Early Years Programme

At Africa Community School, our Early Years Programme provides a nurturing and stimulating environment where young children begin their educational journey with confidence, curiosity, and joy. We recognize that the early years are a critical period in a child’s development, and our programme is carefully designed to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Our Early Years curriculum combines elements from Nigerian, British, and Montessori educational frameworks, creating a balanced and holistic approach to early childhood education. Through play-based learning, guided exploration, and structured activities, we support children in developing academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Our goal is to help each child grow at their own pace while fostering independence, creativity, and a love for learning.

Our Early Years Structure

Our programme is structured to meet the developmental needs of children at different stages of early childhood.

Creche (0 – 18 Months)

Our Creche provides a safe, warm, and nurturing environment where infants receive attentive care and gentle stimulation appropriate for their stage of development.

At this stage, we focus on:

Sensory development through interactive toys and exploration
Early motor skills such as reaching, grasping, and crawling
Emotional security through consistent routines and nurturing care
Building trust and comfort in a supportive environment

Our caregivers ensure that each child receives individualized attention that supports early growth and wellbeing.

Pre-School (1.5 – 2 Years)

The Pre-School stage introduces toddlers to a playful and structured learning environment. Children begin to develop early communication, social interaction, and independence.

Key focus areas include:

Language development through songs, stories, and conversations
Development of basic motor skills through guided activities
Learning simple routines and instructions
Early exposure to writing through correct grip and stroke direction

Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings while building confidence in social settings.

Pre-Kindergarten (2 – 3 Years)

At Pre-KG level, children begin to experience a balance between structured learning and free exploration. Activities are designed to encourage curiosity and build foundational skills.

Learning at this stage focuses on:

Social interaction and teamwork through group play
Development of fine and gross motor skills
Communication skills through songs, rhymes, and storytelling
Understanding routines and basic self-care habits
Early handwriting development

Children are guided to develop independence while strengthening their ability to interact with others.

Lower Kindergarten (4 – 5 Years)

Lower KG introduces foundational academic concepts in a stimulating, play-based learning environment. Children begin to engage more actively in structured learning while still benefiting from creative exploration.

Key learning areas include:

Early literacy and numeracy skills
Storytelling, phonics, and vocabulary development
Hands-on learning through games and activities
Social development through cooperation and empathy
Building stamina for longer writing tasks

This stage prepares children for more structured learning while maintaining the creativity and curiosity that define early childhood education.

Upper Kindergarten (5 – 6 Years)

Upper KG serves as the bridge between Early Years and Primary School. Students continue to learn in a supportive environment while gradually transitioning to more structured academic learning.

In Upper KG, students engage in:

Early literacy and numeracy development
Creative arts and expression
Vocational aptitude activities that encourage creativity and practical skills
Communication skills including speaking and listening

This stage prepares children academically, socially, and emotionally for a successful transition into primary education.

Core Learning Areas

Our Early Years curriculum focuses on key developmental areas that support well-rounded growth.

Literacy

Children develop early reading and communication skills through phonics, storytelling, vocabulary building, and interactive discussions. These activities nurture a love for language and form the foundation for reading and writing.

Numeracy

Through games, puzzles, and hands-on activities, children learn about numbers, shapes, patterns, and simple problem-solving. Numeracy activities help children develop logical thinking and early mathematical understanding.

Physical Development

Physical activities help children develop coordination, balance, and strength. Through play, dance, outdoor activities, and fine motor tasks such as drawing and building, children strengthen both gross and fine motor skills.

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development

Children learn to express emotions, cooperate with others, and build positive relationships. This area focuses on confidence building, empathy, independence, and social responsibility.

Understanding the World

Children explore the environment around them through hands-on activities that introduce basic science, nature exploration, and cultural awareness. This encourages curiosity and appreciation for the world around them.

Expressive Arts and Creativity

Through art, music, drama, and imaginative play, children develop creativity and confidence in expressing themselves.

Practical Life Skills

Practical life exercises help children develop independence and responsibility. Activities such as tidying up, organizing materials, and practicing self-care routines build confidence and life skills from an early age.

Play-Based Learning and Outdoor Activities

Play is central to learning in the early years. Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and physical activity.

Outdoor learning opportunities allow children to:

Develop gross motor skills
Explore nature
Engage in imaginative play
Build teamwork and social interaction skills

These experiences contribute to children’s overall physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Character and Spiritual Development

Character formation begins early in our programme. Through daily interactions, storytelling, and guided discussions, children are taught important values such as kindness, respect, responsibility, and empathy.

Spiritual development is also integrated through Bible stories, songs, and participation in the Good News Club. These activities help children develop moral awareness and a sense of community.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Assessment in the Early Years is focused on observing each child’s development rather than assigning grades. Teachers monitor progress through continuous observation during classroom activities and play.

Mid-term and end-of-term evaluations help track development in areas such as literacy, numeracy, social skills, and motor development. Parents receive detailed reports highlighting their child’s strengths, achievements, and areas for further growth.

Learning Support

We recognize that every child develops at their own pace. Our Learning Support Programmes provide additional assistance for children who may need extra guidance.

Through small group instruction and individualized attention, our teachers ensure that every child receives the support necessary to succeed and build confidence.

Partnership with Parents

We value strong partnerships with parents and believe that collaboration between home and school plays an important role in a child’s development.

Communication is maintained through:

Daily communication books
Parent-teacher meetings
Workshops and open days
Ongoing communication with teachers

These channels allow parents to stay actively involved in their child’s learning journey.

A Strong Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Our Early Years Programme lays a strong academic, social, emotional, and spiritual foundation that prepares children for the transition into primary school. By nurturing each child’s unique, God-given potential, we aim to create confident learners who are curious, compassionate, and ready to embrace future challenges.