Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery, Kindergarten & Reception)
1. What age can my child start in Early Years at St. Andrews Sathorn?
Children can join us from age 2 in Nursery.
2. My child has never been in school before. How do you help them settle?
Starting school is a big step, so we keep things calm and follow the child’s pace. We focus on building relationships first, helping them feel safe and comfortable in the classroom. Routines are introduced gradually, and we stay in close contact to share how their day is going.
3. How will I know how my child is doing in the first few weeks?
We know the early weeks can feel a bit anxious for families. We keep a close eye on each child, how they’re settling, who they’re playing with, and how they’re feeling, and we share this with you regularly.
We use Seesaw to send updates, photos, and observations of your child’s learning, so you can see what they’ve been doing during the day. Communication is open, regular, and ongoing.
4. Is your Early Years programme play-based or academic?
It’s very much play-based. We follow the EYFS, where children learn through hands-on experiences, playing, exploring, building, talking.
5. How do you prepare children for Primary school?
Reception is an important year where children continue to build confidence, independence, and a love of learning. Alongside early reading, writing, and maths, there’s a big focus on social skills, such as listening, taking turns, managing feelings, and working with others.
We do support the transition into Year 1 within school, with opportunities to visit the classrooms and meet the Year 1 team, so it feels familiar.
6. What is a typical day like in Early Years?
Each day in Early Years at Sathorn is built around learning through play. Children spend time in the classroom exploring different areas like construction, role play, and creative spaces, alongside group times, stories, and adult-led activities.
They also have opportunities for specialist lessons, including PE, swimming, and Thai, as well as daily time outside in the playground to run, climb, and play with their friends. Literacy and maths are part of the day too, but through hands-on, meaningful experiences.
7. How do you support children who are not yet fully toilet trained?
In Nursery, this is very common, and nothing to worry about. Lots of children are still working on it when they start. Our team supports them with patience and care, and we work closely with you to keep things consistent between home and school.
8. What is the class size in Early Years?
We keep our class sizes small across Early Years so we can really get to know each child. Each class has a teacher and teaching assistant, with our nannies supporting in Nursery and KG. This means children get lots of attention and support throughout the day. For the most up-to-date class sizes, admissions will be able to help.
9. What language is used in Early Years and what if my child is still learning English?
English is the main language used throughout the day. Thai is also part of the curriculum, with two lessons a week in KG and Reception.
If your child is still learning English we support them gently through clear routines, visuals, songs, stories, and lots of opportunities to play and talk.
10. Can I visit the Early Years classrooms before applying?
Yes, and we always encourage families to come and visit. Seeing the classrooms in action, watching the children play and learn, and meeting the team really gives you a feel for the school.
It’s also a great chance to ask any questions and see what a typical day looks like. Just get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.
