Early Years

NURSERY AND RECEPTION - 3 TO 5 YEARS

Where the learning adventure begins

Early Years: key to optimal childhood development

At ISCB, we know that investing in quality education in the early years of life is the best investment you can make for your child. That is why, in our early years education section, we offer an approach based on British early years education, adapted to the Catalan environment and with a high-level bilingual/international model.

The Early Years refer to the crucial stage of development and education from birth to the age of five, focusing on learning through play, safety and care. In the UK, this is organised under the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), covering physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

Indoor and outdoor International school

The early years leave a lasting mark

The first five years of life are the most crucial stage in a child’s development. During this period, the brain grows at an extraordinary rate, laying the foundations for learning, emotions and personality. That is why, at our school, we devote the utmost care and attention to each stage of our Early Years programme.

At our international school, we offer two stages: Nursery (ages 3–4) and Reception (ages 4–5).

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What are Early Years classes like at ISCB?

At ISCB Early Years, learning is active and based on children’s natural curiosity. We use methodologies such as:

Individualized Attention

Early Years and Reception classes are led by a dedicated teacher, with support from assistants and specialists.

teaching ucib

Language Immersion

At ISCB, children learn English naturally in a completely immersive environment.

Multilingual and Multicultural

We promote a nurturing and inclusive environment for students of diverse cultures and languages.

Learning Through Play

Our methodology is based on play, allowing children to learn in a meaningful way while developing essential skills. Through play, they explore their environment, solve problems, enhance their autonomy and creativity, and strengthen their social and emotional development.

Inspiring Environment

At ISCB, we offer a dynamic space with an extensive private forest, stunning sea views, and the unique surroundings of Platja d'Aro— the perfect setting for inspiring learning and holistic development.

Preparation for the next educational stages

We follow the Early Years Framework, focusing on the 7 areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which are key to learning and development.

Trial Day: Come spend the day with us

We invite future students to spend a day at ISCB, exploring our environment, meeting our teachers, and seeing our teaching methods in action.

How do we approach British early years education at ISCB?

ISCB School Facilities Early Years Playground

We offer clearly defined stages: Nursery and Reception, with small groups, teachers specialised in Early Years and materials adapted to each child’s level.

We create stimulating learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, where children can move, play, explore and express themselves freely.

We stimulate curiosity through projects, play corners, sensory activities, experimentation, reading, songs, art and movement.

We observe each child’s progress individually and plan the next steps together with the families, respecting their pace.

We are committed to a bilingual approach (English and Catalan/Spanish) from a very early age, so that children acquire communication skills in both languages.

We encourage socialisation, autonomy and personal development: emotions, empathy, respect and teamwork. All of this is done within the framework of British early years education and with adaptations to the local context.

Why choose ISCB for this stage of Early Years?

At ISCB, we have a solid track record, teachers specialised in British early years education, adapted facilities, an international environment and a school community committed to the well-being and development of each child. Our approach is to offer meaningful and joyful learning, where the little ones feel happy, safe and motivated to start their educational journey on the right foot.

If you are looking for a school that combines educational excellence, an international approach and personalised attention for your child in early years education, British early years education at ISC Costa Brava is an ideal choice.

Kids embracing each other

Unique learning experiences for every student

At ISCB, we design learning based on each student’s unique needs and talents. Personalization is a key feature of the British Curriculum, enabling each child to reach their full potential.

  • We encourage creativity, autonomy and interaction.
  • We personalize learning through work in small groups.
  • We promote independence and collaborative learning.
  • We develop critical thinking and creativity in problem solving.
  • We support academic development with emotional guidance through personalized monitoring and constant support.
  • Students have a channel to offer their suggestions which are heard and valued, encouraging their active participation in school life.

Emotional education, inclusion and well-being

  • Safeguarding Leader: A communication channel is established to ensure the emotional well-being of students.
  • Bullying Prevention System: We have strategies and protocols to prevent and address bullying.

Education for everyone, without exceptions

  • Linguistic support: Students who do not have a good command of English receive support in small groups until they reach the level necessary to follow the classes.
  • Real Adaptation for Students with Special Educational Needs: We promote their abilities and enhance their comprehensive development.

British Curriculum

As the only British school in the province of Girona, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), an internationally recognised curriculum that develops key skills in 7 learning areas, combining innovation and academic excellence.

The 7 Areas of Learning in Early Years

  1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Building confidence, social skills and self-awareness.
  2. Communication and Language: Encouraging speaking, listening and understanding.
  3. Physical Development: Improving motor skills.
  4. Literacy: Introduction to reading and writing.
  5. Mathematics: Developing number skills, recognizing patterns, and understanding basic measurement.
  6. Understanding the World: Exploring community, nature and technology.
  7. Artistic Expression and Design: Encouraging creativity through art, music and role-play.
Personalised learning - Teaching staff

Professional Educator Team

Our educational team is made up of highly qualified professionals in early childhood education, supported by assistants and specialists. Their personalized approach ensures that each student receives the best care and stimulation for their development.

