At NLCS Dubai, our Early Years Department provides a joyful and nurturing introduction to school life for children aged 3 to 5 years. The department encompasses Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3–4) and Kindergarten 1 (ages 4–5), offering a warm, stimulating environment where curiosity, creativity, and confidence flourish.
An Exceptional Start
The Early Years are the foundation of our exceptional Junior School, where every child is valued as an individual and encouraged to thrive through our three pillars of academic excellence, pastoral care, and enrichment. Our youngest learners begin a journey of discovery that develops the habits, dispositions, and confidence that underpin a lifetime of learning.
A Philosophy Rooted in Inquiry and Care
Our approach is guided by the principles of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), where inquiry and play form the basis of meaningful learning. Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and construct their own understanding through hands-on experiences and collaboration. Teachers act as facilitators, responding to each child’s curiosity and guiding them to think critically and creatively.
Influenced by the Curiosity Approach, our classrooms are intentionally calm, natural, and inspiring. Resources are open-ended to invite exploration, problem-solving, and imaginative play, helping children develop independence, confidence, and respect for others.
Learning Through Play
Every day in the Early Years is filled with purposeful play that builds skills across all areas of development. Whether constructing, painting, storytelling, or investigating, children learn through doing, supported by skilled adults who extend their thinking and language.
Our curriculum encourages children to make connections across subjects, to express ideas freely, and to find joy in discovery. Learning is as much about nurturing curiosity and creativity as it is about building knowledge and understanding.
The Foundations of Language and Mathematics
While play remains central, the Early Years programme also provides strong foundations in early literacy and numeracy. Phonics is introduced through Read Write Inc., where children learn to read and write with confidence and enjoyment. Early mathematics follows EY Maths by Karen Wilding, a play-based, concept-rich approach that helps children understand number, pattern, and relationships through exploration and reasoning.
A Holistic Start
Music, art, movement, and outdoor play are integral to each day in the Early Years. Physical development is nurtured through creative movement, fine-motor activities, and art and crafts. Children also take part in specialist lessons in Music, PE, swimming and Arabic, developing cultural awareness and self-expression from an early age.
Nurturing the Whole Child
Exceptional pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. Our caring and experienced staff ensure that each child feels secure, respected, and known. The Early Years environment promotes kindness, empathy, and resilience, helping children build strong relationships and a sense of belonging within the wider school community.
Preparing for the Journey Ahead
By the time children transition to Kindergarten 2, they are socially, emotionally, and academically ready for the next stage of their NLCS journey. They leave the Early Years as confident, capable, and compassionate learners who are eager to explore the world around them.
Explore Our Transition Portal
To support families joining the NLCS Dubai community, we invite you to explore our Early Years Transition Portal. This space provides helpful information about routines, readiness, and how to prepare your child for a confident start at school.
Parent Portal