Perhaps the perfect preparation for school is in a kindergarten inside a school. Early Years at the British School of Amsterdam accepts children between 3 and 5 years old. There are Dutch and English classrooms and the focus is on fun and learning and attaining skills that will be needed in any school environment. For more information, see the official page here. The Early Years is now part of the new British School of Amsterdam building. A brand new and world-class facility in the south of the city. It is the largest evolution of the school since its humble beginnings over 40 years ago.
At the British School Early Years there are three double Nursery classes. Two teachers and three nursery officers staff each Nursery class. Each class has a maximum size. There are four Reception classes with a maximum class size of 24. A teacher and a nursery officer staff each Reception class.
The British School Early Years is modern and friendly. It has teaching classrooms, an English classroom, a Dutch classroom, a multi-purpose room, a school hall/gymnasium, a library, a music room and a secure playground. The school also has an occupational therapy/multi sensory room used by qualified therapists. The teaching rooms have white boards and iPads, especially for technology lessons.
The children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum which sets the standards that all Early Years providers must meet to ensure that children have the very best and safest environment for learning. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school rediness’ and gives children a broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.
Please also check our information page on Dutch Education and schooling.
