Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
At the International British School of Popești-Leordeni, we believe that a truly exceptional education begins with an exceptional start. In the Early Years, we are committed to creating an environment in which every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to grow — intellectually, emotionally, socially, and creatively.
We recognise that the early years of childhood are profoundly important in shaping confidence, character, and curiosity. Our purpose is therefore not only to educate, but to nurture: to provide each child with the security, encouragement, and sense of belonging needed to flourish and to fulfil their individual potential.
A Thoughtful and Nurturing Foundation
Our Early Years provision is built upon the understanding that every child is unique and develops in their own individual way and at their own pace. With sensitivity, care, and professional insight, we support children as they grow physically, cognitively, linguistically, socially, and emotionally.
Within our warm and carefully structured environment, children are encouraged to develop self-confidence, independence, and a strong sense of identity. They learn to express themselves clearly, to manage their feelings appropriately, to make choices with increasing assurance, and to build positive relationships with others.
Equally, we place great value on kindness, empathy, and mutual respect. Children are guided to appreciate the importance of living and learning harmoniously within a community, while developing an understanding of and respect for cultures, perspectives, and beliefs beyond their own.
Learning Through Play, Exploration, and Discovery
We regard play as fundamental to effective early learning. Through purposeful, thoughtfully planned experiences, children are given the freedom to explore, imagine, investigate, and create within an environment that honours both structure and wonder.
Our curriculum is designed to reflect children’s interests and natural curiosity, while carefully building upon their existing knowledge and understanding. In doing so, we foster enthusiasm, resilience, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning.
Learning extends across both indoor and outdoor environments, each of which is intentionally designed to stimulate discovery, encourage independence, and promote meaningful engagement with the world.
The Seven Areas of Learning and Development
Children’s progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage is guided through seven key areas of learning and development, all of which work together to support the child as a whole.
Prime Areas
Communication and Language
Developing children’s listening, attention, understanding, and speaking skills.
Physical Development
Promoting movement, coordination, health, wellbeing, and self-care.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Encouraging confidence, self-awareness, emotional understanding, positive behaviour, and secure relationships.
Specific Areas
Literacy
Including phonics, reading, writing, and early literacy development. Pre-reading skills, such as phonics and phonemic awareness, are taught through the Department for Education’s primary national strategy, Letters and Sounds, laying firm foundations for future literacy.
Mathematics
Exploring numbers, shapes, space, and measures in meaningful and engaging ways.
Understanding the World
Developing awareness of people and communities, the wider world, and technology.
Expressive Arts and Design
Encouraging creativity, imagination, and confident exploration through media, materials, and artistic expression.
An Integrated and Child-Centred Curriculum
These seven areas are closely interconnected, reflecting the integrated and child-centred approach that lies at the heart of our educational philosophy.
Through this carefully balanced framework, we seek to cultivate children who are confident, curious, compassionate, and well prepared for the next stage of their educational journey — children with strong roots, open minds, and the wings to thrive in an ever-changing world.