EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN ENGLISH IN MARBELLA
At Laude San Pedro we follow a system of early childhood education in English which allows us to incorporate language learning at an early age, at the same time as our pupils learn their mother tongue.
Welcome from the Director of EYFS
Our EYFS classes emphasize these expectations through their focus on creating the best possible first learning experiences for each child. The teaching team focus on laying secure foundations for each child’s future learning and development, while embracing and enhancing this early stage in children’s life, not just in education.
As the children move through Primary where learning becomes more formalized, it is important to us that we maintain our child-oriented approach. We aim to create independent, confident learners by focusing on learning skills and behaviours, while increasing academic rigor as the child ages.
No matter the age, we want the very best for each and every child.
Warm regards,
Nicky de Comarmond
Head of Primary
Early Years Foundation Stage (3 and 4 years)
Pupils aged 3 to 5 follow the Early Years curriculum. In each age group we guide our students to develop their potential at their own pace. We make sure to adjust our curriculum based on the interests of each child through playful activities appropriate for the development of the seven learning areas.
The Early Years Foundation Stage in our school consists of two stages, divided into two different years.
Foundation Stage 1: Nursery (3 years)
Foundation Stage 1 is designed for 3 year olds and focuses on providing a safe and stimulating environment where children can develop basic skills. This stage is based on play and exploration, allowing children to learn through hands-on experiences and play activities. The main aim is to foster children’s personal, social and emotional development through language, helping them to build a personality based on confidence and communication skills.
At Nursery, special attention is given to creating daily routines that include activities such as storytelling, singing songs and outdoor play. These activities are designed to improve children’s language and fine motor skills. In addition, social interaction is encouraged, helping children learn to share, take turns and work in groups. The approach is holistic, addressing children’s physical, cognitive and emotional development.
Foundation Stage 2: Reception (4 years)
Foundation Stage 2 is for 4 year olds and marks the transition to a more structured education. This stage is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and focuses on preparing children for formal learning. In Reception, children begin to develop reading, writing and maths skills in a more systematic way, although learning is still through play and exploration.
The Reception programme includes activities designed to improve cognitive skills, such as letter and number identification, simple word formation and basic problem solving. Emphasis is also placed on social and emotional development, helping children to adapt to school routines and to follow more complex instructions. Teaching is more structured than in Nursery, but remains flexible and child-centred, adapting to children’s individual needs and learning paces.
Areas of development in the Early Years Foundation Stage
During Nursery and Reception the following objectives are pursued.
Problem solving, reasoning and arithmetic.
During Nursery and Reception, one of the key objectives is the development of skills in problem solving, reasoning and arithmetic.At this stage, children begin to become familiar with basic number concepts through play and everyday activities.
They begin to count objects, recognise numbers and understand the relationship between quantities. Educators use games and practical tasks, such as grouping and sorting objects, to help children develop their reasoning skills.
Communication, language and literacy
Communication, language and literacy are fundamental in the early years of education, and the Nursery and Reception programmes focus intensively on these aspects. Children are exposed to a rich variety of language experiences including listening to stories, singing songs, and participating in word games. These activities are designed to enhance their listening and comprehension skills.
Personal, social and emotional development
Personal, social and emotional development is a priority in Nursery and Reception. The focus is on helping children develop a positive self-image and manage their emotions. Educators create a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore their feelings and learn to interact with others in a respectful and collaborative way.
Physical development
Physical development is another essential goal during the early years of education. In Nursery and Reception, both gross and fine motor development is encouraged. Activities such as running, jumping, climbing and outdoor games are vital for strengthening muscles and improving coordination.
Creative development
Creative development is encouraged through a wide variety of activities in Nursery and Reception. Children have the opportunity to express themselves through art, music, dance and imaginative play. These activities not only allow children to explore and develop their creative talents, but also promote critical thinking and problem solving.
We monitor the progress of our students, evaluate the activities carried out and observe each of them to determine the point of development they are at and plan the next phases appropriately. Through a thematic approach to planning and organization, we have the ability to provide our students with opportunities in each area of learning. We inform parents about the topics we cover through communications and parent information boards.
Our track record of excellence in education
Laude San Pedro is a benchmark school for our language teaching from the infant stage onwards. Our comprehensive and personalised approach fosters language development from an early age, providing students with a solid foundation for global communication.
Through innovative programmes and interactive activities, we cultivate fluency and confidence in multiple languages, preparing our students to meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
Admission and enrolment process
The admissions process at Laude San Pedro includes a pre-application, student assessment, a personal interview and, once the application is accepted, enrolment with the submission of the required documents and payment of the corresponding fee.