Nursery and Early Years at Cape Town

In the Early Years, we provide a warm, nurturing environment where learners aged three to six begin their learning journey. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, our approach is play-based and child-centred, recognising that young children learn best through exploration, curiosity, and hands-on experiences.

Our educators carefully observe each learner and extend learning through meaningful play, making learning engaging, and enjoyable. This approach helps little learners build strong foundations for future learning while developing confidence and independence.

Early Years is a special phase where curiosity is encouraged, confidence grows, and lifelong memories are made. We look forward to welcoming your child into our BIS family!

Every day is full of play, exploration, and discovery. Through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and creative projects, the little learners will develop fine and gross motor skills, creativity, and critical thinking. They’ll also build confidence, independence, and social skills, all while having fun and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” – Fred Rogers

Communication and Language / Literacy – From Nursery to Reception, learners enjoy listening to stories, singing songs, and playing sound games. Using the Jolly Phonics programme, they begin to recognise sounds, form letters, and develop early reading and speaking skills in a fun and gentle way.

Mathematics – Children learn about numbers, shapes, and patterns through play, movement, and everyday activities. Counting, sorting, and problem-solving are introduced naturally, helping children build confidence with early maths skills.

Understanding the World – Children explore the world around them through hands-on activities, nature play, and simple experiments. They learn to observe, ask questions, and make sense of their surroundings as their curiosity grows.

Expressive Arts and Design – Through drawing, painting, music, and building, children develop fine motor skills and express their ideas creatively. Activities are open-ended and encourage imagination, independence, and enjoyment.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Children learn how to play together, share, take turns, and express their feelings in a safe and caring environment. These experiences help build confidence, friendships, and emotional understanding.

Our Early Years programme is enriched through a variety of engaging weekly activities and specialist lessons designed to support whole-child development. Learners enjoy Bee-Bots (early coding and problem-solving), Physical Education, Music, and Library lessons as part of their weekly routine.

In addition, learners have opportunities to participate in extra-mural activities, encouraging exploration of interests beyond the classroom while building confidence, coordination, and social skills.

In Early Years, we help the little learners understand our school’s core values through three simple daily guidelines:

Be Kind – We use kind words, share with others, and treat everyone with respect.
Be Caring – We look after ourselves, our friends, and our environment.
Be Encouraging – We support one another, celebrate effort, and try our best.