At the English International School – Baghdad, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum provides young learners with an engaging, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate start to their educational journey. In line with local requirements, our EYFS programme is applied to both Pre-K and KG1, ensuring continuity, age-appropriate provision, and a smooth transition into formal schooling.

Our Approach: The International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC)

Rooted in the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), our programme emphasises inquiry-based learning, personal development, and holistic growth. The IEYC enables children to explore meaningful themes linked to the world around us, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and emotional confidence. Through thoughtful planning and purposeful play, children develop a secure sense of identity, positive social relationships, and an understanding of their immediate environment. Personal, social, and emotional development is prioritised, with teachers guiding children in building independence, resilience, and collaborative skills.

Core Academic Foundations

Alongside IEYC, our EYFS provision incorporates key elements of the English National Curriculum for Early Years in English and Mathematics.

Literacy

Children are introduced to foundational literacy skills through phonics, early reading activities, vocabulary development, and emergent writing.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, pupils develop essential number sense, early calculation strategies, and an understanding of shapes, patterns, and simple problem-solving. These skills are nurtured through hands-on exploration, interactive activities, and targeted teacher-led sessions that respond to individual developmental needs.

Physical Development

Physical development is further supported through dedicated PE lessons, where children enhance coordination, gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and healthy lifestyle habits. Our safe and stimulating PE environment encourages children to move confidently and enjoy physical activity as part of their daily routine.

Local Curriculum Integration

In adherence to national expectations, EYFS pupils also receive Arabic and Religious Education (RE).

Arabic lessons cater to both native and non-native speakers, ensuring language development and cultural understanding. Religious Education is delivered in line with local standards, helping children build respect, awareness, and appreciation of the values and traditions within the community.

Our Learning Environment

Our EYFS classrooms are led by experienced and caring educators, committed to child-centred, inclusive practice grounded in British and international early years standards. Through continuous provision, structured play, and ongoing assessment, we ensure that every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired.