Welcome to
EARLY YEARS
Proud to be rated 'Outstanding' by KHDA
About
Early years foundation stage
At GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis, we believe the early years are a crucial time for fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme follows the British curriculum, providing an outstanding foundation for each child's educational journey. Learning through play and child-led experiences is at the heart of everything we do, allowing children to explore the world around them in ways that feel exciting and meaningful.
Our nurturing and vibrant classrooms help children develop a real love of learning from the very start. We empower children to become confident, resilient learners who thrive both academically and personally, with personalised learning that meets the needs and interests of every child.
Beyond the classroom, children enjoy specialist lessons in Arabic, French, Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Outdoor Learning. We also celebrate the diverse cultures within our academy community and foster an appreciation for the rich heritage of the UAE. At WSO, we are proud to inspire a lifetime of learning, starting with every child's very first steps.
Welcome from our
Vice Principal
Welcome to our vibrant Foundation Stage community at GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis. At WSO, we are passionate about creating a safe and inspiring environment where each child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn.
Learning through play and child-led experiences is at the heart of our approach. Our talented team fosters curiosity, independence, and a genuine love of learning, empowering children to explore, ask questions, and develop confidence. We understand that every child has a unique story, and we are honored to be part of the journey that begins here.
In our Foundation Stage, we celebrate each child's individuality and ensure that their early experiences lay a strong foundation for future growth. I look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful community, where every child’s progress is cherished, and every milestone is celebrated.
Sarah Hollingworth – Vice Principal
Explore Our
Early Years Curriculum
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, there are seven key areas of learning and development, which are categorised into prime and specific areas.
These areas are interlinked, providing a holistic approach to support children's growth and learning during their early years.
PRIME AREAS
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
This area focuses on nurturing children’s self-confidence, self-awareness, and social skills. It includes activities designed to support emotional wellbeing, help children build positive relationships, and develop an understanding of social norms and values.
PRIME AREAS
Communication & Language
This area focuses on developing children’s language skills, both in speaking and listening. Through a variety of activities, children are encouraged to express their ideas, develop their vocabulary, and engage in meaningful conversations, helping them build confidence in their communication.
PRIME AREAS
Physical Development
This area supports children in developing both their fine and gross motor skills. Through a range of activities, children are encouraged to improve coordination, balance, and control, while also learning the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle.
SPECIFIC AREAS
Literacy
This area focuses on developing children’s love for reading and writing. Activities encourage them to explore sounds, letters, and words, fostering early literacy skills that form the foundation for reading and writing. Children engage with stories, develop their vocabulary, and begin to express their ideas through writing.
SPECIFIC AREAS
Mathematics
In this area, children explore numbers, shapes, and patterns through hands-on activities. They develop early problem-solving skills, understand basic concepts of counting and measurement, and learn to make connections between numbers and the world around them.
SPECIFIC AREAS
Understanding
the World
This area encourages children to explore and make sense of the world around them. Through activities in science, nature, and their community, children learn about the environment, different cultures, and how things work. Curiosity and exploration help them develop a deeper understanding of the world they live in.
SPECIFIC AREAS
Expressive Arts
& Design
In this area, children explore their creativity through art, music, dance, and imaginative play. They are encouraged to express their thoughts and emotions, experiment with different materials and techniques, and develop an appreciation for the arts.
Outstanding Curriculum
At WSO, we are proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that ignites each child’s curiosity and sets them on a path to becoming World Class, World Ready. Our Early Years Foundation Stage follows the British Curriculum, fostering development across all areas, from physical skills to emotional and social growth. We create an inspiring, engaging environment where children learn through play, exploration, and real-life experiences. With a strong focus on personalised learning, we empower every child to thrive, ensuring they are prepared for a successful future. Our dedicated teachers and specialist lessons provide a well-rounded foundation for lifelong learning.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning is an exciting and valuable part of our Early Years provision. It encourages children to explore, discover, and learn through play in the natural environment. This hands-on approach helps children understand that learning extends beyond the classroom and is embedded in the world around them. Messy play, imaginative games, and outdoor exploration allow children to have fun while developing important skills. The child-led and collaborative nature of these sessions fosters teamwork, responsibility, and a deeper connection with nature, while also helping children understand how to assess and manage risk in a safe and engaging way.
