Ages 3 to 5

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE (EYFS) CURRICULUM

Our youngest learners follow the English EYFS framework, which provides the best possible start to their education. Through multi-sensory play, our nursery school children enjoy fun, exciting experiences that spark curiosity and cultivate a love of learning.
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Content Page Header EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Content Page Header

Why is Early Years Education so important?

Early childhood is a time of remarkable growth – cognitively, socially, and emotionally. At BIS Abu Dhabi, we understand that these formative years shape not only a child’s future learning but also their long-term happiness and wellbeing.

 

That’s why we offer a high-quality, holistic Early Years education, where every day is filled with meaningful, joyful experiences. In our safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments, children feel secure and supported to explore, play, and grow.

 

Guided by caring, experienced teachers, our youngest learners develop independence, confidence, and key life skills – from communication and social interaction to fine and gross motor development and emotional regulation.

Key stats about the Early Years:
  • 90% of the human brain’s structure develops before the age of five.
  • Early experiences impact wellbeing, health, resilience, empathy, self-esteem, trust, academic success and socioeconomic status.
View Our Early Years Infographic →

OUR EYFS CURRICULUM

At BIS Abu Dhabi, our nursery and reception children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, carefully adapted to our international context.

 

In classes of no more than 20 children, with a dedicated teacher and two assistants, your child receives the attention they deserve. Our personalised approach ensures each student is supported in the way they learn best, helping them to flourish from the very start.

 

We work closely with parents, too – inviting you into the classroom and keeping you regularly updated on your child’s journey.

 

Our exceptional teachers guide your child through its seven key areas of learning and development:
  • Communication and language
  • Physical development
  • Personal, social, and emotional development
  • Literacy
  • Maths
  • Understanding the world.
  • Expressive arts and design

Learning through Experience and Imagination

At BIS Abu Dhabi, learning in the Early Years is active, hands-on, and fun. Through multi-sensory, purposeful play, your child will investigate and create, move and sing, collaborate and explore.

Every activity is guided by the EYFS framework, ensuring children develop vital literacy, numeracy, physical, and social skills while sparking curiosity and imagination. Topics like ‘Let’s Go Explore’ and ‘Down in the Deep Dark Woods’ turn learning into exciting adventures.

We empower our students to take the lead in their learning – choosing how and what they want to explore. This helps to nurture a love of discovery, a sense of ownership, and the development of individual passions that can last a lifetime.

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FS Parent Guide

FS Parent Guide 2024 - 2025_WEB.pdf (4 MB)

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WATCH OUR 'DAY IN THE LIFE OF OUR EYFS STUDENTS' VIDEO!

 

primary
  • Early years

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS ABU DHABI

Every day is packed with purposeful play, as our littlest learners sing, dance, swim, experiment, paint, read, explore our Eco-Edventure area, and so much more. 
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Friendly faces
Your child will be greeted at the gates by our amazing early years teachers. There's a packed day of singing, dancing, painting, and exploring ahead – and everyone’s excited!
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day-dot arch EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day-dot arch
Friendly faces
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Learning through play
First up, it’s play time – but with a twist. Our youngest children learn through purposeful play, which teaches basic literacy, maths, and social skills through fun experiences. You’re invited to come into school and join us, too.
learning through play
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Fun and phonics
Telling stories, listening to music, reading and writing – your child will develop vital phonics and communications skills, ensuring they hit key EYFS developmental milestones.
fun and phonics
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Recharge and refresh
Unsurprisingly, our children love lunchtime! Our chefs prepare tasty snacks and healthy lunches that will keep your child active and engaged all day. ‘Tidy up time’ teaches them about responsibility – and is always done with a song and a smile.
recharge and refresh
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
Creative classes
There’s no limit to our youngest students’ imaginations. Playing instruments, learning a dance routine, and experimenting with paint, textures and colours – our creative sessions get children excited about the arts.
creative classes
EYFS Abu Dhabi Curriculum | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day
The great outdoors
Learning in the fresh air is so much fun. From running, jumping and climbing in our colourful playground, to getting tactile with water, sand and mud, and planting or caring for our animals in their Eco Edventure, our multi-sensory outdoor spaces help students develop fine motor skills while connecting with nature and exploring the world around them.
The great outdoors
Exceptional EYFS teachers
HOW WE TEACH

NURTURING YOUR CHILD'S GROWTH

Our passionate Early Years teachers create warm, engaging classrooms where children feel inspired to learn and grow. With specialist training, a love for play-based learning, and a deep commitment to each child’s wellbeing, they make every day meaningful.

All our colleagues, teachers and support colleagues go through a meticulous recruitment process, too, ensuring they meet our rigorous safeguarding criteria.

Find out more
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EYAS Programme

EARLY YEARS ADDITIONAL SESSIONS

In addition to our core EYFS offering, we provide further opportunities for our youngest learners through the Early Years Additional Sessions (EYAS) Programme. Available to all Nursery students at no extra cost, EYAS includes two additional hours of curricular teaching per week, alongside a selection of free after-school Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs).

We are also pleased to offer extended learning for our FS2 students, enabling them to stay for an extended school day with the addition of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs).
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EYAS PROGRAMME

EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING, OUTSTANDING LEARNING

Our teachers will nurture your child's personal growth, ignite their imagination, and ensure they flourish academically.

OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Student in Cap and Gown graphic