A Dual Language Start to Your Child's Education
Our Early Years programme, designed for children from 3 months to 6 years of age, encompasses Nursery & Kita, Pre-K, and Kindergarten (1 & 2). This formative stage sets the foundation for a lifelong learning journey, preparing children for a happy and successful transition to the next phase of their education.
The entire Early Years programme is delivered in a dual-language environment (German and English), fostering language development from the start. We warmly welcome babies from 3 months old in our Little Ibex Nursery & Kita, which operates year-round for 50 weeks, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. For detailed information about our provision options, please refer to the sections below.
Key Facts at a Glance
Ages 3 months - 4 years
Bilingual English & German programme
Small groups and personalised attention
Seamless transition into ISZN Primary
Warm, inclusive international community
Based on the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Our Programmes
Little Ibex Nursey & Kita
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten 1
OUR BILINGUAL APPROACH
Two Languages, One World of Discovery
In our Early Years classrooms, children spend the day exploring both English and German. Each class is led by teachers who are fluent in each language, helping kids grow their skills naturally through songs, stories, play, and daily interactions. From Nursery to Pre-K, Swiss German is used, while in Kindergarten I, the focus shifts to High German. This friendly approach boosts language skills, supports cognitive development, and prepares children for whatever learning path lies ahead - whether that’s an English-based Primary program, local school system, or international opportunities.
WRAPAROUND CARE
Before and after school care
In addition to our Early Years learning program, we provide extended care services from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm daily, ensuring supervision for 50 weeks per year. Students in our wraparound programme receive a breakfast and afternoon snack as well as a hot lunch. We offer a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities to engage and entertain the children throughout their time with us.
For further information about registration and fees, please refer to the main School Fees page.
British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Little Ibex Nursery & Kita
At Little Ibex Nursery & Kita, our Early Years programme nurtures each child’s natural curiosity through play, exploration and caring relationships. Inspired by internationally recognised child development principles and aligned with milestones similar to the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children benefit from a warm and stimulating start to learning.
Daily experiences are play-based and guided by skilled educators who use observation, interaction and individual support to help every child grow in confidence, communication and independence.
For children aged 0–3, the focus is on the foundations that matter most: personal, social and emotional development, communication and language, and physical growth. As babies become toddlers and preschoolers, they build secure attachments, early language, coordination, social awareness and problem-solving skills.
These important first experiences create strong foundations for Pre-K, Kindergarten and later school success within the International School Zurich North Early Years pathway.
Pre-K at ISZN: A Confident Step Towards Kindergarten
Building on the foundations developed at Little Ibex, our Pre-K programme helps children take the next important step in their learning journey. Children continue to learn in a nurturing and play-based environment, while benefiting from increasing structure that prepares them confidently for Kindergarten.
Pre-K follows the British curriculum in an age-appropriate and engaging way, combining strong academic foundations with personal development.
Children develop early Mathematics skills through the White Rose Maths approach, supporting counting, sorting, patterns and problem-solving. English learning is guided through the British curriculum and Read Write Inc., helping children build confidence in phonics, reading and early writing.
The wider curriculum includes Physical Education, Performing Arts and Forest Education. These experiences promote movement, creativity, resilience and curiosity through active learning indoors and outdoors.
English and German are naturally integrated into daily life, helping children strengthen communication skills and develop early bilingual confidence.
A key area of learning is Understanding the World, where children build independence, self-help skills, motor skills and classroom readiness. They learn routines, strengthen concentration and develop the confidence needed for the next stage of school.
With caring support from our teaching team, each child is guided individually, ensuring a smooth and positive transition into Kindergarten.
Kindergarten at ISZN: Strong Foundations for Primary School
Kindergarten at International School Zurich North is the next stage in a child’s educational journey, where learning becomes more structured while remaining engaging, supportive and age-appropriate.
Following the British curriculum, children build strong academic foundations alongside confidence, independence and curiosity.
Structured lessons include English, German, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. Mathematics is taught through White Rose Maths, supporting clear step-by-step progress in number sense and problem-solving. English learning combines the British curriculum with Read Write Inc., helping children strengthen reading, phonics and writing skills.
Children also take part in Physical Education and Performing Arts, which support teamwork, creativity, self-expression and physical development.
Throughout Kindergarten, our teaching team provides guidance, challenge and individual attention so that every child continues to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
This balanced approach prepares children confidently for Primary School and encourages a lifelong love of learning.
Ready to Explore the Right Pathway for Your Child?
Set up the next step to confirm fit and subject planning.
+41 44 830 70 07 | admissions@iszn.ch | Industriestrasse 50, Wallisellen, Switzerland
