The Early Years at AIS

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At AIS our approach to Early Years education is through play based explorative learning for cognitive, physical, social and emotional development.         

The Early Years department comprise of age groups: 
  • Nursery (ages 2-3)
  • Foundation (ages 3-4)
  • Reception (ages 4-5)        
The Early Years unit is a secure, open plan space. with an abundance of
resources to excite the imagination, promote creativity and enquiry based learning
Our experienced staff are approachable and friendly and create an environment where children feel safe, respected and enjoy their learning. 
Outdoor learning is integral to learning with the outdoor space planned for daily.
​Early Years children also benefit from regular visits to the school garden, the beach and other local venues.   


                     
Aims of the Early Years 

AIS  Early Years programme aims to:
  • Develop children’s ability to interact with new people and form relationships;
  • To provide opportunities for children to play and learn with people outside their immediate family;
  • To encourage children to share, to take turns and negotiate;
  • To enable children to take part in learning experiences in a group;
  • To create opportunities for children to think of questions and develop a greater understanding of the world around them.
Learning is promoted through play and exploration, extending and enhancing the natural curiosity of the child.  These skills enhance what children have already learned at home and help them develop into a positive, confident and capable individual.
Early years learning provides a solid foundation for later learning, securing a “readiness to learn”.

Learning in the Early Years is holistic; intellectual, social, cultural and emotional learning is integrated throughout all of the children's learning experiences.
The Early Years Classroom 
The use of centres in the classroom cover a wide range of tools and learning such as: 
  • Literacy 
  • Maths and Sciences
  • Art and Design
  • Role play
  • Construction
During centre time we promote children’s choice. Educational games and learning tools in each centered area are always readily available, which the children can access freely. This gives the children adequate space to explore and learn with their peers in an unstructured environment. In addition, there is a focused learning activity or experience set up that the children can choose to take part in. This is supported by the teacher and relate to current learning goals in the classroom.  
Maths and Literacy in Early Years
Early Years maths and literacy is delivered using a play-based approach. Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

To ensure the best approach to learning in Early Years at AIS, there is a purposeful balance planned for children to have the time and space to engage in both their own child-initiated activities and those led by classroom teachers.