early years Primary School – Early Years (age 3-6)

Apply now – Limited places available

Our Early Years Centre teaches the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). It is part of the IS Ruhr Primary School. We provide a multi-lingual environment with qualified international teaching staff, with English as the language of instruction. Our students are offered a variety of play-based learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors.

A limited number of places are now available at IS Ruhr. This is an exceptional opportunity to become part of our thriving international community. At IS Ruhr we welcome students year around. Our staff, students and parents enjoy close working relationships, which lead to great learning and a multitude of individual pathways towards the exciting futures of tomorrow in a caring environment. Our international IB curriculum ensures your child becomes a confident, and future ready global citizen.

Limited openings but filling fast: Apply now.

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WHY OUR EARLY YEARS CENTRE SHAPES A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING

In this short video, Early Years mum Indra shares what made her choose our Early Years Centre and why it is the way children are seen, supported, and inspired here that truly matters.

This video is the first part of a student-led production by two Grade 11 students, Luke and Jo, who managed everything from filming and lighting to editing. It is their first major project of this scale for the school.

WHY OUR EARLY CENTRE FOSTERS FUTURE-READY SKILLS

In this video, Early Years mother Barbara reflects why she feels confident in our Early Years Centre and how her child is nurtured today to be ready for tomorrow.

This video is the second part of the student-led production by two Grade 11 students, Luke and Jo, who handled all aspect from filming and lighting to editing.

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EY EVENT – INTERNATIONAL STORY EXPLORERS

IS Ruhr warmly invites families from Essen and the surrounding areas to “International Story Explorers,” our monthly multilingual story time, held on the first Friday of every month (except during holidays). This event features engaging stories read by our Early Years team in various languages, offering a great opportunity for children to enjoy storytelling while families connect with our international community. Our next event will be on Friday, 7 November at our Early Years Centre, Moltkeplatz 1, Essen. Doors will open at 14.50, and the story time will begin at 15.00. We look forward to seeing you and your little ones there!

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EARLY YEARS EDUCATION IS THE FIRST STEP IN CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS

Children undergo rapid brain development during their first five years, making this an ideal time for learning and growth. A nurturing early years environment can significantly enhance their social, emotional, and cognitive skills, setting a solid foundation for their future learning journey.

NURTURING EACH CHILD’S CURIOSITY

Young children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways. The International Baccalaureate Early Years Programme (IB PYP) allows for learning to match each child’s needs. Children are given opportunities to have holistic and stand-alone experiences in German, Art, Music and Physical Education. Our children come from diverse cultures and linguistic backgrounds whom we support to become internationally minded people. We nurture each child’s natural curiosity and acknowledge differences in developmental stages respecting each child as an individual and as a group member.

HOLISTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Our Early Years aged children benefit from a stimulating, engaging and challenging environment. We believe that inquiry is a powerful tool to learn about the world around us. Our Early Years (EY) curriculum balances learning through play, directed teacher guidance and the provision of carefully planned learning experiences, primarily in English. This curriculum follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB). Early learning in the PYP is a holistic learning experience that integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development.  We deliver the curriculum through Units of Inquiry which integrates all of the main subjects including Maths and Language. In addition, the curriculum is intensively dedicated to the topic of how best to promote early childhood development.

EARLY YEARS CENTRE AT A GLANCE.
ADMISSION POSSIBLE AT ANY TIME.

INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

IS Ruhr’s Early Years programme embraces cultural diversity, creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, fostering a global community. We provide immersive English language experiences alongside enriching German instruction, nurturing linguistic skills and cultural understanding.

international mindedness

international mindedness

Our curriculum and school activities teach children to respect and understand people from different backgrounds, promoting empathy and open-mindedness. This approach prepares them to be global citizens, ready to engage with and make the world more peaceful.

Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-Based Learning

Play-based inquiry fosters learning as students explore, discover, and understand the world around them. It encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, nurturing their innate curiosity. Our environment promotes imaginative play and hands-on experiences, creating joyful and meaningful learning opportunities.

TRANSDISCIPLINARY LEARNING

TRANSDISCIPLINARY LEARNING

Our educational approach is rooted in transdisciplinary learning, where students explore connections across different subject areas to explore real-life contexts.

OUTDOOR LEARNING

OUTDOOR LEARNING

IS Ruhr’s Early Years programme makes use of outdoor spaces as a natural extension of the classroom, where children explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences.

FLEXIBILITY

FLEXIBILITY

We offer child care from 7.30 to 17.00 is possible, including a hot lunch option.

FAQ

What requirements must my child meet for admission to pre-school?

Children must be toilet trained by the first day of school. This means that they no longer wear diapers, are familiar with going to the toilet and can articulate their needs in advance.

Are the classes taught in English?

Yes, but there are opportunities to speak German in play based situations and during our German language lessons.

Are there separate classes for children of different ages?

Yes, there are separate classes for children aged 3 to 4 (EY1), 4 to 5 (EY 2) and 5 to 6 years old (EY 3).

How will I get informed about the development of my child?

You will be regularly informed through conferences and the digital learning journal called Toddle, that gives you real-time glimpses into your child’s school day.

Is there a waiting list?

If there is no space available on the date of your choice, we will gladly put you on our waiting list. Once a place becomes available, we will reach out to you.