Start your kids learning early!

Did you know that your child can start school from the age of three?

Building strong foundations

Starting your child in school or keeping them in childcare or at home a bit longer is a personal decision for families, and many factors go into this decision.

At The British School in The Netherlands (BSN), children from age three can join the Early Years Foundation Stage. This learning environment encourages exploration, independence, creativity, curiosity, and fun for children. Each child is supported to progress and develop learning behaviours.

Did you know that children are more likely to retain knowledge when learning through play?

“Play-based learning allows children to construct knowledge themselves by allowing children to ‘learn through doing’. During play, everything is an experiment, and if something does not work as a child has planned, they are safe to try again,” says Fiona Aartsen, Assistant Headteacher at Junior School Leidschenveen (JSL).

The approach to teaching and learning in the Foundation Stage at the BSN complements children’s instinctive desire to investigate, explore and ultimately understand how their world works. Concepts and skills are introduced to the children through hands-on activities that allow experiential learning and may look like “just” play.

“All of our learning follows the children’s interests. The Early Years curriculum gives us the freedom to offer a tailored approach to all children ensuring that everyone makes progress,” explains Vicki Broderick, Assistant Headteacher at Junior School Vlaskamp (JSV).

Did you know that children need to strengthen their fine and gross motor skills to prepare to write?

In Foundation 1, children develop both areas through intentional and fun activities!

Children must develop over 30 muscles in their hands before they form shapes and letters with control. In Foundation 1, children do this by cutting with scissors, using tweezers to pick up small objects and even hammering small boards.

During Physical Education, one of the weekly speciality lessons, children swing on ropes and climb structures. They develop confidence, challenge themselves and strengthen those necessary larger and core muscles needed for writing and future learning. 

Did you know that you can apply for a place in the Foundation Stage any time?

The Admissions team will be happy to arrange a tour of the Foundation Stage and answer any questions. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about how your child will flourish in the Foundation Stage at the Beginner’s Open Morning events in early November.

Contact our friendly Admissions team via Admissions@britishschool.nl or call + 31 (0) 70 315 4077.

If you are new to the Netherlands, click here to learn about international education in the Netherlands.