Early Years

Our Early Years section is a full immersion programme in English. This includes our Sunshine class and Forest classes for children aged three to five years .

Early Years are located in building C (to the left hand side as you enter our complex) in large, bright and welcoming rooms on the ground floor. We also have our purpose built, certified, soft surface playground with swings, a seesaw, climbing frame and rocking toys behind the building and a grassy area for playing.

We have a dedicated lunch room for Early Years with a separate food serving/reheating area and also a specially designed cloakroom for our least tall pupils.

Our central location gives us easy access to a number of educational opportunities within the historical city of Krakow.

Our educational methods and programme are designed to prepare children for the International Primary Curriculum that they will follow with us in the coming years and are founded upon the theories of Multiple Intelligences and constructivism.

We use the seven areas of learning to develop: communication and language, physical (both fine and gross motor skills), personal, social and emotional, literacy using the Jolly phonics programme, numeracy, understanding of the world, and expressive arts and design.

The day is structured to recognise the way small children function and learn. This includes many opportunities for repetition of learning themes and using topics of interest which enable them to investigate and explore further. Our programme also allows our pupils to build vocabulary, self-confidence, team work, fine and gross motor skills development, outside activities and play and also a time to rest and reflect.

Early Years facilities tour…

Early Years in International Education

Early childhood education forms the cornerstone of a child’s academic and personal development. In the realm of international education, the significance of the early years cannot be overstated. From fostering cultural diversity to nurturing cognitive and social skills, international schools for toddlers play a pivotal role in shaping the global citizens of tomorrow. Let’s delve into the world of early years education in international settings, focusing particularly on Early Years Foundation Stage offer at Embassy International School in Krakow and explore how institutions like these pave the way for a brighter future.

In international settings like Cracow International Schools Early Years, the focus on early childhood education transcends geographical boundaries. The nurturing environment provided by such institutions caters to the unique needs of young learners, fostering their holistic development. With a blend of diverse cultures and educational philosophies, these schools offer a rich tapestry of experiences for toddlers and young children.

Located in the vibrant city of Krakow, EIS – a Cracow International School stands as a beacon of excellence in early childhood education. Catering to children from diverse backgrounds, this institution embodies the essence of international education from the early years onwards. At this Cracow International School Early Years programme, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. Through a combination of play-based learning and structured activities, children are encouraged to explore, inquire, and discover the world around them.

In line with the ethos of international education, Cracow Embassy International School Early Years offers a comprehensive curriculum that lays the foundation for future academic success. Pupils in early years are divided into two groups: Sunshine (3 years old) and Forest (4 years old). This division ensures that the educational needs of each age group are catered to effectively.

Inside Embassy International School’s Early Years Curriculum

One of the distinguishing features of the curriculum at Early Years in Cracow International School EIS is its emphasis on language development. Pupils learn in English, laying a strong foundation for bilingualism and multilingualism. The use of Jolly Phonics methodology further enhances literacy skills, making learning engaging and enjoyable for young learners.

The educational methods and programme at Embassy International School Early Years are rooted in the theories of Multiple Intelligences and constructivism. This student-centered approach recognizes the diverse talents and learning styles of children, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention and support.

Central to the success of EIS – Cracow International School Early Years are its dedicated and experienced teachers. Trained in early childhood education, these educators bring passion, expertise, and creativity to the classroom, nurturing a love for learning in every child.

Education at Early Years in Embassy International School in Krakow extends beyond the confines of the classroom. In addition to everyday theme classes, pupils participate in special activities including ART, ICT, PE, movement, Music, book buddies, library classes, and playground time. These activities not only enhance academic learning but also foster social skills, creativity, and physical well-being.

At Embassy International School we recognise the way small children function and learn, and our approach  includes many opportunities for repetition and reinforcement of learning. We encourage our children to inquire and explore using themed lessons and activities.

We include developing children’s self-confidence, independence and self-help skills, how to keep each other safe, what makes a kind/ good friend, celebrate diversity and culture and  awareness of environmental issues and become mindful of sustainability within the school.

The programme includes time for gross motor development through PE, music and movement sessions and fine motor development through Arts and crafts and ICT lessons. A time for rest and reflection is also built into our day. We also have a full range of equipment to support sensory development.

Circle times are used to open and close the day, other specialist lessons in ICT , Art and Music are provided, and are designed to lead towards inquiry based learning.  

7 areas of learning in Early Years are:

  • Communication and language  
  • Physical development 
  • Personal, social and emotional development and these specific areas of learning: 
  • Literacy  
  • Numeracy  
  • Understanding the world  
  • Expressive arts and design 

The structure of Early Years day: 

Early Years begin a day with circle time, highlighting the learning objectives, topics and structure of the day. Two breaks are scheduled at 10.15am and lunch at 1.00pm. Numeracy, and literacy happens every day. Literacy is taught using the Jolly Phonics programme, where we teach in differentiated groups and according to their abilities and levels in literacy. Daily themed lessons cover topics of interest, which include topics such as Dinosaurs, The planets, and Superheroes etc. Themes are used to discuss, engage, find out and explore further interests and allow the children to use inquiry based learning strategies. Each day specific subjects, such as PE, music, Art and ICT are taught by specialist teachers and in specialist classrooms. Play both inside and outside are scheduled daily. 

Standards and specific learning outcomes are the same as the English National Curriculum Early Years Framework as described on the UK government website:  https://www.gov.uk/early-years-foundation-stage and subsequent updates  

Early years education in international settings like Cracow plays a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of our global society. By providing a nurturing environment, a comprehensive curriculum, and dedicated teachers, these institutions lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success. As we continue to prioritize the importance of early childhood education, let us remember that investing in our children today is an investment in a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.