Early Years

A joyful beginning to a lifelong love of learning

The Early Years at Shrewsbury Phnom Penh are where every child’s learning journey begins. From curiosity and exploration in Pre-Nursery to growing independence in Reception, our youngest learners take their first confident steps into education in an environment that is nurturing, inspiring, and filled with wonder. Our approach combines the warmth of a caring community with the rigour and structure of the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring that every child develops the essential foundations for future learning and life.

The Journey Begins

Pre-Nursery to Reception

Each stage of the Early Years represents a new step in discovery and development. Learning is play-based and purposefully designed to follow each child’s natural curiosity while gently introducing structure and routine.

Pre-Nursery (Age 2–3)

Children learn through sensory exploration, movement, and imaginative play. They build relationships, develop early language, and begin to understand routines.

Nursery (Age 3–4)

Curiosity and communication blossom through storytelling, songs, and hands-on discovery. Children strengthen fine motor skills and learn to collaborate and share.

Reception (Age 4–5)

Structured phonics, early mathematics, and creative enquiry prepare children for Key Stage 1. Confidence, independence, and a love of learning are at the heart of every day.

At each stage, teachers observe, guide, and celebrate progress, ensuring that every child moves forward with enthusiasm and readiness for the next phase of school life.

A Curriculum Designed for Growth
Building the foundations for future learning

Our Early Years curriculum is built around the seven areas of learning set out in the EYFS framework. These are grouped into three Prime Areas and four Specific Areas that develop together through rich, play-based experiences.

This structure allows children to grow as confident communicators, creative thinkers, and curious explorers, ready to embrace learning across all subjects as they transition into Primary School.

How We Teach

Learning through play, curiosity, and connection

Learning in the Early Years at Shrewsbury Phnom Penh is joyful, active, and child-centred. Our teachers blend guided teaching with exploration, ensuring that every activity has purpose and meaning.

Children experience:
Circle Time to share ideas and build social confidence
Free-Flow Play across indoor and outdoor learning spaces
Phonics and early maths sessions that develop essential skills through stories, songs, and hands-on games
Creative learning zones where children build, paint, perform, and imagine

Teachers observe each child closely, identifying next steps and supporting their individual progress. Every day is a balance of structure and freedom, where curiosity leads the way.

Learning Environments and Daily Life

Our classrooms and outdoor areas are designed to inspire exploration and independence. From sand and water play to quiet reading corners and art studios, every space encourages children to make choices, ask questions, and engage all their senses.

Spaces that spark imagination

A typical day includes

Morning Circle and Focused Play
Outdoor Learning and Exploration
Storytelling, Music, and Movement
Reflection and Pack-Up Time

These routines give children a reassuring rhythm while allowing plenty of space for imagination and creativity.

Inclusive, Supportive Learning

Every child known, every child celebrated

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our inclusion model ensures that each learner receives the right level of support and challenge through

Intervention programmes for short-term academic support
SEND provision guided by specialist teachers
EAL support that helps children build confidence in English while valuing their multilingual identities
Families are active partners in this process, kept informed through meetings, reports, and daily communication.

A Connected Community
Learning together with families

Parents are essential partners in every child’s Early Years journey. Through ClassDojo updates, Parent–Teacher consultations, and learning showcases, we keep families connected and engaged in their child’s progress.

Our community celebrates curiosity, kindness, and achievement through assemblies, performances, and events that bring learning to life. These shared experiences build belonging and joy in every step of the journey.

A Joyful Beginning

The Early Years Learning Journey at Shrewsbury Phnom Penh lays the foundation for everything that follows. Children leave Reception with curiosity, confidence, and care for others, ready to flourish as lifelong learners.

Here, learning begins with wonder and grows with every question, every discovery, and every smile.