Nursery and Reception in Wembley

Nursery and Reception

Two languages, simultaneously

At Lycée International Winston Churchill we have reimagined and pushed the boundaries of a typical nursery environment. Our unique Early Years dual language immersion programme is open to children from the age of three. They are guided by two qualified teachers in the classroom who each use their mother tongue. This setting creates the ideal conditions for bilingualism to flourish naturally in a safe and nurturing environment. Within a short period of time, children effortlessly switch from one language to the other with each teacher and acquire the culture and love of each language.

A Day in the Life of a Nursery and Reception child

Time	Activity
8:30am	Welcome and targeted learning activities/self-registration
8:55am	Visual Timetable
9:00am	Adult-led learning
9:30am	Outside Learning and snack time
10.15am	Adult-led learning/independent learning
11:00am	Lunch Time
12:30pm	Nap time (based on student’s needs) / Language activities
2:00pm	Outdoor Learning
2:45pm	Storytime/songs/rhymes
3:15pm	Home time

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Additional Information

Nursery and Reception (Early Years Programme) Philosophy

A young boy smiles and waves at the camera outdoors, wearing a red and white jacket. In the blurred background, children and adults from the Early Years Foundation Programme sit together near a building with large windows.

Nursery and Reception Philosophy

Our bilingual Nursery and Reception (Early Years Programme) is based on the latest and most comprehensive research on early learning. As the first school experience for our youngest students, it’s paramount that the programme be safe, joyful, and rich. Our child-led approach builds on their ideas and interests, allowing them to explore a range of activities while offering multiple opportunities for open-ended learning in both languages.

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Albert Einstein

To develop self-directed and confident young learners, children will experience:

Active project-based learning through innovative methods
Inquiry activities through provocations
Interactions in a safe environment dedicated to experiential learning
Positive interactions and relationship learning from others

Half Day Programme

In response to growing demand for flexibility, we’re excited to introduce a new Half-Day Programme for our Petite Section (3 years old). Families can now choose a morning or afternoon slot, with or without lunch, while still accessing our warm, bilingual early years environment.

Why Choose Half-Days?

A Gentle Start: Ideal for first-time nursery families or children easing into separation.
More Accessible: A great option for those seeking a quality nursery experience without the full-day commitment.
Fits Family Schedules: Especially useful for parents juggling school runs or part-time work.
Same High Standards: Children benefit from our nurturing, dual-language curriculum and social learning, just in a shorter format.
Pathway to Full-Day: A smooth transition to future full-time enrolment.
Budget-Friendly: More affordable while maintaining educational value.

This new format ensures greater flexibility, while preserving the heart of our early years philosophy.

Learn and Play In and Outside the Classroom

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Learn and Play In and Outside the Classroom

Exploring our surroundings is key to nurturing creativity, exploring seasons, and all kinds of weather, building respect for nature. Every week, students are able, through “Forest Days” to experiment with a limitless range of feelings while interacting with plants and animals.

“Children only fully understand what they themselves have created.” Jean Piaget

At Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, each child’s inquisitive mind is developed through play scenarios, and differentiated learning opportunities, pursuant to the British Nursery and Reception framework.

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” O. Fred Donaldson

Through proven yet innovative pedagogical methods, children are encouraged to discover, articulate, and express their own ideas and thoughts and to work collaboratively with others.

“Playing is not an amusement. It is a most serious endeavour with the deepest meaning.” F. Froebel

“To teach, one must spark emotion. Too many people still believe that while playing, one learns nothing.” Maria Montessori

Curriculum and Topics

Two young girls sit facing each other outdoors, smiling and playing a clapping game among a group of children. One wears glasses and a headband; the other has a large white bow in her hair.

Curriculum and Topics

Our curriculum is guided by, but not limited to the tBritish Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Teachers will lead activities and develop the 7 core learning areas through exploration.

Physical Development
Communication and Language
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Art and Design
Literacy

Meet The Nursery and Reception Team

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Minisha Bist Head of Primary School

Minisha Bist

Minisha Bist, originally a graduate in Business and Computing, discovered her true passion for teaching through volunteering at a local state school. She is a firm believer in the transformative power of education, viewing it as a gateway to personal growth and achievement. With two decades of experience in London’s education sector, Minisha began by supporting children with special educational needs in the state sector. Her commitment to hands-on, engaging learning led her to pursue a Montessori teaching qualification and serve as Deputy Head at a Montessori school for six years.

