The IB at Southbank is more than an education
As part of our Primary Years Programme (PYP), we offer an Early Childhood programme, which is the Early Years IB curriculum, for children aged 2*- 5 years. We offer the Early Childhood Programme at our Hampstead and Kensington campuses.
The Early Childhood framework and our school culture allows our young learners to develop in a safe and caring environment. Children develop social skills, self-management, independence and confidence, enabling them to seamlessly transition to the next phase of school.
Our small class sizes and high child to staff ratios enable personalised attention and very strong and secure adult to child relationships.
We're a private nursery and reception in London and use London as our classroom by visiting museums, art galleries, ecology centres, parks, libraries, theatres. We also include forest school activities (outdoor learning activities in natural environments) to foster a deep connection with nature, stimulate curiosity, and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
*Conditions apply
Jump down to:
Welcoming 2 year olds!
We accept students who are 2 years old to our Early Childhood Programme under the following conditions:
- They have a date of birth between 31st August and 31st December
- They will be turning 3 years old in the Autumn term (September - December)
- They are toilet trained and have the stamina to stay at school without a nap
This will be a collaborative approach between parents and teachers to ensure that your child has the best start to school.
At the end of the academic year your child will repeat Early Childhood 3.
If you are interested in applying, please contact our admissions team.
Early Childhood framework
Inquiry-based learning through play
Our Early Childhood framework focuses on inquiry based learning through play. The aim is to engage and stimulate young children, nurturing their academic, personal and social development.
Our Early Childhood students are encouraged to:
- Make choices and decisions
- Use materials in flexible and imaginative ways
- Initiate inquiry and ask questions
- Work collaboratively with others
- Sustain their interests and extend their knowledge
- Develop an understanding of themselves and the world around them
A wide range of resources are used during activities.
Our Early Childhood students have access to tricycles, bicycles, a climbing frame, alphabet charts, craft materials and paints, books, educational board games, construction materials such as Lego and wooden blocks, water and sand for experiments and free play, and a ‘home corner’ which changes regularly.
School Environment
An engaging, happy and stimulating environment
Our learning spaces are arranged to allow students to move freely between areas designed for reading, writing, art, construction, imaginative play, science and mathematics. These areas are located both indoors and outdoors.
Our Kensington and Hampstead campuses both feature large gardens with climbing frames, sandpits and a wide range of toys and equipment for children to enjoy.
Our Early Childhood students also have access to other parts of our Kensington or Hampstead campus for physical education, library sessions and music lessons, led by specialist teachers. Off-campus trips are regularly organised to make the most of what London has to offer young people.
Welcome to Early Childhood!
FAQs...
Early Childhood allows your young learner to develop essential skills that they will need to thrive in an ever changing world — social skills, self-management, independent learning, and character development. Our focus is not only on building skills and knowledge but also for them to become principled, caring, and reflective. Students work collaboratively and are encouraged to develop kind, thoughtful and supportive relationships with each other. Our teachers are experts in working closely with children to ensure they feel safe and loved.
The Early Childhood program at Southbank offers a broader scope than most nurseries and local schools. With teacher guidance, students can choose what to inquire into and how to explore their learning in practical ways. Our Early Childhood programme has a strong emphasis on five learning approaches of thinking, research, self-management, social ability, and communication. We also adhere to the IB Learner Profile which focuses on nurturing a student's character and fostering agency in learning .
We offer an Early Childhood programme for children aged 2 to 5 years. Entry conditions apply for 2 year olds; please contact our admissions team. Applications are accepted throughout the year, and students can start at any point in our academic year, subject to availability.
School opens at 8.20am. Half day students leave at 12pm, while full day students continue until 3.00pm. During the day, students have a morning break and time for a snack, as well as a break before or after lunch. Children have regular access to outdoor play throughout the day.
Yes, Early Childhood staff are very experienced in language acquisition and are here to help! EAL (English as an Additional Language) students enrolled in our social, play-based environment develop their English quickly. By the end of their first term, they use a variety of sentences, progressing to engaging in conversations with both students and teachers in months.
Our Kensington and Hampstead campuses both have fully qualified and experienced Early Childhood teachers and assistants who focus on academic and social development. Our small class sizes enable personalised attention to various learning styles and needs. Our Early Childhood teachers meet families ahead of the student's arrival at Southbank to find out as much as possible about a child and make their transition into our school a happy and smooth experience.
Our students engage in a variety of activities and can approach tasks differently based on their individual interests. Some of the activities they enjoy include, but are not limited to: art, construction, mark-making and writing, sand & water/messy play, music, physical education, library, reading, mathematical inquiries, role play, phonics.
At Southbank, we view parents as collaborative partners. We communicate regularly and provide observations and feedback. Scheduled meetings are organised to discuss children’s learning, progress reports and how best to support them at school and at home. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in classrooms, sharing expertise and cultural celebrations.
Our teaching team fosters a collaborative learning environment in which each child's unique skills and interests are valued and celebrated.
We accept children who have enough stamina to attend at least half days without the need of a nap.
Our Kensington and Hampstead campuses offer a healthy hot lunch onsite for students who stay all day.
Students are not required to wear a school uniform. For Physical Education (PE) they can choose to wear the school-branded PE kit.
Welcome to Early Childhood!
FACILITIES & LOCATION
At home, in the heart of London
The Early Childhood Programme is available at our Kensington campus in Notting Hill and at our Hampstead campus. Both are relatively small, with each having a maximum capacity of around 220 students. This helps to create a family feel and close-knit community.
Begin your Southbank Journey
Enter one of our Central London classrooms at our Hampstead, Kensington or Westminster campuses, and we’re sure you’ll be impressed by the confidence and creativity of our students as well as our exceptional teaching staff.
2* - 5 yrs old (*Conditions apply)
5 - 11 yrs old
11-16 yrs old
15 - 18 yrs old
Straightforward and simple
Find out more