The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), encompassing both Nursery and Reception, is where a child’s learning journey at Aldenham begins. It is a warm, joyful and carefully structured environment that nurtures natural curiosity and supports children as they take their first steps into school life. Every day in Nursery and Reception is thoughtfully designed to inspire wonder, build confidence and help children develop a love of learning that stays with them as they grow.
At Aldenham Prep School Riyadh, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) goes beyond childcare. It is structured early education, grounded in the UK EYFS statutory framework in conjunction with the IEYC, delivered with the same seriousness and intent as the later years of schooling.
Our EYFS curriculum focuses on learning through play, exploration and meaningful interaction, reflecting the highest standards of an EYFS British curriculum. Skilled practitioners guide children through activities that develop early literacy and numeracy, communication, physical coordination and social understanding. Classrooms and outdoor areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage investigation, imagination and problem solving, giving children the freedom to discover new interests and express themselves creatively.
Children learn best when they feel safe and valued, and pastoral care is woven into every aspect of EYFS within our British nursery and reception school environment. We place great importance on routines that make children feel secure, relationships that build trust and guidance that helps them develop independence, resilience and positive behaviour. Each child is treated as an individual with their own strengths, pace and personality.
Parents are central partners in the Early Years. Regular communication, open dialogue and opportunities to share in classroom activities ensure that families are closely connected to their child’s experience at school. This partnership allows us to support each child consistently and with care.
By the time children move into Key Stage 1 they are confident, curious and ready for more formal learning. They leave EYFS with strong foundations, positive attitudes and an enthusiasm that prepares them for the next stage of their journey.
Areas of Learning
The Early Years Foundation Stage is structured around seven key areas of learning:
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Communication and Language
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Personal, Social and Emotional Development
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Physical Development
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Literacy
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Mathematics
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Understanding the World
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Expressive Arts and Design
Together, these areas provide a balanced and carefully sequenced foundation for future academic success. Particular emphasis is placed on the early development of language, thinking skills and positive behaviour, recognising that strength in these areas significantly influences later academic success. Learning is play-based yet purposeful, with clear objectives that are thoughtfully planned, carefully observed and regularly assessed to ensure that each child is progressing confidently and securely.
“Choosing a School which provides a holistic education in
a loving and caring environment is the best gift
a parent can give to their child.”
Aldenham UK
Founded in 1597, Aldenham UK is the flagship of the Aldenham Foundation and is steeped in history, with over 428 years of academic excellence. Aldenham UK - and all of our schools - embodies the best of timeless traditions and universal values, along with a documented history of a forward-thinking culture that’s served to differentiate us from our peers.
At Aldenham, we remember that achievement is an individual matter - whether that’s entry to an Oxbridge college, a sporting or cultural goal, or simply growing up into a well-balanced individual. Dedicated teaching is at the heart of everything we do. While we help our pupils to focus on their own plans, our teachers focus on our pupils.n their own plans, our teachers focus on our pupils.