Why Start Now at Early Years?
SHC Article SHC Early years SHC Nursery SHC StoryBenefits of starting your child’s school journey in Nursery, written by Early Years Team.
Nursery is an Opportunity for Growth
Nursery is often a child’s first experience in a structured environment with teachers and groups of children. It is an opportunity to share, follow instructions, and increase their English language skills through different activities, both indoors and outdoors. At Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, the Nursery children are exposed and immersed in a variety of learning experiences, Music lessons, PE lessons, Swimming lessons, Library sessions, and Thai lessons. These are opportunities that they don’t get at home.
Promoting Social and Emotional Development
Children learn best when they feel cared for and secure. At Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, our highly experienced teachers ensure a smooth transition from home to school. Through consistent communication and relationship-building between teachers, children, and parents, children quickly adjust to spending time away from their parents. During the school day, teachers guide them through various social interactions, such as sharing, taking turns, and using polite, kind language and actions when communicating with others.
Growing Independence
Independence is hugely developed at school. A home environment and a school environment are very different. We teach children to work as a team, helping to clear away toys in the classroom and to help set the table during snack and lunchtimes. Eating as a whole class group, together with teachers, help children learn to eat independently and try different healthy foods available from them to choose from each day. Children learn very quickly and develop the skills to take care of their own needs. Helping children to visit the toilet frequently during the school day also helps encourage faster toilet training.
A Child-Centred Approach
At Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, we place the child at the centre of their learning experience. With a deep knowledge of Early Childhood Development, our highly skilled teachers tailor each classroom and outdoor space carefully for each child’s individual needs and interests. This allows every child to lead their learning, allowing them to make choices, and communicate their unique strengths and interests.
Journey Into EY1
At our school, we are constantly amazed by the remarkable transition children make from Nursery to EY1. On the very first day, many children confidently walk in, place their water bottles in the basket, wave goodbye, and dive straight into exploring the classroom. They already know how to access snacks, use the toilet independently, and settle into play as if they’ve been in EY1 for weeks.
- Growing Confidence and Independence: As the term progresses, this confidence flourishes. Children take on more responsibilities, like serving snacks or dressing for swimming independently. Their growing autonomy extends to play, where they plan their day, choose resources, and engage fully in Immersive Learning. This freedom fosters deeper engagement, ownership, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
- A Pivotal Stage of Development: At the age of three to four, children are in a critical developmental phase, often referred to as ‘sponges’—rapidly acquiring and consolidating new skills. Immersing them in language-rich environments with diverse learning opportunities stimulate their growth and individuality.
- A Smooth, Familiar Transition: Familiarity is key. By the time children start EY1, they are already comfortable with spaces like the garden, Library, and lunch area, and have met their new teachers. This familiarity eases separation anxiety and makes them feel part of the school family from day one.
- Understanding Your Child’s Development: Having spent time in Nursery, we understand each child’s unique development. We know their interests, favourite activities, and areas that may need extra support, allowing us to nurture their learning journey seamlessly.
- Building Language and Communication Skills: EY1 is a crucial time for language growth. Exposure to an English-rich environment helps children expand their vocabulary and improve verbal communication. We see them begin to hold conversations, retell stories, and express themselves with growing confidence.
- A Foundation for Future Learning: EY1 is a pivotal year where children develop independence, confidence, and communication and social skills. These essential foundations support their journey into EY2 and beyond. Through hands-on experiences, children learn to express themselves, collaborate with peers, and navigate challenges, empowering them to become lifelong learners ready to embrace new opportunities.
Journey Into EY2
By the time your child begins their journey in EY2, they will have become familiar with the school environment, navigating the Early Years Hub with ease. These familiar surroundings continue to boost their confidence and make transitioning to EY2 an exciting adventure.
- Established Relationships: Throughout their journey in Early Years, they will have had the opportunity to develop positive relationships with children across their year group, class teachers and specialist teachers. These established relationships provide a strong support network, creating seamless transitions throughout the Early Years.
- Classroom Dynamics: Children transitioning from EY1 to EY2 tend to grasp the classroom dynamics and routines quickly and demonstrate readiness for more structured learning sessions. This supports them as they begin their phonics, Maths and guided reading sessions during Term 1.
- Understanding Emotion and Conflict Resolution: At this stage children will have developed an understanding of their emotions and are embedding the skills to regulate and manage negative emotions such as frustration and anger. This strong emotional foundation is essential in allowing your child to bounce back after facing challenges.
- Conflicts they experienced in the earlier stages of their learning become valuable lessons and contribute to positive social interactions, teamwork and collaboration. The children are now able to learn how to listen to others, negotiate, take turns, compromise and find solutions to problems.
- Love for Reading: During their time in Early Years, teachers aim to develop a love for reading in every child. They are exposed to story books and encouraged to engage in literacy-focused activities aimed to foster a positive attitude towards books and reading. This strong foundation supports your child in developing a wide-range of vocabulary and prepares them for the start of their phonics journey in EY2 as they develop the skills to read and write.
- Phonemic Awareness and Writing: During teacher-led sessions in Nursery and EY1, children will develop the skills of alliteration, rhyming and an awareness of environmental sounds. These foundational skills enable them to smoothly progress into more advanced tasks such as linking sounds with letters as they begin to read and write. Witnessing a child’s journey from early mark-makers to independent and creative writers in EY2 is a truly remarkable and rewarding experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am worried my child is too young. When should they start?
Starting Nursery at 2 years old exposes your child to a multitude of experiences in a language-rich environment, and it’s important to remember that 80% of brain development happens before the age of 3.
Does it matter if my child doesn’t speak English?
Most children coming into Nursery do not speak English. Even children with English as a first language are still developing their language skills. We value and support the development of the children’s native tongue as the stronger a child’s communication and language skills are in their home language, the stronger and faster it is for them to develop in English. At this age children develop the understanding of English first and they are given the language by being immersed in English everyday.
Do they need to be toilet trained?
Being toilet trained and taking care of our own needs is something that we develop throughout Nursery depending on each child. We encourage families to begin toilet training as soon as possible.
Do they need to feed themselves?
We support the children during snack and lunchtimes, encouraging them to gain independence in this area.