Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. In the early years, a nurturing, holistic approach can set the stage for a lifelong love of learning and success across all areas of life. At Cambridge School of Bucharest (CSB), early education is about developing the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Through a play-based, child-centred approach, the school creates an environment where children from ages 3 to 5 can thrive, fostering creativity, curiosity, and essential life skills that will serve them well in their future.
A Transformative Journey in Early Education
Early education at CSB is designed to be a transformative experience that empowers children to explore their world, develop key foundational skills, and build the confidence they need to succeed in both academic and personal pursuits. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at CSB caters to children aged 3 to 5 and consists of Nursery and Reception. During these formative years, the school’s innovative approach prioritises play-based learning and focuses on developing not only cognitive skills but also social, emotional, and physical competencies.
The school recognises that each child is unique, with their own learning style, pace, and interests. By encouraging self-directed learning and exploration, children are given the freedom to express their creativity, follow their curiosity, and develop a genuine love for learning that will stay with them throughout their academic journey.
Play-Based Learning: The Heart of Early Education
At the core of CSB’s early education programme is the belief that young children learn best through play. Play-based learning allows children to engage with the world around them in a meaningful way, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Whether they are building structures, engaging in imaginative role play, or working on group projects, children at CSB are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and experiment.
This approach taps into children’s natural curiosity, making learning fun and engaging. It lays the foundation for future academic success by fostering critical thinking and promoting intellectual curiosity. At the same time, it cultivates a sense of independence, as children learn to make choices, take initiative, and take ownership of their learning.
A Strong Start for Academic Success
Research has shown that children who begin their educational journey in the early years—particularly from the age of three—tend to perform better academically as they progress through school. This early start lays the groundwork for the development of reading and writing skills, which are crucial for later academic achievement. This academic foundation is carefully nurtured through a structured phonics programme, which helps children develop essential literacy skills in preparation for Primary School.
The phonics programme is designed to make reading and writing accessible and enjoyable for young learners. By learning the sounds of letters and how to blend them, children quickly gain the skills needed to become confident readers and writers, building their self-esteem as they realise their own capability in mastering these important skills.
The early years at CSB provide a strong academic base, ensuring that children are well-prepared for the more structured learning that comes in Primary School, which highlights the long-term benefits of early education.
Social-Emotional Development: Preparing Children for Life
While academic success is a crucial aspect of early education, CSB believes that it is equally important to foster children’s social-emotional development. The ability to understand and manage emotions, form healthy relationships, and navigate social situations is a key component of a child’s overall development and future success. CSB places a strong emphasis on helping children develop these critical skills during their time in Nursery and Reception.
Children are encouraged to express their emotions and learn how to recognise and manage them effectively. Through collaborative play and group activities, they develop essential social skills such as sharing, cooperating, and resolving conflicts. This focus on social-emotional learning helps children build resilience, empathy, and self-regulation, preparing them not only for the academic challenges ahead but also for life’s social challenges.
At CSB, children are taught from an early age that they are part of a larger community. By instilling values of kindness, empathy, and respect for others, the school helps them understand their role within that community and the importance of contributing positively to it. This sense of social responsibility is nurtured through various classroom activities and school-wide initiatives, such as charity work and environmental projects.
Fostering Global Citizenship from an Early Age
In today’s interconnected world, it is more important than ever for children to develop a sense of global citizenship. At CSB, early childhood education includes exposure to a diverse range of cultural experiences, helping children develop empathy and understanding for different perspectives. This multicultural approach is woven into the curriculum, allowing children to appreciate the richness of diversity from a young age.
CSB’s early years curriculum encourages children to explore different cultures through stories, celebrations, and classroom discussions. This helps them develop a global mindset, promoting respect and understanding for others, regardless of their background. By fostering this appreciation for diversity, CSB prepares children to become compassionate, open-minded individuals who are capable of navigating an increasingly diverse and global society.
A Nurturing Environment for Whole-Child Development
CSB’s commitment to whole-child development means that the school goes beyond academics to ensure that children are growing in all areas of their lives. The learning environment is designed to be supportive, nurturing, and inclusive, ensuring that every child feels valued and understood. Teachers take a personalised approach to each child’s development, offering guidance and support as they navigate their early learning experiences.
Physical development is also a key part of the EYFS programme at CSB. Through outdoor play, physical education, and movement-based activities, children develop coordination, motor skills, and a healthy appreciation for physical activity. These experiences are essential for building strong, healthy bodies and developing a positive attitude towards physical well-being.
The Cambridge School of Bucharest: A Holistic Approach to Early Education
Cambridge School of Bucharest is a journey of discovery, growth, and empowerment. It is a commitment to nurturing the whole child, helping them to become confident, curious, and compassionate individuals who are ready to take on the challenges of the future with enthusiasm and resilience. Parents seeking a holistic early childhood education will find in CSB a school that truly understands the importance of these formative years and provides the ideal environment for children to flourish. Find out more.