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Age 3 – 6 Stage 1 of 5

Cambridge Early Years


A child-centred, play-based programme for ages 3 to 6 — building the knowledge, understanding and skills every child needs as they grow, at their own pace.

6 Curriculum Areas Holistic Programme
Age 3 – 6 Early Childhood
Cambridge Early Years students at JPIC
Cambridge Pathway
Stage 1 · Foundation Stage
About the Programme

A Foundation Built on Play and Discovery


Cambridge Early Years is built around the belief that children learn best through play. Developed in collaboration with trusted early years experts, the programme reflects the very latest educational thinking and gives every child the confidence to explore, question and grow.

At JPIC, our Early Years environment is warm, nurturing and stimulating — designed to help each child develop at their own pace while building the social, emotional and cognitive skills that form the foundation for all future learning.

Our Approach

1
Experience
Learning complements the social and cultural factors — home, community and environment — that shape each child's development and growth.
2
Active
Children are actively involved in their own learning, developing competence, responsibility, confidence and a strong sense of self-worth.
3
Balance
Learning balances physical, cognitive, language, communication, and social and emotional development in equal measure.
4
Play
Learning is age-appropriate, play-based and child-centred — including both child-led and adult-guided activities.
5
Transition
The programme carefully prepares children for Cambridge Primary, moving from informal play-based learning toward more structured teaching.
Curriculum

What Your Child Will Learn


Six carefully designed curriculum areas develop the whole child — intellectually, physically, creatively and socially.

Communication & Literacy

Developing early reading, writing and communication skills through storytelling, rhymes, shared reading and purposeful play.

Creative Expression

Art, music, movement and imaginative play nurture creativity, self-expression and a love of making and exploring.

Mathematics

Exploring numbers, patterns, shapes and measurement through hands-on, playful and real-world activities.

Physical Development

Developing gross and fine motor skills through movement, outdoor play, dance and physical exploration.

Personal, Social & Emotional

Building confidence, self-regulation, empathy, resilience and positive relationships with others.

Understanding the World

Exploring the natural world, technology, people, communities and environments — sparking curiosity about everything.

Assessment

Measuring Growth, Not Just Achievement


Cambridge Early Years uses observational and portfolio-based assessment — a holistic approach focused on the whole child, not just academic outcomes. Teachers observe, evaluate and plan in a continuous three-stage cycle.

01 · Observation of Learning
Teachers observe and record children's learning throughout the day in natural, everyday settings — capturing authentic evidence of development.
02 · Evaluation of Evidence
Evidence is analysed against curriculum learning statements to build a clear picture of each child's development and understanding.
03 · Planning Next Steps
Assessment directly informs planning, ensuring every child is supported to grow and reach their full potential at their own pace.
04 · Cambridge Early Years Check Together
An optional baseline assessment that complements teacher judgement within the three-stage assessment process, providing additional structured insight.
Cambridge Early Years assessment at JPIC
At JPIC

Everything Your Child Needs to Thrive


Our Early Years environment combines Cambridge's world-class framework with the warmth and care of a Catholic school community.

Teaching Support

Our teachers receive comprehensive support including curriculum implementation guidance, planning templates, active learning strategies and resources for multilingual learners.

Learning Resources

Engaging classroom resources — guided play ideas, projectable stories, worksheets, puppet cards and bright learner books with colourful activities and playful rhymes.

Professional Development

Teachers have access to Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications (PDQ) in Early Years Good Practice at both Certificate and Diploma level.

Begin the journey at JPIC

Give Your Child the Best Possible Start


Our Admissions team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through enrolment for Cambridge Early Years at St. John Paul II International College.