Empowering Our Youngest Learners to Lead Their Own Journey

Early Years Programme from Foundation to Group 2

The ISE Early Years programme is built on the principle that young children learn best when they are deeply engaged in activities they have chosen themselves.

Children are responsible for their learning!

To an observer, it may look like simple play; however, in our Early Years environment, this engagement is where authentic, student-led learning happens. Our approach fosters curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning and responsible citizenship.

Planning in the Moment!

Within our purposefully organised spaces, students have the agency to follow their curiosity. Our educators observe closely, stepping in to scaffold learning, challenge perspectives, and guide students toward deeper discovery across a range of topics.

“Planning in the Moment” fosters deep engagement. Our skilled educators observe students’ interests and extend their learning in those “teachable moments”. This real-time, responsive approach makes learning meaningful, personal, and meets the students at their developmental stage while nurturing their curiosity.

This real-time, responsive approach makes learning meaningful and personal.

While it may appear playful at first glance, children are:

• Developing problem-solving skills
• Strengthening their social-emotional abilities
• Exploring early literacy and numeracy
• Learning how to collaborate, communicate, and create

We nurture creativity by providing enabling environments with open-ended resources. Our students are encouraged to be critical, reflective thinkers and creative problem solvers. Educators foster a culture where ideas are valued, risks are encouraged, and a growth mindset is promoted.

Flexible, Fun & Balanced Day!

We blend child-led free flow with gentle, structured moments to create a well-rounded learning experience.

Free Flow Learning:

For significant parts of the day, students choose from various carefully prepared learning environments (e.g., role play/literacy, construction, creative arts, outdoor area). Educators act as skilled observers and interactors, rather than directors. Our carefully prepared learning spaces include:

• Maths & Understanding the World: Building, measuring, problem-solving in the Tigers room
• Expressive Arts & Design: Creativity, colour, and open-ended making in the Flamingo room
• Fine Motor Area & Outdoor Learning: nature exploration and large-movement play outdoors and in the Monkey room
• Literacy, Communication & Language: Role play, language-rich imaginative experiences, stories, speaking, and listening in the Bees room

These rooms were proudly named by our students, helping them take ownership of their learning spaces.

Structured Times:

The day also includes fixed playtime, lunch, potential focused sessions (like phonics or Dutch lessons), and community/story time.

Progression (Early Years Group to Group 2)

Students begin their journey in the Early Years group at age four, engaging in child-led learning through play and exploration. Children move on to Group 2 at the beginning of the school year if they have turned five by the 1st of September. This means that some children spend nearly two years in the Early Years group. This extended time allows for deeper engagement with the environment and learning materials, the development of strong social and emotional skills, and ensures that the transition to more structured learning in Group 2 is tailored to each child’s readiness.

The Early Years Programme gives a huge advantage for:

• Deeper engagement with learning materials
• Strong social-emotional development
• Increased confidence and independence
• A child-centred, readiness-based transition to more structured learning

As the students move toward Group 2, the structure gently evolves. Teachers introduce short whole-class moments and small group sessions, while still maintaining our child-led philosophy.

While maintaining the core principles of “Planning in the Moment” and free flow/continuous provision, by the end of Group 2 (around May), teachers will incorporate brief whole-class introductions and focused small group work alongside the child-led activities.

Internationally-Minded Community & Responsible Citizens: 

We celebrate diversity and promote global awareness. Children learn to respect differences, care for others, and understand their responsibility as members of an international community.

Our approach to behaviour guidance aligns directly with the principles outlined in the ISE’s Positive Behaviour Policy and the school’s Guiding Statements. We focus on fostering a caring, respectful, and supportive environment where children feel safe and valued.

Children feel valued, and that’s where learning thrives.

Partnership With Daycare & Specialist Subjects

Our Specialist Subject Leaders, such as Physical Education (PE), Dutch as a Foreign Language (DFL), and English as an Additional Language (EAL), align their practice with our Early Years philosophy. The flexibility of free flow allows for natural differentiation. Students needing additional support can be subtly guided or accompanied by a teacher or teaching assistant to areas suited to their needs or interests.

We maintain a strong relationship with our neighbouring daycare centre. Children visit and play together regularly, ensuring smooth transitions for those joining Early Years from daycare environments.

This partnership helps children feel confident, familiar, and secure as they begin their school journey.

Curious about our Early Years Programme?

Come and join us at the next VIP (Very-Important Toddler) Morning Session!

A Special Experience for Toddlers (2–3 years) & Their Families
Our VIP Mornings are a playful, hands-on introduction to the Early Years experience. Toddlers and their parents are invited for a welcoming hour that includes:

• Activities designed just for 2–3 year olds
• A chance to explore our beautiful learning spaces
• Opportunities to observe our child-led philosophy in action
• A short school tour
• Time to chat with our Early Years Programme team

 

Come play, learn, and explore with us!
Sign up here!