Early Years

Early Years at ICS Milan: Nursery to Kindergarten

The Early Years at ICS Milan supports children from ages one to five, beginning in Nursery and continuing through our Kindergarten (Preschool and Reception classes), where the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) begins to take shape. Our approach blends the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in Nursery with the philosophy of the IB as we implement the PYP in Preschool and Reception, creating a seamless and developmentally appropriate learning journey.

At ICS Milan, our Early Years supports children from ages one to five, beginning in Nursery with the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and transitioning into the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Kindergarten (Preschool and Reception classes). This progression ensures a nurturing, inquiry-rich foundation that grows with the child.

In Nursery, the EYFS framework guides learning through four key principles:

• Unique Child – Every child is seen as capable, confident, and full of potential.
• Positive Relationships – Secure, caring relationships support emotional and social development.
• Enabling Environments – Carefully designed spaces encourage exploration and independence.
• Learning and Development – Learning is holistic, covering seven interconnected areas including communication, physical development, and expressive arts.

As children move into Kindergarten, the IB PYP begins to shape their learning experiences. The PYP encourages children to be active, curious learners, engaging with transdisciplinary themes through play, inquiry, and reflection. Concepts such as identity, community, and the natural world are explored in ways that are meaningful to young children. Teachers foster agency by listening to children’s ideas, encouraging questions, and supporting them in making connections between their learning and the world around them.

Throughout the Early Years, there is a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, creativity, and building foundational skills for lifelong learning. The journey from EYFS to PYP is seamless, ensuring that children are supported, challenged, and inspired every step of the way.