Preschool (age 3-5)
Nurturing your child
Establishing a lifelong love of learning in a supportive, stimulating and caring environment.
Welcome to a preschool where natural curiosity leads to daily adventures
Supported by our deeply caring educators in unrivalled, purpose-built facilities, children are supported to explore and learn about the world around them. Imagination is given free rein and children build confidence, make friends, and establish a true, lifelong love of learning.
Discover Preschool Learning at ISA
Engaging experiences for our youngest learners
Exciting experiences for all
No two days are the same as learning is guided by each child’s curiosity and imagination!
Fostering growth in early childhood education
Discover how our preschool curriculum fosters a love of learning and personal growth.
What is the key focus of ISA’s preschool offering?
We believe learning should always be fun and inclusive. We encourage our young people to have their say and build their self-confidence as they develop their sense of wellbeing and physical abilities alongside early literacy, numeracy and thinking skills.
What is the preschool curriculum?
We have a child-led curriculum that’s built around children’s natural curiosity and personal interests, based on the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. More detail is found on our curriculum page here.
What does a child-led curriculum look like?
Imaginations run wild here! We love seeing what the children come up with – whether that’s creating a ‘working’ garage in the school or transforming part of the preschool area into a dinosaur museum. Recently an interest in fashion led to outfits being made on sewing machines, tickets being sold and a fashion show to rival a top designer being organised in the theatre!
Do you offer funded hours for nursery-age children?
Yes. Parents whose nursery-age children (3 or 4 years old) are eligible for the 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare can choose ISA’s preschool from 8am to 2.10pm, Monday to Friday during term time, with lunch provided as part of the funded hours.
What hours are you open?
Our core, funded hours are 8am – 2.10pm, but we also have flexible options until 6pm Monday to Friday with our Encore! Options. There are also options around the number of days a week (3,4 or 5) and whether you attend term-time only or all year round. More information can be found on our Encore! Page or by contacting admissions@isa.aberdeen.sch.uk
Are you open in school holidays?
Yes. Our Encore+ programme includes holidays, see the Encore! Page for more information.
Who will be looking after my child?
We have an experienced team, most who have been with us for over 5 years – clearly they enjoy preschool as much as the children! Your child will have a key-worker who will be your main point of contact, checking in with you regularly and sharing you photos regularly with updates on your child’s progress.
Will someone help my child get their shoes on?
Of course! We are all here to help the children with the practical aspects of the day. However, we find they quickly learn and become more independent with these everyday tasks and it’s lovely to see them helping each other get jackets zipped and wellies on ready for some outdoor play!
How does the preschool fit into the main ISA school?
We are fortunate to have access to the wider school campus and regularly use the library, sports and theatre facilities. We also have visits from teachers in the Elementary School, including our weekly music lessons which are a highlight for many children!
How do you ensure students are developing and being challenged?
Preschool students grow in awareness of themselves, their peers and the world around them. Through conversation with their key workers they practice the vocabulary to reflect on these experiences. By actively engaging with their peers and surrounding environment they develop the physical and interpersonal skills which lay the foundations for later academic and personal success.
Is food provided at Preschool?
Yes. Children are encouraged to bring a morning snack which they can choose to eat when they are ready for it. Lunch is provided for all children, and there are weekly menus to choose from, offering both hot and cold options. Children sit at tables with their friends and a staff member and have lovely mealtime discussions. Mealtimes also provide an opportunity for children to practice setting and clearing the table, serving one another and even taking it in turns to return the food trolley to the cafeteria with one of the teachers!
Our Preschool team
Meet the dedicated professionals supporting our students.
Facilities
Discover our purpose-built preschool
Modelled on the very latest thinking in learning design, we have created a modern preschool environment with enviable facilities. Children have space to explore and can choose which area they want to play in – the pod for some quiet reading, the painting and wet area, or the garden room with it’s floor to ceiling windows. Outdoors the garden built into the hill has everything from a mud kitchen, to a performance teepee, loose parts play as well as swings, a slide and even a ‘secret garden’ with a campfire area. There is plenty of space for your child to explore, imagine and enjoy new adventures every day.
“I have my best friend, he likes snakes too.”
Dante, age 3
“This preschool has made my dreams come true”
Maizi, age 4
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Image gallery
Explore our vibrant community through these snapshots which bring our preschool to life!
Experience ISA in person
As you enter our green and leafy campus you’ll be struck by the combination of old and new – a traditional granite reception building that is the gateway to one of the country’s finest purpose-built schools.
People say our facilities have to be seen to be believed and our friendly and experienced team will be delighted to welcome you. Book a tour now – we’d love to show you around.