Early Years at LIS
At Leiria International School, our Early-Years program embraces children aged 3 to 5, providing a warm and inspiring environment where curiosity leads the way.
We believe every child is curious, courageous, and resilient — a capable learner who brings their own stories, interests, and discoveries into the classroom.
Developing the whole child
We prioritize play and inquiry as the foundation of learning, giving children time and space to explore, imagine, and discover.
Learning experiences are personalized to meet each child’s needs, with a balance of one-on-one and small-group moments that encourage growth and confidence. As a community, our children come together for shared stories, celebrations, meals, and collaborative projects that build belonging and joy.
Our Early Childhood beliefs
-
![]()
01
Our Early-Years philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where learning is viewed as a dynamic process of discovery, expression, and relationship. We believe that children learn best when they feel seen, heard, and empowered — when they are invited to explore, to take risks, and to build knowledge in collaboration with others.
-
![]()
02
We see every child as a protagonist in their own learning story — curious, capable, and full of potential. Each one comes to school carrying ideas, questions, and theories about the world. Our role is to listen deeply, to value their voice, and to nurture their sense of wonder as they construct meaning from their experiences.
-
![]()
03
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Built on trust, empathy, and respect, they connect us to one another and to the wider world. In every interaction, we aim to model kindness, and the courage to learn together.
Young children are naturally curious. They learn by asking questions, exploring their environment, testing ideas, and making sense of the world around them. Inquiry-based learning nurtures this natural curiosity by placing children at the centre of the learning process.
Through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences, learners develop confidence, creativity, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of concepts. Rather than simply receiving information, they actively construct knowledge, fostering independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
The importance of Inquiry
