Early Years
Discover Early Years (Age 3-5) at ICS Côte D’Azur
Education is the greatest gift we can give our children. Here at ICS Côte, we provide a world-class IB education in a warm, stimulating environment from age three upwards.
We are the only bilingual IB school on the French Riviera offering the Primary Years Programme. Exceptional teachers ensure a nurturing and personalised experience, offering students an inquiry-based approach to learning.
One of the best ways to get to know us is to visit. Simply fill in the form and our Admissions team will be in touch to arrange an appointment.
We can’t wait to show you how we nurture each student’s unique journey!
Why choose ICS Côte d’Azur
Exceptional teachers
A culture of care
STE(A)M programme
LEGO Partnership
IB PYP programme
Bilingual school (ENG/FR)
Dedicated facilities
Specialist-led classes
BOOK A VISIT
"The school is definitely a breath of fresh air."
- Aleida Restrepo, parent
Welcome from the Head of Early Years
"It is a privilege to be involved in our students’ education, as both a teacher and Head of Early Years. It is an honour to work alongside such a great group of professional, inspirational, passionate and talented educators who give their best every day to make each student’s learning experience special. I believe my role as an educator is to nurture and guide our young students while providing a warm, caring and motivational environment. In an inclusive and inviting setting such as this, we welcome and support children’s imagination, curiosity and creativity. In a place where they can feel a strong sense of belonging, our children accept appropriate challenges that encourage them to meet their full potential.
Observing the children as they learn and grow each year is exceedingly rewarding. I am passionate about our students playing and working together to build a school community of mutual respect in which they grow, develop, learn and achieve.
Our students are supported and encouraged to become confident and independent, igniting a love of learning that they build on with each year’s experiences until they are ready for primary school. Our openness and availability for keeping families informed about daily school happenings, gives parents that all-important confidence and peace of mind to entrust us with the care and education of their children. I look forward to accompanying your child through their early years here at ICS Côte d’Azur."
Anne Henderson,
Head of Early Years
At ICS Côte d’Azur, our early childhood education follows the bilingual IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages three to five.
Our early years children join Kindergarten 1 (KG 1), for ages 3 to 4, and Kindergarten 2 (KG 2) for ages 4 to 5. Children are in a class group with a maximum of 22 students and once of primary-age, they continue through Years 1 to 6 before moving to their next chosen school.
Our Early Years’ Section
Our early years’ section is housed in a separate area, complete with a French classroom, an English classroom, a library, an afternoon sleep facility, a customised outdoors area and a playground.
Early learners have specialist-led classes in music and sports in dedicated spaces both indoors and outdoors.
French and English Days
Each child has two homeroom teachers: one who teaches in French and one who teaches in English. Early learners are also supported by our teaching assistants. Students study one day in French, the following day in English.
Our early years classes have the same hours as the primary section, from 8:15 to 15:45, except for Wednesdays, when our teachers and assistants provide a complimentary half-day programme between 8:15 and 12:00 that early learners attend for activities, crafts and play.
Click the image below to see an example of a weekly KG1 timetable.
Early Years Curriculum
The curriculum integrates England’s national guidelines for early learning: the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
The EYFS outlines seven areas of learning that engage children through project-based and play-based learning:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
These areas are integrated into the inquiry-based approach of the IB PYP.
During the early years, children are nurtured physically, socially and intellectually through a combination of personalised care and group interaction. Through a hands-on approach to learning, children experiment and play in a stimulating indoor and outdoor environment.
We pride ourselves on cultivating an atmosphere where children learn at their own pace through art, storytelling, songs and imaginative play.
Teachers enjoy taking learning outside of the classroom; these experiences might include a visit to an aquarium or a local museum. Craft makers and external specialists are also welcomed into the school to spark curiosity in students through activities such as cheese-making or meeting a beekeeper and live performances.
Our students are supported and encouraged by our dedicated Early Years team as they become confident and independent, igniting a love of learning until they are ready for Primary School.