framework for nurseries.

The Ministry of Education also welcomed the proposed amendments, agreeing that they enhance regulation and supervision of nurseries and help ensure child safety and the quality of services provided across the Kingdom.