Transitioning to the independent sector, she independently established nurseries at three prep schools in London. Her most recent role as Head of EYFS and Nursery at Glendower Preparatory School has allowed her to gain invaluable experience in nurturing both the pastoral and academic development of students.

Coming from Indian heritage, Minisha places great importance on ensuring that each child feels represented in their learning environment and experiences. A mother of three, she manages a busy schedule but finds time for long walks, indulges in her love for coffee, and is currently dedicating her spare moments to learning the beautiful French language. Minisha is dedicated to recognizing each child’s unique potential and is eager to provide every student with the best possible start in life.

Minisha Bist, initialement diplômée en commerce et en informatique, a découvert sa véritable vocation pour l’enseignement en faisant du bénévolat dans une école publique locale. Elle est convaincue du pouvoir transformateur de l’éducation, qu’elle voit comme une clé vers l’épanouissement personnel et la réussite. Forte de vingt ans d’expérience dans le secteur éducatif londonien, Minisha a débuté en soutenant des enfants aux besoins éducatifs particuliers dans le secteur public. Son engagement pour un apprentissage pratique et stimulant l’a conduite à obtenir une qualification d’enseignante Montessori, puis à occuper le poste de directrice adjointe dans une école Montessori pendant six ans.

Ensuite, elle a rejoint le secteur privé, où elle a fondé de manière indépendante des crèches dans trois écoles préparatoires de Londres. Son dernier poste, en tant que directrice de l’EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) et de la maternelle à la Glendower Preparatory School, lui a permis de développer une solide expertise en matière de soutien aux élèves et de leur développement global, tant sur le plan académique que personnel.

Originaire d’Inde, Minisha accorde une grande importance à ce que chaque enfant se sente représenté dans son environnement et ses expériences d’apprentissage. Maman de trois enfants, elle mène une vie bien remplie, mais trouve toujours le temps pour de longues promenades, savourer un bon café, et elle consacre ses moments de détente à l’apprentissage de la belle langue française. Minisha s’efforce de reconnaître le potentiel unique de chaque enfant et de leur offrir le meilleur départ possible dans la vie.

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Isabel Biggs EYFS Teacher

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Neil Hooley EYFS Teacher, Head of Cycle

Neil Hooley

Neil grew up in the Peak District in the North of England where he developed a passion for sports leading to completing a Sport Studies degree at the University of Northumbria. After working across campsites in Spain and France leading children’s clubs he returned to England to complete a PGCE specialising in Early Years Education at the University of Roehampton.

Neil has spent his professional teaching career working across a variety of different schools in North London and Hertfordshire, with the majority of his time spent teaching in the Early Years. He has a clear teaching philosophy centred around creativity and enjoyment and enjoys supporting young children to be independent and confident learners.

In his spare time, Neil enjoys playing and watching all sports, as well as hill walking back in the hills of the Peak District. He has run 3 London marathons and hopes to do more in the future.

Neil a grandi dans le Peak District, dans le nord de l’Angleterre, où il a développé une passion pour le sport, ce qui l’a amené à obtenir une licence en études sportives à l’Université de Northumbria. Après avoir travaillé dans des campings en Espagne et en France, où il animait des clubs pour enfants, il est retourné en Angleterre pour obtenir un PGCE spécialisé en éducation de la petite enfance à l’Université de Roehampton.

Neil a passé sa carrière d’enseignant professionnel dans différentes écoles du nord de Londres et de Hertfordshire, avec la plupart de son temps consacré à l’enseignement auprès de jeunes enfants. Il a une philosophie d’enseignement claire axée sur la créativité et le plaisir, et il aime soutenir les jeunes enfants pour qu’ils deviennent des apprenants indépendants et confiants.

Dans ses temps libres, Neil aime jouer et regarder tous les sports, ainsi que faire des randonnées dans les collines du Peak District. Il a couru trois marathons de Londres et espère en faire davantage à l’avenir.

A woman with long brown hair, representing our team, is standing outdoors, leaning on a railing. She wears a dark blue dress and a long necklace against the backdrop of a blurred cityscape under a clear blue sky.

Joanna Inada Primary Teacher

A member of our team, sporting short hair and glasses, enjoys the outdoors in a dark sweater layered over a checkered shirt. The serene background features blurred trees and a clear blue sky, perfectly capturing the essence of a refreshing day.

Kevin Ringuet Administrative Assistant