Question 1

What is Cambridge Early Years?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge Early Years (CEY) is a play-based curriculum for children aged 3 to 5. At Cobham, it is followed in our Bouncing Butterflies pre-school room, working alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to provide additional structure and progression to children's learning.Our practitioners use CEY to plan experiences, observe children's development and identify next steps. Its learning goals help children build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need as they prepare for Primary School.

Question 2

What age is Cambridge Early Years for?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge Early Years is designed for children aged 3 to 5. At Cobham, it is followed by children in our Bouncing Butterflies pre-school room, supporting their development as they prepare for their next stage of education.

Question 3

What does my child learn through Cambridge Early Years?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge Early Years builds on the key areas of learning set out in the EYFS, organising them into six curriculum areas with clear learning goals and progression.Communication and Language and Literacy are grouped together, while still covering distinct aspects of learning, from speaking and listening to phonics, handwriting and spelling.The six areas cover:Communication, Language and LiteracyDeveloping speaking, listening and vocabulary, alongside early reading and writing skills, including phonics, handwriting and spelling.Physical DevelopmentDeveloping movement, balance and coordination, alongside the fine motor skills used for activities such as drawing and writing.MathematicsExploring numbers, counting, patterns, shapes and measuring, while developing problem-solving skills.Personal, Social and Emotional DevelopmentBuilding confidence, understanding feelings, developing relationships and learning to work with others.Understanding the WorldLearning about people, communities, nature and how things work.Creative ExpressionExploring art, music, movement, imagination and role-play to communicate ideas.

Question 4

Is Cambridge Early Years play-based?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Play is central to Cambridge Early Years. Practitioners take note of what children enjoy and use their observations to plan experiences that build on their interests while introducing new skills and ideas.For example, setting up a pretend shop can support learning across several areas at once. Children might talk about what they would like to buy and make shopping lists (Communication, Language and Literacy), count items and compare sizes (Mathematics), take turns being the shopkeeper and customer (Personal, Social and Emotional Development), and make signs or arrange displays (Creative Expression).

Question 5

How is Cambridge Early Years different from the EYFS?

Accepted Answer

The EYFS is the statutory framework that all early years providers in England must follow. Cambridge Early Years (CEY) is an additional curriculum that works alongside it, drawing on the same key areas of children's development but organising learning into its own six curriculum areas.CEY also provides specific learning goals and progression, giving our practitioners an additional framework for planning experiences and tracking children's development.

Question 6

Will my child still learn through everyday activities?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Everyday experiences are an important part of learning. Cooking, gardening, exploring outdoors, listening to stories, creative activities and playing with friends all give children opportunities to develop new skills and understanding.Cambridge Early Years helps our practitioners recognise the learning within these activities and build on it.

Question 7

How does Cambridge Early Years support school readiness?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge Early Years helps children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they will need as they move on to Primary School. This includes communication, early reading and writing, mathematical understanding, independence, cooperation and problem-solving.Children also learn to listen, share ideas, take turns, follow instructions and have a go at new things. These everyday skills help them feel more confident as they settle into school life.Just as importantly, learning should be enjoyable! Through play, exploration and experiences that capture their interests, children can develop curiosity, confidence and a love of learning that they can carry with them into Primary School.

Question 8

How does the programme support individual children?

Accepted Answer

Every child develops at their own pace, and Cambridge Early Years helps our practitioners recognise what each child can do and what they are ready to learn next.Through regular observations, practitioners track progress against the curriculum's learning goals, identify areas where a child may need more support and plan experiences suited to their development and interests.

Question 9

Do children have to sit through formal lessons?

Accepted Answer

No. Cambridge Early Years is play-based, so children aren't expected to sit at desks or spend long periods in formal lessons. Learning takes place through play, exploration, practitioner guided activities and everyday routines.

Question 10

How will I know what my child is learning?

Accepted Answer

Our practitioners observe children's activities and development throughout the week, they feed back to parents every day during pickups.The nursery team also shares weekly learning summaries with parents, explaining what children have been doing and how their experiences link to the curriculum.

Question 11

Is Cambridge Early Years recognised internationally?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge Early Years is developed by Cambridge International, part of the University of Cambridge, and forms the first stage of its wider Cambridge Pathway, an international education programme used by schools in more than 160 countries.The curriculum provides a structured, play-based approach to early learning, with clear goals to support children's development, build confidence and prepare them for the next stage of education.At Cobham, we're pleased to offer children the opportunity to benefit from a curriculum developed by an internationally established education provider, while continuing to enjoy the play-based, child-centred experiences that are so important in the early years.

Question 12

Does following Cambridge Early Years mean my child will have to attend an international school?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Cambridge Early Years provides a foundation for future learning, but it does not commit children to a particular school or educational pathway. Children can move on to their local Primary School or another setting of their choice.

Question 13

Why have you chosen Cambridge Early Years at Cobham?

Accepted Answer

We want to give children the best possible start to their education while keeping learning enjoyable, practical and centred around their interests.Cambridge Early Years complements our existing approach by giving practitioners clear learning goals and a framework for tracking development. It helps us build on the experiences children already enjoy, recognise their progress and support them as they prepare for Primary School.

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