When Annelie enrolled her youngest daughter at Southbank into the Rising 3* programme; she already knew the school well: her older children were students. But choosing a start before the age of three still required careful thought.

“I was comparing nurseries and Early Childhood,” she explains. “What mattered most to me was finding the right balance between time at school and time to rest.”

The possibility of a part-time schedule made all the difference. Her daughter began attending three full days a week, which provided what Annelie describes as “the perfect balance”: time to socialise, learn and explore at school, while still having days at home to relax.

“I also really valued the full-day option,” she adds. “Many nurseries offer only mornings, often five days in a row. For us, three full days worked much better.”

“What stood out immediately was how engaging and well designed the programme felt for young children. Activities were creative, interactive and connected to the Units of Inquiry, allowing children to learn in ways that felt natural and joyful. She truly loved going to school,” Annelie says. “It was educational, but at the same time perfectly suited to three-year-olds.”

Another deciding factor was the school’s Forest School programme. Learning outdoors and spending time in nature was something Annelie valued highly as a parent. “I think it’s fantastic for children to learn while being in nature and enjoying the elements,” she says. “That environment is incredibly important.”

She also appreciated the Early Childhood environment itself. The dedicated classroom and garden give younger children their own space within the school, while still being part of a close-knit community. “The school is small, and all the children know each other,” she explains. “That creates a very friendly and warm environment.”

As a Dutch-speaking family, English language acquisition was also a consideration, but not a concern. Having seen her older children make the transition to English successfully, Annelie felt confident in the school’s support. “The school was amazing in helping them feel comfortable in English,” she says. “Children learn incredibly quickly when they feel safe and supported.”

For parents wondering whether starting school before age three is the right choice, Annelie’s advice is simple:“The programme offers a wonderful balance between arts, music, movement and learning, in a relaxed, safe and joyful environment.”

* Rising 3 Programme: Children aged 2 may be admitted to the Early Childhood Programme if they turn 3 between September and December, are toilet trained, and can manage a full school day without a nap, with parents and teachers working together to support the transition. These students will then repeat Early Childhood 3 the following academic year.