Noorani Qaida
The most common starting point for children — Arabic letters, sounds and first reading.
View course →A complete programme for children aged 4–12, combining Quran reading, memorisation and Islamic Studies into one coordinated plan. Lessons are short, warm and tailored to each child — designed to build a positive relationship with the religion rather than a chore to be endured.
Tell us about your child and we'll confirm a suitable teacher and time that fits your week.
Who this programme is for
Every child is different. Some are ready to start at five, others at seven. Some learn best in longer sessions, others need short, frequent contact. Our programme is designed to fit the child, not the other way around.
Children who have never studied Arabic letters or Islamic basics — starting from absolute zero.
Those who know the letters and want to move into fluent reading, memorisation and understanding.
Families who want structured Islamic education in English where local options are limited.
Coordinated timetables for several children in one household — see Family Programmes for the family plan.
Learning outcomes
Depending on the child's age, starting point and goals, the programme is built to help them:
Programme
The programme is not a single course but a coordinated plan built from our courses, adapted to your child's age and stage. Below is the natural progression most children follow — you may enter at any point and move at your own pace.
Introduction to Arabic letters through games, repetition and pictures — Noorani Qaida adapted for the youngest learners. Sessions are short (15–20 minutes) and full of encouragement.
Building from letters to syllables to words. The child starts reading short words and phrases with confidence, alongside Islamic Studies stories that build their identity.
Reading full verses with steady rhythm and beginning memorisation of the short surahs of Juz 30 — Quran Reading and the early stages of Hifz.
Learning Wudu and Salah step by step with understanding, plus daily Du'as and manners — the Islamic Studies for Children component.
Introducing the core Tajweed rules and expanding Hifz through more of Juz 30 and beyond, alongside the stories of the prophets and early Islamic history.
Deeper study of belief, the Seerah and the practical rulings — preparing the child for the transition into Islamic Studies at around age 14.
How lessons work
Children learn best through warmth, variety and repetition. Sessions are short, full of encouragement, and use stories, pictures and questions to keep the child engaged. Frequency matters more than length at this age.
One-to-one, live — the teacher adapts to your child's pace, interests and mood.
Short sessions — 20–30 minutes, adjusted to your child's age and attention span.
2–4 sessions per week — consistency is essential; shorter and more frequent beats longer and rare.
Parents welcome to sit in — for younger children, we encourage a parent to sit in on the first few lessons.
Updates for parents — regular feedback on what your child has learned and what to reinforce at home.
Before starting the programme
For older children (13–17), see Teenagers Programme. For families with children of different ages, see Family Programmes for coordinated scheduling.
Questions
Common questions from parents. If yours isn't here, ask it with your trial request.
Most children are ready to begin at age five or six, though some start earlier and others benefit from waiting until seven. The signal is usually interest — a child who asks questions about Allah, wants to copy your prayers, or shows interest in the Quran is ready to start. The trial lesson is a good opportunity to see how your child responds to a teacher and to a formal lesson. If they're not ready, we'll tell you honestly rather than pushing.
Yes — female teachers are available for all children, and many parents specifically request them for daughters and for younger children. Just note your preference in the trial request form. The full Sisters-Only Classes page explains this format in more detail.
Teachers assigned to children's lessons are selected specifically for their warmth and their ability to engage young learners. In addition to the standard teacher selection process (qualification review, recitation assessment, teaching trial), we assess how they interact with children during observed trial lessons. If after the first few sessions your child is not connecting with the teacher, tell us — we will arrange a different teacher without any awkwardness.
It happens, and it's not a failure — it's normal. Children's attention is variable, and some days are harder than others. If resistance becomes persistent, tell us and we'll adjust: shorter sessions, a different teaching approach, more emphasis on stories instead of recitation, or a pause of a few weeks. Our goal is a positive relationship with the religion, not a daily battle. A child who enjoys their lessons will learn more over the years than one who is forced through them.
Both arrangements work well, and it depends on the child. Young children often do best with one subject at a time — Quran reading for the first year, then Islamic Studies added gradually. Older children (8+) can handle both in parallel, either in the same lesson or in separate sessions. The teacher will recommend a starting arrangement based on the trial lesson, and we adjust as you go. There is no rush.
Related programmes
The most common starting point for children — Arabic letters, sounds and first reading.
View course →Belief, prayer, stories of the prophets and manners — at an age-appropriate level.
View course →Coordinate lessons for several children in one household — with times around your week.
View programme →Begin
Book a free trial and your child will meet a teacher who can make learning something they look forward to, not something to be endured.