Performing Arts
In the Early Years, Performing Arts at WSO introduces children to the joy of music, dance, and drama in a fun and playful way. These creative experiences help build self-confidence, encourage self-expression, and support the development of communication skills. Through singing, movement, and imaginative play, children engage in activities that boost their social skills, creativity, and emotional wellbeing. Performing Arts provides a positive and enjoyable foundation for learning, helping children grow in confidence while having fun and exploring new ways to express themselves.
Physical Education
At WSO, children engage in a variety of activities that help them explore movement and develop coordination. Through exercises that promote physical movement, control, and balance, children build essential skills in line with the EYFS Physical Development goals. Swimming plays a key role in physical development, enhancing motor skills, coordination, and water confidence while laying a strong foundation for agility and confident interaction with the environment. By offering fun, hands-on experiences, we support their physical growth and set the stage for continued development as they progress into Foundation Stage 2 and beyond.
Wellbeing
At WSO, we believe that a child's wellbeing is at the heart of their learning journey, starting from day one of their story. We create a nurturing environment where each child feels safe, valued, and supported. Our dedicated teachers work closely with children to develop their emotional and social skills, encouraging kindness, empathy, and self-awareness. Through our holistic approach, we ensure that every child’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing is prioritised, helping them build resilience and confidence. This strong foundation supports their academic growth and sets them on a path to thrive, both in school and beyond.
Join us on A Virtual Tour
Step inside our FS spaces and experience what makes our early years environment so special. Take a virtual look around our Primary Reception, Auditorium, and Outdoor Learning Area, and discover how our thoughtfully designed spaces inspire imagination, exploration, and a love of learning from the very start.
frequently asked
questions
Do I provide food for my child?
Yes, we ask that you provide a healthy snack and lunch for your child. There are two opportunities during the day for children to eat, one in the morning and another during lunchtime. We encourage balanced, nutritious meals to support your child’s energy and focus throughout the day.
Does my child need to be toilet trained to join FS1?
For FS1 (and above) your child does need to be toilet trained. We appreciate children have accidents occasionally when they are busy playing and that is fine, we will help to change them into clean, fresh spare clothes provided from home. We have a toileting policy for frequent accidents which is shared when you join WSO.
When does the school day start and end for FS1 and FS2?
The school day for FS1 and FS2 students begins at 7:45 am. We offer a ‘soft start’ from 7:30 am, allowing children to settle in and begin their day in a relaxed manner, especially for those with older siblings or those who travel by bus. Classes officially start at 7:45 am, and students in FS1 and FS2 finish at 1:30 pm. For families with older siblings, we offer a sibling club to accommodate pick-up times, ensuring that all siblings can finish their day together.
Is there a bus service available for Foundation Stage children?
Students in FS1 and FS2 have access to the School Transport Service (STS). Our Teaching Assistants and Bus Conductors accompany children to and from the bus daily, ensuring there is always an adult-to-adult handover. CCTV, GPS tracking, live updates, and ‘sleeping child’ checks are some of the key safety features on board our STS buses. Five-point harness car seats can be rented or provided by yourselves to ensure maximum safety whilst traveling to and from Nursery & the Foundation Stage.
Blog
HIGHLIGHTS
At WSO, we believe that some of the most powerful learning experiences happen outside the classroom.
At WSO, we believe curiosity is key to unlocking a child’s potential. In the early years, children’s natural curiosity drives their learning, helping them explore the world and discover new ideas.
Starting school is a huge milestone in a child’s life, and naturally, many parents wonder: Is my child ready?