Programme

NURSERY 1 SINGAPORE: A NURTURING START TO EARLY EDUCATION

For children aged three, our Nursery 1 programme establishes the strong foundations needed for future academic success. Through active learning/hands-on learning or experiential learning, our school encourages children to engage in experiences that build early language abilities, hands-on numeracy, and imaginative, creative thinking.

Our teachers guide each child with care, helping them discover their potential at their own pace.

Enroll your child at Hess Preschool today to spark their enduring love for learning and growth in Nursery 1.

Hess Preschool
Hess Preschool

INTRODUCTION

Designed for Children in the Year They Turn Three

At our school in Singapore, we ensure that your child’s formative years are filled with positive learning experiences that support their emerging sense of self.

In our Nursery 1 classes, children enjoy a balanced combination of purposeful play and age-appropriate learning to develop their academic foundations. Through active learning/hands-on learning or experiential learning, they actively explore early literacy, numeracy, and science concepts in ways that spark their interest and ignite their imaginations, laying the foundation for a rewarding educational journey.

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

CORE LEARNING AREAS

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Our Nursery 1 curriculum, each learning area supports their holistic development while ensuring they remain engaged and curious. With an emphasis on hands-on exploration and bilingual exposure, our school provides Nursery 1 education that nurtures early skills and prepares your child for the future.

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Phonics & Language

Our Nursery 1 programme helps children develop sound awareness through nursery rhymes, action songs, and playful language games. These experiences help them recognise rhythms, syllables, and letter sounds, which are foundations for early reading readiness.

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Numeracy Foundations

Early mathematical understanding is developed through our Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach. Through this learning approach, children explore shapes, numbers, patterns, quantities, and spatial relationships using hands-on manipulatives before progressing to pictures and simple symbols. These activities help them build logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence in numeracy.

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Bilingual Library Experience

Our curated English and Chinese book collection supports early bilingual development while fostering a genuine love for reading. Children participate in both independent browsing and interactive group read-alouds, where they explore stories, expand vocabulary, and begin to understand simple text structures.

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Project-Based Learning

Through engaging thematic projects,” children investigate real-world topics in ways that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and teamwork. They engage in hands-on exploration, such as observing nature or experimenting with materials, while asking questions, making predictions, and sharing discoveries with peers.

ENHANCED LEARNING EXPERIENCES AT OUR NURSERY SCHOOL IN SINGAPORE

Our childcare centre in Singapore enriches each student’s learning journey through specialist experiences that extend beyond the core curriculum. Our Nursery 1 children engage in STEAM discovery, creative arts, and immersive bilingual communication, forming a holistic programme that supports well-rounded growth.

In our multi-sensory STEAM discovery sessions, children explore early science concepts through hands-on experimentation, simple problem-solving tasks, and playful investigations. These activities encourage them to observe, question, and think critically, skills that support future learning.

To inspire imagination, our creative arts experiences include drawing, painting, music, dramatic play, and expressive movement. These sessions help children build confidence, express emotions, and develop essential fine motor skills while allowing them to explore their unique artistic interests.

Throughout the day, children communicate in both English and Mandarin, strengthening their bilingual skills in a natural, interactive way. This immersive approach builds language confidence, enhances communication abilities, and supports deeper social interaction with peers.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NURSERY 1 CHILD AT HESS PRESCHOOL

We make sure to structure their day with the right mix of structure and flexibility, incorporating purposeful play, foundational academics, music, and moments for rest and reflection.

TIMETABLE

Nursery 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
7:00 AM (1.5 hrs)
Arrival & Choice Activities
8:30 AM (30 mins)
Washroom Routine & Breakfast Time
9:00 AM (30 mins)
Interactive Circle Time – Welcome Song, Names & Weather Talk
9:30 AM (30 mins) English Language Through Themes: Stories, Songs & Language Discovery Mini Project Adventures Numeracy Mini Project Adventures/ Monthly Show & Tell (Chinese) English Language Through Themes: Stories, Songs & Language Discovery
10:00 AM (30 mins)
10:30 AM (45 mins)
Waterplay Chinese: Story & Song Time Active Play & Movement (Playground) English Language: Photo Chat & Conversation Active Play & Movement (Playground) Chinese Language Through Themes: Vocabulary Building & Discovering Our World Active Play & Movement (Playground) Chinese: Story & Song Time Kindermusik Programme (10:00-10:30) Chinese Language Through Themes: Vocabulary Building & Discovering Our World
11:15 AM (30 mins)
Lunch & Munch
11:45 AM (15 mins)
Diaper & Clothes Change
12:00 PM (2.5 hours)
Cot Set-Up & Nap Time (2.5 hours)
2:30 PM (30 mins)
Snack Time (includes hand washing & diaper change)
3:00 PM (30 mins) Active Play & Movement (Playground) Building & Imaginative Play (Play Room) Active Play & Movement (Playground) Building & Imaginative Play (Play Room) Active Play & Movement (Playground)
3:30 PM (30 mins) Chinese Language Through Themes: Vocabulary Building & Discovering Our World Chinese Language Through Themes: Vocabulary Building & Discovering Our World Mini Project Adventures/ Monthly Show & Tell (English) Chinese Language: Photo Chat & Conversation Mini Project Adventures
4:00 PM (45 mins) English Literacy: Phonics & Pre-writing Numeracy English Literacy: Phonics & Pre-writing Numeracy English Literacy: Phonics & Pre-writing
4:45 PM (15 mins)
Toileting/Diaper Change
5:00 PM
Choice Time
7:00 PM
End of Day – Home Time

