Dover Court International School, a leading international school in Singapore, has launched NEST (Nurturing Early Success Together), a refreshed Early Childhood Education programme for children aged 3 to 7. Designed to nurture confident, curious and compassionate young learners, NEST places personalised inquiry, joyful exploration and strong school–family partnerships at the heart of early learning.
The programme draws on the Reggio Emilia approach, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Dover Court’s own approach to high-quality learning. Together, these frameworks create a warm and engaging Early Childhood Education environment where children build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, while developing creativity, communication skills and critical thinking. NEST is open to families in Singapore from Nursery to Year 2.
Curiosity‑Led Learning in Early Childhood
At the core of NEST is a belief that children learn best when their natural curiosity leads the learning journey. Teachers carefully observe and respond to children’s interests, guiding inquiry‑led projects that emerge from authentic questions and experiences. Everyday moments can spark exploration, early scientific thinking, creativity and collaboration – skills that support long‑term learning and confidence throughout Primary School and beyond.
Purpose‑Designed Early Childhood Learning Environments
NEST is located within a dedicated Early Childhood Education area on Dover Court’s 12‑acre green campus. Classrooms are thoughtfully designed with natural tones, organic materials and open‑ended resources to support independence, wellbeing and collaboration.
From the 2026–2027 academic year, children will also benefit from a new nature‑inspired Early Childhood discovery and play area. The playground features interconnected zones for physical development, imaginative play, sensory exploration, sand and water learning, social interaction and quiet reflection – extending inquiry‑based learning into the outdoor environment.
A Whole‑Child Approach to Early Childhood Education
Reflecting Dover Court’s whole-child approach, NEST offers specialist learning from the Early Childhood years, including Mandarin, Juilliard‑enhanced music, swimming and sport, as well as computing and co-curricular activities from Year 1. Wellbeing, resilience and belonging are embedded across the programme, creating a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels valued.
Chris Short, Interim Principal of Dover Court International School, said:
“NEST brings together everything we believe about how young children grow best. It celebrates their natural curiosity, creativity, and capacity for deep thinking. By combining purposeful inquiry with a nurturing community and a rich outdoor environment, we help our youngest learners flourish as confident individuals who care about the world around them.”
“NEST brings together everything we believe about how young children grow best. It celebrates their natural curiosity, creativity, and capacity for deep thinking. By combining purposeful inquiry with a nurturing community and a rich outdoor environment, we help our youngest learners flourish as confident individuals who care about the world around them.”
A Foundation for Lifelong Success
NEST builds the foundations for children to move through Dover Court’s Primary School with confidence. With more than 50 years of experience, highly trained teachers, and a welcoming community of over 65 nationalities, the school continues to prepare students for academic success, personal growth, and bright futures in Singapore and globally.
Discover NEST: Early Childhood Open Day
Families interested in Early Childhood Education in Singapore are invited to Discover NEST at Dover Court on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, from 10.00am to 12.00pm. Designed for families with children aged 3–7, the Open Day offers an opportunity to meet school leaders, explore Early Childhood learning spaces and learn more about Dover Court’s nurturing, play‑based approach. Register here.
