Early Years at YBA inspires children to explore, create, and shine in every part of their learning journey
PARTNER CONTENT: For parents, choosing the right start for their child’s education is one of the most important decisions they will ever make.
At Yasmina British Academy (YBA), Early Years is not a standalone stage but the foundation of a journey where children grow into confident, articulate, and curious learners ready for life, not just for school.
Whole-child approach
From the very beginning, YBA’s Early Years programme blends the rigour of the British curriculum with the philosophy of High Performance Learning.
Children as young as three years old are encouraged to reflect on how they learn, collaborate with peers, and articulate their progress.
“Confidence in your ability to talk about your learning at age three is a key indicator of a child who feels seen, valued and empowered. The very foundation of meaningful learning and growth,” explains Hannah Riddell, Assistant Principal of Primary
This whole-child focus is visible in everything from nursery rhyme recitals to full-scale productions in YBA’s 600-seat auditorium.
Every child, without exception, takes to the stage. “You see children who began shyly singing in class at the start of the year stand tall under the lights by summer.
That ownership and assurance carry into every area of school life,” adds Kirsty Cohen, Director of Early Years. Creativity and expression Performing arts play a central role at YBA.
With specialist teachers in drama, music, and dance, even the youngest pupils experience lessons that nurture creativity, empathy, and teamwork.
“These lessons gently push children outside their comfort zone,” says Samantha Shousha Nady, Director of Creative Arts. “They learn to collaborate, perform, and think deeply about feelings and expression. Those skills flow into their core and specialist subjects and even the way they treat others.”
Digital literacy from day one
Technology is woven into learning from the start, with a bespoke Early Years computing curriculum. Children use iPads not as toys but as tools for problem-solving, programming, and design. By Year 1 (age 6), they are creators and innovators.
“They develop digital literacy, media design, and coding skills, all through play and exploration,” says Liam Clarke, ICT Curriculum Lead for Primary.
This forward-thinking approach builds responsible digital habits and confidence in navigating the online world, preparing children for modern learning and future careers.
Discovery in every direction
Learning in the Early Years at YBA is an adventure. A journey of discovery where curiosity leads the way.
Through promenade learning, children move through a series of thoughtfully designed spaces that spark imagination, foster discovery, and bring learning to life.
Each environment, from sensory corners and storytelling zones to hands-on investigation areas, encourages children to share ideas, make connections, and take ownership of their learning.
Physical development is equally prioritised. Specialist-led sport, outdoor exploration, and imaginative play spaces are integrated into the school’s design, ensuring movement and play are part of every day.
Learner agency, resilience, and teamwork develop naturally as children stay active, engaged, and connected to their learning.
A strong sense of community
Parents are central to the YBA Early Years journey. From stay-and-play sessions to open mornings and workshops, families are consistently welcomed into the classroom.
“We meet children where they are, and parents appreciate that,” says Riddell. “Admissions are not selective. The only thing we look for is that a child will be happy. From there, we build the sense of self and independence that sets them up for success.”
That partnership continues daily through parent-window platforms like Seesaw and through the close relationships families build with teachers.
Parents frequently comment on how connected they feel to their child’s everyday school life. A recent parent survey supports this, with top marks for visible academic progress and teacher support. Families feel part of a community where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to shine throughout.
Life-ready learning starts here
What makes YBA different is not just strong academic outcomes – though children consistently exceed international benchmarks – but the way the school weaves creativity, digital literacy, sport, performing arts, and social-emotional growth into everyday learning.
“By the end of Early Years, children are not only achieving above UK standards but doing so with self belief, collaboration, and a sense of wonder,” says Cohen.
Step into an Early Years classroom today at YBA and you will see this philosophy in action. You will find strong relationships between teachers and children, built on trust and alignment.
You will observe that progress is visible, even in short bursts of learning, as children engage deeply, think critically, and work purposefully toward their goals.
There’s curiosity in every corner, collaboration in every challenge, and an integrated blend of literacy, creativity, digital learning, and physical development.
Here, learning is alive, relationships are at the heart of future achievement is built, moment by joyful moment.
With Early Years Admissions Playdates held twice a week, there’s no reason to miss out on the YBA experience.
The YBA Early Years team warmly welcomes all families and will guide you and your child throughout.
For further information, visit yasminabritishacademy.ae
Follow Yalla for all the latest education news