Claustro internacional

Our teaching team is made up of native and bilingual teachers, ensuring a real and effective linguistic immersion in English from the earliest years.

Global educational experience

Our teachers have an international track record, having worked in various educational systems and multicultural contexts. This experience allows them to adapt innovative and personalized methodologies for each student.

In direct contact with nature

Located in an exceptional natural setting, we have a private forest and sea views, offering an ideal space for outdoor learning. Our Forest School methodology allows girls and boys to explore, discover and connect with nature while they learn.

Sports and recreation facilities

We have football and volleyball fields, hiking trails and outdoor spaces equipped for physical education and motor development.

Play areas

  • Eucalyptus Playground: A safe and creative play area designed for Early Years students.
  • Outdoors Play Area: A versatile outdoor space for dynamic learning in EYFS.

Other facilities

  • School farm: Educational experience in contact with animals and nature.
  • Meeting room, reception and teachers’ room: Spaces designed for communication and collaborative work.

Forest School

Our Forest School methodology allows students to explore, discover and connect with nature in a unique environment while they learn. The private forest and outdoor spaces encourage active learning, the development of autonomy and respect for the environment.

Academic facilities

  • Library: Promoting reading and research from an early age.
  • Science lab: Practical experiences of discovery and innovation.
  • Art classroom: Development of creativity through various artistic expressions.
  • School cafeteria: Balanced nutrition in a comfortable and safe environment.
  • Large outdoor spaces for learning with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

FAQs

What are the early years?

The early years refer to the first years of a child's life — typically from birth to age 5 — during which the foundations for learning, social, emotional and physical development are laid. Within the EYFS framework, the early years encompass precisely that pre-school stage in which play, exploration and a safe environment are key.

What does early education mean?

Early education is education provided to children in their early years, before formal compulsory schooling. It includes nurseries, pre-schools, early years education, etc., and focuses on promoting the child's overall development: language, motor skills, socialisation, cognition, etc. Within the British system, British early years education under the EYFS framework is precisely this type of early education.

What is EYFS?

EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) is the British regulatory framework that sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years of age. EYFS defines what early education environments must offer so that children learn well, are safe and are prepared to start school.

What is the age range for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

The EYFS covers from birth to 5 years of age. In British schools, this includes programmes such as Pre-Nursery (before 3 years of age), Nursery (~3 years of age) and Reception (~4 years of age) until the child turns 5. In the context of British early years education that we offer at ISCB, we work with this range and these stages adapted to the local environment.

I like my school because I learn lots of things. Our shcool special because we speak english every day. We have a big forest where we learn about plants, we built a tree house and learn how to cook fish on fire. I also like my school because we have a farm and we made a cool solkden inside the class. I love to play in the playground because we can play football and many other things.

DIANA & RUSLAN, YEAR 3


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Cooking Class Early Years

We invite you to visit our school

We would love to show you our educational center and for you to discover first-hand how International School Costa Brava can be the ideal place for the academic and personal growth of your son or daughter.

Briefings

Monday to Friday from 09:30h to 12:30h

Services, Prices and Discounts:

School uniform

Latest technology and gadgets

We assist you in your language

Nutritionally balanced school meals

Early Years Prices

Age Level UK Key
Stage
Monthly
(10 months)
3-4 Nursery Early Years €970
4-5 Reception Early Years €970

Includes: Education, School Supplies, Books and School Insurance

Download our catalog to view all prices and discounts

Trial Day: Come spend the day with us

We offer future students the opportunity to spend a day at ISCB, getting to know our environment, teachers and methodologies in action.

Schedule a private tour

Visit our facilities and see first-hand how your child can benefit from a unique British international education in the province of Girona. Our team will welcome you from Monday to Friday from 09:30h to 12:30h.

In what language would you like to receive assistance?

When would you like to schedule your visit? Briefing sessions: Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
* If you cannot find a convenient date, you can call us or leave the field blank and we will contact you by email.

Keep learning, keep growing at ISCB

International School Costa Brava, a recognized center

ISCB is an institution recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya, following the British curriculum at all stages. In addition, we are a Pearson Edexcel certified centre, which allows us to teach iGCSE and A-Levels exams.

Commitment to children’s rights: ISCB has been recognised by UNICEF as a reference centre for children’s rights education for our integration of these values ​​into the educational project and school life.

We are part of EPIC, the association of private and independent schools in Catalonia, guaranteeing quality educational standards and an international collaboration network.

Pearson Edexcel Associate Centre
Generalitat de Catalunya
Escoles Privades Independents de Catalunya
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Open enrollment

Our admissions process is simple and fast, so you can contact us quickly and easily using this form. Below you will find useful information to help you with the application process and to learn more about the International School Costa Brava.