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Pre-Nursery and Nursery (from 2 to 4 years old)

A Truly Bilingual Start

At EIFA, we offer children a strong and authentic bilingual foundation through early and immersive exposure to both French and English. Our approach is based on the proven “one person, one language” method, ensuring that each child develops natural, clear, and consistent fluency in both French and English. 

We believe that bilingualism is more than just learning two languages; it’s a gateway to enhanced cognitive development, cultural awareness, and a love of learning. Our diverse, multilingual team includes native French teachers and English-speaking educators who work hand in hand to create a rich, dynamic bilingual environment where every child feels supported and inspired.

A Bi-Cultural Curriculum: The Best of Both Worlds

At EIFA Nursery, we proudly follow both the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) from the British system and the “maternelle” curriculum from France’s Programme de l’Éducation Nationale.

We combine the structure and high standards of the French system with the creativity and child-led approach of the English system. By blending these two approaches, we offer children the very best of both educational worlds.

From the British system, we bring:

  •   A strong focus on confidence-building and public speaking
  •   A rich engagement with the arts, music and performing
  •   A passion for outdoor learning and exploration

From the French system, we value:

  •   Socialisation and learning to be part of a group
  •   A clear, structured daily routine
  •   Independence and self-reliance from an early age

Our bi-cultural curriculum fosters curiosity, exploration, and active participation, nurturing not only strong language skills in both French and English but also fostering curiosity, discovery and inclusivity.

Our Classes

  • Toute-Petite Section (TPS)/ Pre-Nursery – From 2 to 3 Years old

Our Toute-Petite Section (TPS)/ Pre-Nursery marks the first step in the French nursery school programme, thoughtfully designed to support a smooth transition from home to school.

  • Petite-Section (PS)/ Nursery – From 3 to 4 Years old

Our Petite-Section (PS)/ Nursery marks the first compulsory school year in the French education system. The learning will focus on the three prime areas that are most essential for children’s readiness for future learning and healthy development: Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal Social and Emotional Development. 

Personalised Attention

At EIFA, we are committed to keeping our class sizes small, with a maximum of 15 pupils per class. We believe every child is unique and deserves individual attention tailored to their needs. Thanks to our high child-to-staff ratio of 1:4, each child receives the care and support they need to grow and thrive at their own pace. Our teachers often work with small groups of 3–4 children during various activities, ensuring focused, personalised learning in a nurturing environment.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Our curriculum includes activities that encourage creativity and early cognitive development through art, music, storytelling, role play, and sensory exploration. Children are given daily opportunities to explore their imagination and develop their fine and gross motor skills, both inside and outside the classroom. These include Physical Education, Yoga and Music lessons, delivered by specialist teachers.

Weekly our little ones take part in outdoor learning activities and regularly enjoy school day trips that enrich their learning and spark their curiosity beyond the classroom.

Opening Hours and Daily Routine

Children are welcome to arrive at any time between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, with the school day officially starting at 9:00 am.

Throughout the day, we provide a healthy morning snack, a nutritious lunch, and an afternoon snack—all specially tailored to meet the needs of young children.

Our daily routine includes regular outdoor time. Children enjoy access to our small garden and spend a minimum of one hour each day in our private park, encouraging physical activity and exploration.

Parents can collect their children at the end of the day, anytime between 3:20 pm and 6:00 pm, by accessing our after school provision, offering flexibility to suit different family schedules.

OFSTED

“The school is a happy, welcoming and inclusive community where aspirations for pupils are high. Pupils value all that they learn from their peers about their different cultures that they bring from a wide range of countries. They feel that this diversity enriches their lives and helps them to gain a global perspective of modern life. Pupils feel safe and well cared for.

Pupils enjoy very strong working relationships with adults and with each other. There is a strong ambience of respect and valuing everyone for who they are. This leads to a harmonious and purposeful learning and social environment.”

Admissions & Enrolment

Our Toute-Petite-Section/Pre-Nursery programme welcomes children from the age of 2 and accepts enrolments at any time throughout the year.

Our Petite-Section/Nursery programme welcomes children from the age of 3 and accepts enrolments at any time throughout the year.

EIFA is an inclusive school, welcoming applications from all families regardless of nationality, religion, or gender. No prior knowledge of French or English is required to join our bilingual environment.

Applications are reviewed year-round, and we are always delighted to welcome visitors. To experience the EIFA community firsthand, we invite you to book a private tour of our school. Click here to schedule your visit.

Childcare Funding

The school is registered for universal 15 hours free childcare with the Government and to the 2-year-olds funding, for eligible families.

To check your eligibility, visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. 


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EIFA Children with face paint smile and sit at a table during an arts and crafts activity at EIFA, a vibrant bilingual school. A person is sitting across from them, engaging with the group. The background features other children and adults, all immersed in the creative session.
EIFA A young girl with long curly hair, wearing a blue sweater and holding a pen, smiles as she plays chess with an opponent. The chessboard is in focus, set against the backdrop of a vibrant classroom in a school in London.
EIFA In a vibrant London classroom, two children are seated at a table draped with a green tablecloth. The boy on the left, smiling proudly, displays his paint-covered hand, while the girl on the right focuses intently on her artwork. Its a joyous scene in this bilingual school setting.
EIFA Three children, wearing backpacks and casual outdoor clothing, from a bilingual school joyfully walk on a forest trail, giving thumbs up. Bare trees line the path, and a person in a blue jacket walks ahead. The ground is muddy, suggesting a recent rain.
EIFA Two young children sit on the grass in their London school uniforms, wearing light blue and white outfits with reflective stripes. One has curly hair and the other a bun. They smile, surrounded by trees and other EIFA students dressed in similar attire in the background.
EIFA Four children from a bilingual school in London joyfully run across a field, wearing colorful winter clothing and vibrant yellow and green vests. The background shows a cloudy sky and trees with autumn leaves.
EIFA A group of people, mostly wearing casual clothes and sunglasses, stand in a sunny cobblestone plaza outside a historic building in London. The scene captures the relaxed atmosphere near the esteemed EIFA International School under a clear, blue sky.
EIFA Four bilingual children in lab coats engage in a science experiment at a London school laboratory table. They handle small bottles and a box, appearing focused and collaborative. The background showcases lab equipment and safety posters, fostering an environment of learning and discovery.
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