ISN’s Early Years concept focuses on all three aspects of a child’s development: academic, social and emotional. Children are encouraged to develop academically but at their own pace. They learn through play, by modelling adults, by observing each other, and through guided learning and direct teaching. Our youngest learning partners learn to play with others and to interact in a respectful way. A strong emphasis is placed on developing English language skills as well as on movement and healthy living. Lps are prepared for entering our Cambridge Primary Years programme by developing the emotional and social skills they need - executive function in particular:

• holding information in mind
• focusing attention
• thinking flexibly
• inhibiting impulsive behaviour

This will lead to a growing ability to self-regulate:

• concentrate their thinking
• plan what to do next
• monitor what they are doing and adapt
• regulate strong feelings
• be patient for what they want
• bounce back when things get difficult (RESILIENCE)

Curriculum planning is driven by children’s interests and learning partners are given opportunities to develop their own play and independent exploration. ISN’s unique EY approach focuses on developing skills which help our lps become independent learners.