Small Steps to Independence
As a parent, you may be at the point where you are considering the next step in your child’s journey towards independence. Should they stay at home a little longer, continue in their current nursery (daycare), or take the exciting step of going to school?
We understand this is a very personal decision, and that every child is unique. What we do know is that in the first five years – the Foundation Years – children develop more rapidly than at any other time. As each child progresses at a different pace, you might feel school is not an option for your child yet. But after their third birthday, your child may be ready to take that exciting step to ‘big school’.
Here are ten reasons why starting your child’s educational journey early at The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) might be the best option for your child.
Learning through play!
Why school could be the right option for your child
1. Building confidence through routines
A nurturing school environment with a clear daily structure lays the foundation for children to transition seamlessly into their life of learning. Additionally, younger children greatly benefit from being surrounded by older peers, helping them to thrive both socially and emotionally.
2. Relationships that help every child thrive
At the BSN, we work closely in partnership with families to develop strong, positive relationships with each child. Each child is unique, and by connecting with parents, we gain a deep understanding of their individual needs. By learning what sparks children’s interests, we can tailor learning experiences that truly engage them.
Learning experiences tailored to your child
3. A strong sense of belonging
Our Foundation Stage programme instils a strong sense of belonging by providing a safe, nurturing environment in which children can explore, take risks, try new activities, and build positive relationships.
4. Internationally recognised British curriculum
Based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, your child will confidently develop through a carefully integrated two-year programme, which encourages active learning, play and exploration.
Opportunities for exploration 🔎
5. Safety first!
Your child’s wellbeing is our top priority. Each school day is carefully planned to ensure a safe, reassuring environment. With a dedicated School Health Team on each campus, there is always a friendly face nearby to provide care if needed. We also teach children simple habits, like washing their hands and keeping clean, so they learn how to stay healthy and safe.
6. Developing the whole child
Early education is about so much more than taking the first steps in reading, writing, and maths. In our Foundation Stage, we focus on the development of the whole child alongside academic learning. Through exploration and play, children lead their own learning, with support from our caring, specialised teaching staff. They develop essential communication, language, physical, personal, social and emotional skills.
7. Building strong foundations for future learning
Children explore numbers, shapes, sounds and letters at an early age. They learn to link symbols to real-life contexts, helping them understand how numbers work and what they represent. At the same time, they begin to connect sounds and letters, laying the groundwork for reading and writing. These early experiences form the essential foundations for all future learning.
Children lay the foundations for future learning in the Early Years
8. Exceptional educators
Our Early Years staff benefit from ongoing professional development through our BSN Professional Development Academy. As one of Europe’s leading British international schools, we know that outstanding teaching makes all the difference – and we invest in it so your child can flourish.
9. Learning beyond the classroom
Our outdoor spaces offer children the freedom to explore, create, and play with friends in a safe, stimulating environment. From studying wildlife in the trees to setting up a shop in the play area, children lead their own play and learning – developing independence, imagination, and confidence along the way. And as the saying goes, ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing’ – we embrace outdoor learning in all seasons!
Outdoor learning at the BSN
10. Nurturing imagination and self-expression
Through art, music, movement, dance, and role play, we encourage creativity and self-expression. With a wide range of resources and opportunities to experiment, children develop confidence and problem-solving skills while sparking their imagination.
But most of all … the Foundation Stage is fun!
The BSN ensures that every child develops the skills to become happy, healthy, independent and curious lifelong learners. Their time with us is designed to be enjoyable and enriching. Even our youngest learners benefit from our exceptional facilities, which include inspiring, engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces – the only limit is their imagination!
We invite you and your family to come and explore the Foundation Stage!
When can my child start in Foundation Stage?
Your child can join the BSN from the term after they turn three. However, applications for our Foundation Stage are welcome at any time.
We offer the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum at both our Junior School Leidschenveen and Junior School Vlaskamp campuses.
Explore Early Years at the BSN
If you’d like to find out more, feel free to get in touch with our Admissions Team, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our school or the Admissions process.
Or, book a visit to see our Foundation Stage in action!
