Admissions Enquiries: 020 3890 1969

Early Childhood Programme

Inquiry-based learning and play

As part of our IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), we offer our Early Childhood curriculum for children aged 3-5 years. Through inquiry-based learning and play, it aims to engage and stimulate young students and nurture their academic, personal and social development.

Specifically, the overall goals of our Early Childhood Programme are to encourage children 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

Jump down to:

School Environment

Learning through play

We encourage our Early Childhood students to explore, investigate and play through activities chosen by them and activities initiated by an adult. To support learning through play, our classroom environments are set up so students can move freely around clearly defined areas for reading, writing, art, construction, imaginative play, science and mathematics.

These are situated both indoors and outdoors. Our EC children also visit other areas of the Kensington or Hampstead campus for PE, library and music lessons, which are taught by specialist teachers. And we regularly organise trips out of school that make the most of what London has to offer young minds.

EC students have access to a huge choice of resources. These include alphabet charts, craft materials and paints, books, educational board games, construction materials such as Lego and wooden blocks, iPads with age-appropriate apps, water and sand for experiments and free play, and a home corner which changes regularly.

In addition, 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.

An engaging, happy and stimulating environment

The classroom environment is set up so that the students may move freely around defined areas both in and out of doors for reading, writing, art, construction, imaginative play, science, and mathematics.

Supportive, caring teachers

Absolutely key to the successful delivery of our Early Childhood Programme are our fully qualified and experienced Early Childhood teachers and assistants. Because of our small class sizes, they can focus on the academic and social development of each child and support them appropriately. Where possible, we also meet families in advance of a child starting Southbank to find out as much as possible about a student and make their transition into our school a happy and easy experience.

“The learning environment is supportive, nuturing, and innovative. The school community is so welcoming and caring. It is a wonderful atmosphere for young minds to grow!”

– Naeema & Taha, parents of Southbank student

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.

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Kensington Campus
Kensington Campus
Hampstead Campus
Learn more about the Primary Years Programme
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Learn about the PYP Model
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Read our Primary Years Programme Curriculum Guide
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View the IB Learner Profile
FAQs...

School starts at 8.45am - half day EC3 students leave at 12pm, while full day students continue to 3.05pm.

During the day, students have a morning break and time for a snack, as well as a break before or after lunch. Children have access to outdoor play throughout the year.

The size of our EC classes is typically 14 to 17 students. This guarantees an excellent staff-to-student ratio, ensuring every child receives the attention they need to reach their full potential.

Our Kensington and Hampstead campuses both have fully qualified and experienced Early Childhood teachers and assistants. Because of our small class sizes, they can focus on the academic and social development of each child and support them appropriately.

Teachers also meet families in advance of a student starting Southbank to find out as much as possible about a child and make their transition into our school a happy and smooth experience.

Our Kensington and Hampstead campuses offer a healthy hot lunch on-site for students who stay all day.

Begin your Southbank Journey

Enter one of our classrooms and we’re sure you’ll be impressed by the confidence and creativity of our students as well as our exceptional teaching staff.

Your child's learning journey
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Early Childhood Years

3 - 5 yrs old

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Primary Years Programme

5 - 11 yrs old

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Lower Seniors

11-15 yrs old

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Upper Seniors

15 - 18 yrs old

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Admissions Process

Straightforward and simple

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Southbank International School

Enquiries :020 3890 1969