Bilingual Playgroup and Nursery 1 Programmes in Singapore (18 Months to 3 Years)

Who Are Playgroup and Nursery 1 For?

Playgroup - Explorers

Our Playgroup programme in Singapore is specifically designed for little ones aged 18 months to 2 years old, where they embark on an exciting journey of discovery through play and exploration.

Activities are carefully designed to captivate their five senses (touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell) while introducing the world around them. In turn, we ignite curiosity by laying the foundation for hands-on learning experiences.

Nursery 1 - Adventurers

Our Nursery 1 programme is tailored for children aged 3 years old. At this stage, children begin to discover their capabilities as they foster a sense of self.

Nursery 1 provides the learning experiences to nurture these abilities and interests, building children’s confidence while laying a strong foundation for future academic growth.

These supportive environments help every child sprout into a confident learner.

What Are the Benefits of Enrolling in Little Oxford Schoolhouse’s Early Years Programmes?

Encourages Early Socialisation and Interaction

Our Playgroup and Nursery 1 environments provide the ideal setting for young children to learn the fundamentals of social interaction. Your child will experience their first friendships, learn to share toys, and discover the joy of cooperative play.

Promotes Cognitive and Language Development

Through engaging activities, stories, and songs, our Playgroup and Nursery 1 curriculums promote language acquisition and cognitive growth.

Toddlers are exposed to new vocabulary, encouraged to express themselves, and challenged with age-appropriate puzzles and sensory play experiences that spark their developing minds.

Builds Emotional and Behavioural Skills

Joining an Early Years programme helps young children navigate emotions and understand essential boundaries. They learn vital skills, such as turn-taking, patience, and self-regulation.

Our caring educators gently guide them through these crucial moments, fostering positive behaviours and building their overall emotional resilience.

Introduces Structured Learning Through Play

While fun remains at the core, our Playgroup for 18-month- to 2-year-olds in Singapore weaves in structured learning opportunities through meaningful play. Children engage in activities that subtly introduce foundational concepts, keeping their natural curiosity alive.

In turn, the Nursery 1 curriculum gradually introduces more structure, balancing play with readiness skills to prepare them for the next academic stage.

Fosters Independence and Confidence

Stepping into a Little Oxford Schoolhouse’s Early Years environment is the first step towards independence for your child! They are encouraged to attempt tasks for themselves, make simple choices, and take pride in their accomplishments. This growing sense of autonomy is essential for their development, boosting self-confidence and preparing them for future challenges.

What are the Early Years Curriculums at Little Oxford Schoolhouse?

The Playgroup and Nursery 1 programmes follow our unique Family-Individual-Growth (F.I.G.) curriculum, which celebrates diverse growth paths.

This approach is inspired by leading educational theories and aligns with the national Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework for young children.

As part of the curriculum, we plant the seeds of success to nurture your young one’s potential throughout their early years, focusing on three key areas:

Family

Immersing children in a supportive and nurturing environment to build a sense of security and belonging, establishing trust for secure attachments.

Individual

Equipping children with positive attitudes, values, and learning dispositions to foster healthy physiological well-being and strong emotional regulation skills.

Growth

Supporting children’s curiosities through sensory-rich learning discoveries and experiences for holistic development.

What is the Teacher to Child Ratio for Playgroup and Nursery 1 in Singapore?

At Little Oxford Schoolhouse, we believe a healthy teacher-to-child ratio is crucial to providing exceptional learning experiences. As such, our Playgroup maintains a ratio of 1:6, while our Nursery 1 programme follows a 1:9 ratio.

These ratios go beyond Singapore’s Early Childhood Development Agency’s (ECDA) requirements, enabling us to offer an enhanced experience.

With lower teacher-to-child ratios, our educators are better able to provide each child with ample individual attention and support. In turn, children benefit from a more personalised learning journey.

Programme	Age Range	Ratio Set by ECDA Singapore	Little Oxford Schoolhouse Ratio
Playgroup	18 months to 2 years	1:8	1:6
Nursery 1	3 years	1:12	1:9

Our Bilingual Playgroup and Nursery 1 Locations

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Playgroup and Nursery 1 Programmes in Singapore

How do I know if my child is ready for a playgroup?

Typically, children aged 18 months to 2 years old are ready for a playgroup when they show curiosity about other children, enjoy exploring new environments, and can handle short periods of time away from their primary caregiver.

However, as every child develops at a unique pace, we recommend that you discuss your child’s individual readiness with us before enrolling them.

If your child is not ready for playgroup, our Infant Care programme is a possible alternative.

Are there opportunities for parent involvement at Little Oxford Schoolhouse?

Absolutely! While children develop their independence in our childcare centre, we encourage parents to be involved through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and various centre events. This collaboration enhances your child’s learning journey and strengthens our Little Oxford Schoolhouse community.

What is the daily schedule for the Playgroup and Nursery 1 sessions?

Our Playgroup and Nursery 1 sessions are structured to balance free play with guided activities. A typical day may include:

Sensory explorations
Outdoor play
Storytelling activities
Music and movement activities
Group activities to foster social skills

We also ensure dedicated time for snacks, naps, and personal care.

What kind of toys and materials do you use in the Playgroup and Nursery 1 programmes?

We offer a diverse range of safe, age-appropriate, and engaging toys and learning materials in our Playgroup and Nursery 1 programmes, such as natural materials, construction blocks, art supplies, puzzles, and sensory bins. This selection encourages open-ended play, creativity, and exploration across all developmental domains.

How do you handle separation anxiety when toddlers join Playgroup and Nursery 1?

It’s normal for toddlers to experience separation anxiety in a new environment, be it joining a new playgroup or starting kindergarten childcare. However, our educators are highly experienced in managing these situations with care and empathy.

We work closely with parents to create a gentle transition plan, incorporating shorter initial stays and consistent routines.

Our secure environment also helps children feel comfortable and build trust with their caregivers, making the transition a positive one.