British Preschool in Warsaw – why is EYFS important for kids?

International research shows that children who spend longer in early years provision have better educational outcomes later on. With this in mind, expats and internationally-minded families in Warsaw are opting for the highly-regarded Preschool at Thames British School Warsaw, which offers the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum for children aged 2.5 to 6.

This is the standard curriculum followed by registered preschools and nurseries across England, supporting children as they prepare for mandatory schooling and preparing them for their future learning success, development and wellbeing.

The EYFS curriculum offered by Thames British School is founded on four guiding principles:

• Every child is unique, constantly learning, and can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.
• Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
• Children learn and develop well in environments with adults who respond to their individual interests and needs.
• Children develop and learn at different rates.

In terms of developmental aims and subjects covered, the EYFS curriculum at Thames British School Warsaw is focused on 3 prime areas deemed especially important for stimulating children’s interest in learning and ability to build relationships, and which form the foundations upon which all further learning is built:

1. Communications and Language
2. Physical Development
3. Personal, Social and Emotional Development

There are also specific areas of learning and development in EYFS through which the above prime areas are further applied and strengthened:

1. Literacy
2. Mathematics
3. Understanding the World
4. Expressive Arts and Design

The EYFS programme at Thames offers the following important benefits for young children:

1. Supports Holistic Development

EYFS focuses on developing a child’s physical, social, emotional, communicative, and cognitive skills, ensuring they grow not just academically but also socially and emotionally.

2. Encourages Learning Through Play

Learning in EYFS is achieved through play and exploration which fosters creativity whilst developing problem-solving skills and independence. This makes learning enjoyable and engaging for young children.

3. Builds Strong Communication and Language Skills

With a strong focus on storytelling and conversations, EYFS enhances children’s ability to communicate effectively and with confidence.

4. Prepares Children for Mandatory Schooling

EYFS helps children develop the early literacy and numeracy skills as well as the social confidence and self-assurance to make their transition to primary school smoother.

5. Ensures Child Safety and Wellbeing

EYFS sets stringent standards for safeguarding, ensuring that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

6. Encourages Parental Involvement

EYFS promotes collaboration between educators and parents, helping families support their child’s learning at home. We use Tapestry, online learning journals to share school experiences with parents and home experiences with teachers.

At Thames British School Warsaw, it is our aim that our children leave the Early Years confident, having learnt how to learn, share, play, socialise and most importantly, happy and looking forward to the next stage of their education. Click here to learn more about our school and EYFS programme for young children.