7:00 AM

Arrival & Choice Activities

8:30 AM

BreakfastWashroom Routine & Breakfast Time

9:00 AM

Interactive Circle Time (English/Chinese)

9:15 AM

Kindermusik/English Language Through Themes

10:00 AM

Chinese Literacy: Reading & Writing

10:30 AM

Numeracy: Concept Learning, Workbook & Learning centres

11:15 AM

Active Play / Imaginative Play (Playground/ Play Room)

11:45 AM

Lunch and Munch

12:15 PM

Toileting, Teeth Brushing & Clothes Change

12:30 PM

Nap Time (2.5 hours)

2:00 PM

Snack Time

2:30 PM

English Literacy: Phonics, Reading and Writing

3:30 PM

Robotics & Coding / English/Chinese/STEAM (Staggered Groups)

5:00 PM

Active Play / Imaginative Play (Playground/ Play Room)

7:00 PM

End of Day – Home Time

This sample Nursery 1 timetable reflects part of, but not all, the learning areas and activities we explore with your little ones. Lessons and activities for our N1 classes may vary day to day based on the children’s needs, interests, and special events.

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PARENT-TEACHER COLLABORATION

PARTNERING WITH PARENTS FOR A MEANINGFUL NURSERY EDUCATION

At Hess Preschool, we maintain consistent, transparent communication with families so that every parent feels informed, involved, and confident in their child’s growth.

Our teachers will also provide regular updates through weekly communication channels, termly progress reports, and dedicated parent–teacher meetings. These updates include insights into your child’s learning progress, emerging skills, and social interactions. At the same time, parents are encouraged to share observations from home, ensuring we gain a complete understanding of each child’s needs, interests, and growth.

Apart from academic updates, we also create opportunities for families to become active members of our school community. Parents are invited to join school celebrations, cultural festivals, thematic showcases, and hands-on workshops. These events strengthen home–school relationships and allow children to feel a sense of pride as they share their experiences and achievements with loved ones.

Our team works closely with families to track developmental milestones and offer guidance on supporting learning at home. Whether it is language development, social skills, or early numeracy, we believe that shared understanding leads to stronger outcomes.

This collaborative approach reflects our core belief: children thrive when parents and educators work hand in hand, creating a nurturing, united support system between home and school.

WHY CHOOSE US

WHY CHOOSE HESS PRESCHOOL FOR NURSERY 1 IN SINGAPORE

Families choose Hess Preschool because we offer an engaging, nurturing, and future-ready environment for children in Nursery 1. Our strengths include:

Bilingual, Inquiry-Based Curriculum

Our curriculum nurtures confident communication in both English and Mandarin. Through hands-on exploration and inquiry-driven learning, children build critical thinking, language fluency, and a natural love for learning.

Passionate and Experienced Educators

Our teachers guide children with exceptional warmth, professionalism, and early childhood expertise. They create a safe, joyful atmosphere where every child feels valued and supported.

Small Class Ratios for Personalised Attention

For our Nursery 1 programme, our school typically maintains a 1:7 teacher–child ratio, ensuring your little one receives the dedicated guidance and nurturing they need to thrive.

Holistic Developmental Focus

From cognitive growth and early numeracy to social-emotional confidence and language skills, our programme supports your child in developing strong foundations for future academic success.

A Playful, Stimulating Environment

Our classrooms and learning spaces inspire curiosity, creativity, and joyful exploration. Children learn through meaningful play, hands-on projects, and rich daily experiences.

Here to Help

NURSERY 1 SINGAPORE — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

What age is Nursery 1 in Singapore?

Nursery 1 is for children in Singapore who turn 3 years old in the calendar year.

Our Pre-Nursery, also referred to as Playgroup, is for children ages 18-30 months and focuses primarily on early social development, sensory exploration, and strengthening fine and gross motor skills. At this stage, children are still adapting to group settings, learning to follow simple routines, and developing independence through play-based experiences.

Nursery 1, on the other hand, is for children turning 3 years old in the calendar year and introduces more structured, purposeful activities that lay the foundation for academic readiness. Children engage in hands-on experiences that build early literacy, numeracy, bilingual communication, and problem-solving skills, all while continuing to learn through play.

Yes. Our Nursery 1 curriculum includes daily English and Mandarin exposure, where children learn through stories, conversations, songs, and hands-on inquiry in both languages.

Parents can contact the school, book a tour, or visit our admissions page to register for our N1 programme. Early enrolment is recommended due to limited class sizes.

CONTACT US

BOOK A SCHOOL TOUR

We’re delighted that you’re considering Hess Preschool for your child’s early education. Please fill out the form below, and our team will get in touch to schedule your visit.

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