Welcome to Early Childhood
Our Early Childhood (EC) classrooms are dynamic and beautiful environments that promote play, discovery and exploration. We understand that young learners are intelligent, resourceful and creative individuals who grow, develop and learn at their own pace. We know that our youngest learners need to feel safe and cared for and therefore we help our students grow in confidence by developing nurturing and positive relationships with peers and teachers.
At ISL, we place emphasis on children’s ‘voice’, their passions and sense of wonder as they
explore and learn about the world around them. We work with our students as individuals, to create an inspiring and open-ended environment, allowing them to use hands-on exploration to discover their interests and deepen their knowledge through play.
From their very first day here, we emphasise community, respect and responsibility, which in turn creates the relationships and social skills our youngest students need to become lifelong learners. We strive to create a balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated activities and encourage the children to become independent, resilient learners who approach problem solving with confidence and an open mind.
An Inspiring Learning Environment
Setting the Foundations
The first five years of a child's life are critically important. They are the foundation that shapes children's future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement at school.
We have small class sizes with highly qualified teachers and assistants that personalise learning to each of our students.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and within this there is flexibility to respond to and encourage each child's interests and curiosity. Our curriculum planning, delivery and assessment reflect all seven areas of learning and development and promotes the four guiding principles of the EYFS. Our EC children also benefit from weekly Forest School sessions and outdoor learning.
The 7 Areas of Learning and Development
Forest School
Forest School gives students the opportunity to use and express strengths outside of the traditional classroom setting. Through team building activities such as building shelters, whittling, tool work, and storytelling, students are not only able to make a connection with nature, they experience one of the most influential ways of becoming environmental stewards.
Digital Learning
Students benefit from a technology-rich learning environment at ISL.
Access to technology enables our students to be self-directed and responsible learners. Technology is carefully incorporated into our curriculum to deepen students’ understanding of subjects and foster excitement as they create and problem solve.