Early Years Foundation Stage
Early Years Foundation Stage

Early Years Foundation Stage

In our Early Years in Dubai, children aged 3 to 5 begin their journey in a secure, stimulating environment where play, discovery and wellbeing come first. Through hands-on learning, specialist lessons and rich outdoor experiences, children grow confidence, creativity and independence as they build the foundations for lifelong learning.

Hear from our Head of Early Years

Our curriculum

Through play-based learning, children grow across the seven areas of learning of the English National Curriculum, building confidence, curiosity and independence. In Foundation Stage, children also take part in specialist lessons in Music, Social Studies, PE, Swimming, Arabic and French.

Communication and Language

Through daily conversations, storytelling, songs, play and guided discussion, students strengthen their listening, attention and understanding in both English and Arabic.  

Rich exchanges with teachers and peers help broaden vocabulary, encourage clear oral expression and build the confidence to share ideas, feelings and experiences. 

Communication and Language

Mathematics

Games, songs, puzzles and hands-on activities support children in building strong foundations in counting, number recognition, patterns, shapes and measures while developing the language needed to describe and compare the world around them.

Learners strengthen their understanding of numbers from 1 to 20, practise ordering and recognising numerals and begin to apply mathematical thinking. Using real objects and playful exploration, they add and subtract, investigate doubling and sharing and compare size, shape and quantity. 

Mathematics

Physical Development

Daily opportunities for indoor exploration, outdoor play and fine motor activities help students build strength, coordination and control while encouraging healthy habits from an early age.

Through active play, children strengthen gross motor skills, develop spatial and positional awareness and learn to move with increasing balance and confidence. Fine motor development is nurtured through puzzles, small world play, arts and crafts and hands-on tasks that support dexterity and control. 

Physical Development

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Through circle times, play, stories, drawing, craft and roleplay, students learn to express their thoughts and feelings, understand the emotions of others and develop a positive sense of self.

Guided by caring teachers, children build strong relationships, learn to share, solve problems and form friendships based on kindness and respect. As they explore real-life situations and work alongside their peers, they develop empathy, resilience and the social and emotional skills needed to thrive in school and beyond. 

Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Literacy

Through story-based learning, songs, poems and activities focused on listening, speaking, reading and writing, children develop imagination, broaden vocabulary and grow in confidence as communicators. In a warm and engaging environment, they are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and respond to books with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Children explore new sounds, learn to recognise letters and develop early phonics skills that help them decode words and begin reading simple sentences. As their understanding grows, they discuss characters and events, build comprehension and start to write simple words and sentences with increasing confidence. 

Literacy

Understanding the World

Children develop curiosity, awareness and respect as they begin to make sense of the world around them. They learn about people, families, communities and traditions, exploring similarities and differences while growing in understanding, kindness and appreciation of others.

Rich indoor and outdoor learning environments inspire children to investigate using their senses, ask questions and discover how things grow, change and connect. Experiences such as exploring natural spaces, engaging with planting and observing the world around them help students build early scientific thinking and a deeper connection with nature. 

Understanding the World

Expressive Arts & Design

Children explore creativity with confidence through art, music, movement and imaginative play. In a stimulating and nurturing environment, they experiment with colours, shapes, textures, sounds and materials, using their ideas to create, perform and express themselves in meaningful ways.

Learners develop both verbal and non-verbal expression while strengthening confidence, curiosity and originality. Inspired by stories, themes and shared learning experiences, they begin to communicate thoughts and emotions creatively 

Expressive Arts & Design

Arabic

All children, whether native Arabic speakers or learning Arabic as an additional language, are provided with daily opportunities to develop their skills in engaging and meaningful ways, in line with the MOE curriculum. Arabic is introduced through play-based learning, stories, songs, games and everyday interactions, supporting the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. This approach helps children build confidence in using and understanding the language while enjoying the learning process.

We celebrate Arabic as a vital part of the UAE’s culture and identity, fostering a sense of belonging and respect for the language. Learning Arabic also enhances children’s communication skills and supports their overall development. 

Arabic

Islamic Studies

Muslim students explore the foundations of Islam from the earliest years of learning, in line with the MOE curriculum. Through engaging stories, videos, discussions and age-appropriate activities, children begin to understand the Quran, the Hadith, the history of Islam and the core beliefs and values that shape Muslim life.

In a warm and supportive environment, young learners develop an appreciation of values such as respect, kindness, honesty and responsibility, while strengthening their sense of identity, belonging and connection to their faith.  

Islamic Studies

A typical day in our Early Years Foundation Stage

Every day in our Early Years in Al Barsha is filled with hands-on learning, joyful moments and exciting discoveries. To support a gentle and age-appropriate rhythm to the school day, FS1 finishes at 1pm, while FS2 finishes at 2.30pm.

On Fridays, pick-up time starts at 11.30am. 

Core learning pillars

At one of the best Early Years in Dubai, children build strong academic foundations and key socio-emotional skills in an English and Arabic-speaking environment. 

  • Academic achievement

    Academic achievement

    Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.

  • Life competencies

    Life competencies

    Gain essential life skills to thrive inside and outside the classroom.

  • Multilingualism

    Multilingualism

    Fast-track English fluency while continuing to grow in home languages, including Arabic.

  • International opportunities

    International opportunities

    Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

Learning in our Early Years

The Curiosity Approach Classroom environment

The Curiosity Approach

Through the Curiosity Approach, children become confident explorers, independent thinkers and enthusiastic problem-solvers. Inspired by the ideas of Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner and Reggio Emilia, this approach invites children to investigate, create and imagine in environments filled with natural materials, authentic objects and open-ended resources that spark awe and wonder. 

As they explore and play, children build creativity, resilience and independence, developing a lifelong love of learning in a way that closely reflects the principles of the EYFS framework. 

Classroom environment

Children learn best when they are engaged and emotionally connected to their environment. In carefully curated spaces, with calming colour palettes and thoughtfully presented provocations, children are encouraged to concentrate for sustained periods, develop language and think critically as they explore.

Adults act as facilitators, observing children closely, modelling rich vocabulary and extending learning through meaningful interactions rather than directing it.  

Learning in our Early Years

I chose this school for my daughter in FS1 based on a friend’s recommendation, and everything has been perfect so far. My daughter loves going to school. The teachers and staff are friendly and professional, and the environment is safe and welcoming.

Min Chung, Parent

When to enrol?

At Smart Vision School, our Admissions team is here to welcome families throughout the year. With flexible entry points into our Early Years Foundation Stage programme, children can begin their learning journey at a time that feels right for each family.

Enquire now

Begin a joyful journey of discovery at Smart Vision School through our Early Years in Dubai, supporting children to make the most of their earliest experiences.

Enquire now

Accreditations