We aim to provide children in Early Years with educational experiences which will help them develop a positive approach to learning. By creating a learning environment where they feel at home, children will be more willing to explore new concepts and ideas.

 (ages 2 to 3)

The British School of Nanjing offers a Pre-Nursery class designed for children from 2 to 3 years of age. Within this group children are well cared for as  they enjoy the experience of learning through structured play. For children who do not have English as their first language, this is an ideal learning environment for effortless assimilation of the English language. The Pre-Nursery class provides a bridge between home and school. Within the group children learn to interact with one another. Our aim is to contribute to children's development in all areas. This requires constant communication between parents and teachers and includes termly reports (3 a year), letters and regular verbal communication through the Home/School Communication Log.

(ages 3 to 5)

These are classes for 3 to 5 year olds which provide a stimulating and creative environment where young children experience a wide range of activities which lead into Key Stage 1 of the English National Curriculum. These two years are very important as they form the basis of a child's future education.

At The British School of Nanjing we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme for teaching the developmental matters.  There are six key areas of learning:

Language and Literacy covers important aspects of language development and provides the foundation for literacy. Children are helped to acquire competence in English as soon as possible. Particular emphasis is laid on speaking and listening and in pre-reading and pre-writing activities. In Mathematics children are introduced to important aspects of mathematical understanding and are provided with the foundation for numeracy. This is achieved through practical activities and by using and understanding simple mathematical language.

In Knowledge and Understanding of the World, children acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of their environment, other people and features of the natural and man-made world.

Our Personal and Social Development programme focuses on children learning how to work, play, co-operate with others, and function in a group beyond the family.

The Physical Development programme aims to help children develop physical control, mobility, awareness of space, and manipulative skills in indoor and outdoor environments. Children are actively encouraged to establish positive attitudes towards a healthy and active way of life.

Creative Development focuses on stimulating children's imagination and their ability to communicate and express ideas and feelings in a creative way.