Aspire International School

A Strong Foundation Begins Early

At Aspire International School, we believe that a child’s earliest learning experiences lay the foundation for everything that follows. That’s why our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), covering ages 3 to 5, is more than just childcare — it’s a purposeful blend of play-based learning, emotional growth, and cognitive development.

What Is EYFS? 📚

Our Early Years programme follows the UK’s EYFS curriculum, tailored for international learners in Portugal. It focuses on:

Communication & Language: building vocabulary, storytelling and listening skills
Physical Development: fine and gross motor skills through movement and play
Personal, Social & Emotional Development: making friends, expressing emotions and gaining independence
Literacy: introducing early reading and phonics using the Jolly Phonics system
Mathematics: basic numeracy concepts through engaging activities
Understanding the World: learning about nature, people, and cultures
Expressive Arts & Design: music, dance, role-play, and hands-on creativity

🌞 Preschool (Ages 3–4)

Our Preschool programme offers a warm and welcoming start to school life. It’s designed to:

Encourage curiosity and imagination through open-ended play
Build routines and social skills in a caring, structured setting
Foster confidence and early learning in a bilingual environment
Offer access to age-appropriate resources and outdoor space

Children are supported by dedicated early years teachers and teaching assistants who know each child individually and adapt learning to their needs.

📘 Reception (Ages 4–5)

Reception builds on the Preschool foundation with a slightly more structured approach:

Children learn through themed projects, storytelling, problem-solving, and exploration
Indoor and outdoor classrooms promote active learning
Jolly Phonics is continued and expanded
Teachers begin to guide children toward readiness for Year 1
Emphasis is placed on independence, critical thinking, and a love of learning

A Warm and Inclusive Environment 🌍

Aspire welcomes children from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and our classrooms reflect that diversity. We believe in respect, encouragement, and fun — and we work in close partnership with parents to ensure every child is seen, supported, and happy.

Our small class sizes (max 12) allow for personalised attention and tailored learning paths. Whether your child is taking their first steps in a nursery school in the Algarve, or beginning Reception with an eye on the future, Aspire provides a safe and inspiring space to grow.

💬 Want to Learn More?

We’d love to welcome your family to visit Aspire and explore our Early Years classrooms in Almancil. Contact us to arrange a visit or to speak with our EYFS Coordinator.

📍 Location: Between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago

📞 +351 289 392 238

📧 learn@aspireinternational.school

Related Reading:

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Author: Mark McLoughlin

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