Where Every Play Has a PurposeIn the Early Years, learning moves beyond worksheets or formal lessons. It is shaped through play that is joyful, engaging, and thoughtfully designed for young learners.At Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, play is not seen as time away from learning. Itisthe learning. Through purposeful play, children aged 3 to 5 years build the foundations for confidence, communication, and curiosity that will support them well beyond their early years.More Than Play – Purposeful Learning in the Early YearsResearch shows that higher levels of engagement in meaningful learning activities are associated with stronger achievement outcomes in young children. In a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Relation Between Engagement and Achievement in Early Childhood Research, scholars synthesised multiple studies and found a positive correlation between academic engagement and achievement in children prior to school entry. This supports the idea that when children are deeply engaged — as they are through play-based learning — they are more likely to make meaningful developmental progress.In our Early Years classrooms, play is not an add-on; it is intentionally planned and thoughtfully guided to create joyful, purposeful learning experiences. Children explore, investigate, build, question, and imagine — all while developing essential skills in communication, problem-solving, social interaction, and more. Whether they are constructing with blocks, role-playing with friends, or experimenting with materials, each activity has a clear learning purpose behind it.Teachers carefully design these experiences to stretch thinking and encourage curiosity. This balance between freedom and intentional planning allows children to learn with joy, confidence, and motivation — outcomes that matter just as much as academic milestones.Parent Pain Point: “What if my child isn’t keeping up academically?”Some parents worry that play-based learning means less focus on academics. At Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, play is thoughtfully designed to support early literacy, numeracy, and thinking skills, helping children build strong learning foundations without pressure.The Early Years Foundation Stage FrameworkAt Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, our Early Years programme follows theUKEarly Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)framework, which is designed around how young children naturally learn and develop.Learning is structured aroundseven (7) learning areas:Communication and LanguagePhysical DevelopmentPersonal, Social and Emotional DevelopmentLiteracyMathematicsUnderstanding the WorldExpressive Arts and DesignThese areas are incorporated into children’s day-to-day lessons and are often reinforced throughplayto deepen understanding and support meaningful learning outcomes.While some kindergartens place greater emphasis on early academic instruction or worksheet-based activities, our EYFS takes a more balanced approach. Academic foundations are taught alongside social, emotional, and physical development. This ensures children grow in confidence and are well prepared to transition smoothly into Primary education, ready to learn and thrive.Inside the Early Years ClassroomEarly Years classrooms at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park are carefully designed learning environments that support development through purposeful play. Each class is staffed by two teachers,maintaininga key person ratio ofone adult to eight children, which allows for close observation, individualised support, and strong relationships with each child.The curriculum combines play-based learning with structured subject exposure. Children receive daily instruction inEnglish, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin, supporting early multilingual development. Learning is further enriched through theInternational Primary Curriculum (IPC), where classroom environments evolve with each learning theme, bringing stories and concepts to life in meaningful and engaging ways. This is complemented by ourNature School programme, which extends learning beyond the classroom through outdoor exploration and hands-on experiences.As classrooms change with each theme, children are encouraged to explore ideas with curiosity and purpose. With clear routines and thoughtful guidance, they develop confidence, communication skills, and strong foundations for future learning.How Are Children AssessedAssessment in the Early Years isongoing, formative, and embedded into daily lifein the classroom. Rather than relying on tests, teachers build a clear picture of each child through careful observation and interaction.Practitionersobservechildren during bothplay and structured learning experiencesAssessment focuses onhow children learn, not just what they produceObservations help teachers plan next steps andtailor learning to each child’s needsChildren are assessed against7 Early Learning Goals, ensuring balanced progress across all areas of developmentThis thoughtful approach allows teachers to respond quickly and effectively, supporting every child’s individual learning journey.Our Early Years children consistently achieveGood Level of Development (GLD) scores above the UK average, reflecting strong progress across the EYFS learning goals.More importantly, children leave Early Years as confident communicators, curious learners, and capable individuals — ready to transition smoothly into Primary learning.Conclusion: Preparing Children for a Lifetime of LearningEarly Years at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park is not about rushing children ahead. It is about giving them the right foundation — one built on care, curiosity, and confidence.Through intentional play, skilled teaching, and a deep understanding of how young children learn, we create an environment where every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to learn.Because when play is designed with purpose, learning lasts a lifetime.Curious about how purposeful play looks in real life? Visit us today, and our Admissions team will be happy to show you how learning comes to life in our Early Years classrooms.
