Cambridge Early Years at Bradford Schools

Choosing the “right school” for your child is a daunting task for many a parent, given the myriad of options available from traditional creches, play schools, day care centres, to more modern approaches to early childhood development. In most cases, the choice is based on convenience, somewhere closer to home or workplace, cleanliness of the environment, play equipment, and toys. All of these are very important considerations, but what is found most wanting is the deliberate introduction of formal learning at this crucial stage. At Bradford, we emphasise Play-Based Learning from the day your child steps through our doors.

On the 15th of August 2023, Rod Stewart, Managing Director of Cambridge Assessment International Education, bestowed Bradford Early Years Centres with the first Cambridge Early Years Accreditation in the world outside India – a befitting testimony to our relentless pursuit and commitment to excellence in education.

The Bradford Early Years Program follows the Cambridge International Early Years Curriculum, designed by early childhood development experts from the University of Cambridge in collaboration with early childhood practitioners across the globe. At Bradford, this curriculum is refined to support early students and their families. We challenge and celebrate each student, encouraging them to realise and develop their talents while instilling a passion for lifelong learning.

12 months to 6 years
CEY Toddlers to CEY 3
Whole-child development

Cambridge Early Years learners at Bradford

Early Years learners taking part in a classroom activity

Early Years classroom interaction at Bradford

Vorna Valley Early Years class at Bradford

Early Years Curriculum

Our innovative Cambridge Early Years Program

Our innovative Cambridge Early Years Program is designed to nurture the essential developmental stages of children aged 1 to 6 years. This distinctive program enhances each child's learning journey, fostering active engagement and exploration.

Our comprehensive curriculum strikes a harmonious balance among physical, cognitive, language, communication, and social-emotional development. Through play-based learning activities, we empower our children to flourish in their educational experiences, equipping them for a seamless transition to the Cambridge Primary stage.

The CEY Curriculum provides our students with a structured, supportive and balanced platform on which to develop their learning and the skills essential for life. It harnesses our students' natural curiosity and this search for knowledge is met as they learn to find answers to their questions through a hands-on teaching approach.

Our teaching approach recognises that each learner is unique and requires a tailored education experience. We differentiate learning according to individual developmental needs and track progress throughout the year. Our teaching programs are designed to prepare students for the demands of the real 21st-century world, beyond our imagination.

We aim to ensure that all students begin their journey to become critical thinkers, active problem-solvers, inquisitive readers, diligent researchers, productive citizens, future leaders and prolific writers.

Bradford Schools' holistic approach to your child's education focuses on the whole child and connects their development with the world and people around them.

Curiosity is met with structure, warmth, and discovery.

The Cambridge Early Years curriculum gives learners a supportive and balanced platform for learning while recognising that each child develops at their own pace.

CEY Stages

12 months to 3 years: CEY Toddlers
3 to 4 years: CEY 1
4 to 5 years: CEY 2
5 to 6 years: CEY 3

Integrated Learning

Letters, numbers, stories, songs, outdoor discovery, creative tasks, and guided play are connected so children experience learning as part of everyday life.

Tailored Support

Teachers differentiate learning according to developmental needs and track progress throughout the year so each child is supported with care.

Holistic Growth

Children begin their journey toward critical thinking, problem solving, communication, resilience, confidence, and responsible citizenship.

Early Years Learning Areas

The foundations children build before Primary.

Early Years students starting the school day

08:00

Setting the Tone

The school day begins at 8 a.m. Morning ring helps students settle into routine through greeting songs, circle time, theme discussions, questions, stories, and show and tell.

Learning

Integrated Lessons

Early literacy and numeracy come alive through stories, songs, games, playful problem-solving, outdoor discovery, and creative projects that connect learning with life.

Early Years learners sharing a meal together

Meals

Connection and Joy

Mealtimes build social skills, turn-taking, conversation, table manners, respect, patience, and community through nutritious meals prepared with care.

Rest

Nap Time

After a busy morning, young students recharge in a calm environment that supports healthy growth, emotional wellbeing, memory, concentration, and mood.

Discovery

Outdoor Learning

Excursions and outdoor experiences extend classroom learning into real life, helping children connect theory with curiosity, creativity, resilience, and confidence.

Extramural Activities

Carefully selected activities for holistic growth.

Swimming

Swimming builds strength, coordination, and endurance while teaching vital water safety skills. It also boosts confidence as children overcome challenges and celebrate progress in a supportive environment.

Ballet

Ballet is coached by Tracy Milbert - Phoenix School of Ballet. Ballet develops balance, posture, and flexibility, while encouraging discipline and self-expression. Through dance, children learn grace, rhythm, and creativity, building both physical and emotional confidence.

Teddy Tennis

This fun, play-based introduction to tennis improves hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and teamwork. Teddy Tennis uses music and storytelling to make learning active and imaginative, helping children build focus and resilience.

Little Kickers

Little Kickers is a playful, non-competitive introduction to soccer designed especially for young children. Whilst this program helps students develop essential gross motor skills such as running, kicking, balance, and coordination, it also supports holistic development by strengthening the body, encouraging positive social interaction, and fostering emotional resilience. It also helps children improve focus and listening skills as they follow instructions and work together.

Karate

Karate teaches discipline, respect, and self-control alongside physical fitness. It helps children build confidence, focus, and resilience, while learning the importance of perseverance and responsibility.

Young Engineers

Young Engineers introduces STEM concepts through hands-on building and problem-solving, developing logical reasoning, innovation, and teamwork skills.

Smart Chefs

The Smart Chefs Program extends classroom learning into the kitchen. Children practice measuring, mixing, and following instructions while learning about healthy eating habits. Cooking builds fine motor skills, independence, and confidence, while encouraging creativity and responsibility.

Development

Balanced Growth

Physical, cognitive, language, communication, and social-emotional growth are planned together.

Approach

Hands-On Learning

Children learn by asking, trying, exploring, creating, and finding answers through meaningful experiences.

Next Step

Primary Readiness

Learners build confidence and routines that prepare them for a smooth transition into Primary School.

What makes Bradford learning distinctive

Bradford combines global curriculum standards with practical, future-facing learning experiences that support confident, capable learners.