A gentle start: The settling-in journey of our youngest learners

Our youngest learners in Foundation Stage 1 have reached an exciting milestone at the start of the academic year: they have completed their settling-in period and are now following their full daily timetables.

In these first weeks, our children have been busy exploring sensory play, enjoying outdoor adventures, and beginning to form their first friendships. Supported by our dedicated Early Years teachers and teaching assistants, they are already growing in confidence, curiosity, and independence.

Why the Settling-In Period Matters – More Than Just the First Few Weeks

Starting school is a significant moment in a young child’s life — and for our pre-nursery learners in Foundation Stage 1 (F1), it marks the beginning of their educational journey at BIS HCMC. Our settling in period allows for children to start at any time during the year, allowing children to feel safe, secure, comfortable and ready to learn, regardless of when they join us during the year.

We understand that this transition can be both exciting and emotional for children and their families. That’s why we place great emphasis on a carefully designed settling-in period, tailored to the needs of each individual child.

Their educational journey with us begins through our playful learning approach, where purposeful play allows children to explore, create, and discover at their own pace, building the foundations of lifelong learning.

Ms Clare Lowson, our Head of Foundation Stage 1 and an Early Years teacher at BIS HCMC for over 12 years, shared:

“Starting school is a big step for young children and their families, and it’s important to give each child the time and space to adapt at their own pace. By nurturing secure relationships with teachers and ensuring a positive first experience, we lay the foundation for a love of learning. As a teacher, I deeply value the partnership between school and parents at this time, working together to help every child thrive.”

Children as young as two are still developing their sense of security, independence, and social confidence. For many, this is their first step into structured learning beyond the family home. Entering a new environment filled with unfamiliar faces, routines, and expectations can feel overwhelming. A thoughtful settling-in period is not just helpful — it is essential. It allows children to:

•Build trust between themselves, their teachers, and the school environment.
•Ease separation anxiety by gradually adjusting to time away from their parents.
•Support emotional wellbeing, which is the foundation for learning and development.
•Encourage positive relationships with peers and adults, laying the groundwork for future social success.

Our Nurturing Approach at BIS HCMC

At BIS HCMC, we believe that every child is unique, and so is their journey into school life. Our settling-in process for Foundation Stage 1 is staggered, nurturing, and flexible, designed to support each child at their own pace.

•Smaller Groups: We begin by welcoming children in smaller groups, creating a calmer, more focused environment where each child can receive individual attention and explore their new surroundings confidently.
•Familiar Adult Presence: In the initial days, a parent or caregiver is invited to stay with the child. This familiar presence offers comfort and reassurance, helping children feel safe as they build trust with their teachers and classmates.
•Staggered Entry: Children are gradually introduced to the classroom environment, starting with shorter sessions and slowly building up to a full schedule.
•Individual Timetables: Teachers work closely with parents to observe each child’s progress. If more time is needed, we collaborate to create a timetable suited to their emotional and developmental needs.
•Open Communication: We maintain regular dialogue with families, ensuring parents feel informed, supported, and involved at every stage.
•Warm, Welcoming Spaces: Our classrooms are designed to be nurturing and engaging, with consistent routines and comforting rituals. These help children feel secure, enabling them to move from dependence to independence with joy.

A Strong Partnership with Parents

We see parents as partners in this journey. Your insights into your child’s personality, preferences, and routines are invaluable in helping us create a smooth transition. Together, we can ensure that your child’s first experience of school is filled with joy, curiosity, and confidence.

This partnership continues well beyond the settling-in period. Our orientation sessions for new parents, Parent Partnership workshops, and SPLAT (Stay, Play, Learn, and Talk) sessions give families the opportunity to stay connected, share in their child’s learning, and become part of the wider BIS HCMC community.

In addition, throughout the year we host a variety of Parent Partnership events that celebrate our strong home–school connections. Families join us for Welcome Back Coffee Mornings, specialist sessions such as our PE & Music Coffee Morning, Information Evenings and CCA Fairs on both Primary campuses, and Vietnamese Coffee Mornings for different year groups. And one of our most popular our Phonics workshop. These events allow parents to connect with one another, meet teachers and senior leadership, discover opportunities for the year ahead, and share in the excitement of their child’s learning journey.

Looking ahead, our upcoming Phonics Workshop for parents with children aged 2 - 7 will provide practical strategies and insights into how we introduce early literacy skills through play and exploration. It’s another example of how we work closely with families to support children’s learning both in school and at home.