Page 36 - EW March 2021

SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

Cambridge Early Years

The best start is with us

Abigail Barnett
Deputy Director, Curriculum Programmes,
Cambridge International talks about the
new programme.

What is Cambridge Early Years?
AB: Cambridge Early Years is an exciting new programme that helps
children aged 3 to 6 develop the knowledge, understanding and
skills they need to make the best possible start in life.

Why is the programme being launched in India?
AB: The programme is aligned with India’s National Education
Policy 2020. It has been developed in collaboration with
pioneers of early education in India to meet the needs
of young learners and it is available to all India’s early
years centres – whether they are currently registered with
Cambridge International or not.

How was it developed?
AB: The programme has been developed by Cambridge
International and Cambridge University Press – both are
part of the world-renowned University of Cambridge. We
employed leading early years researchers to determine
content and to scrutinise the framework as a whole.

What makes Cambridge Early Years unique?
AB: All the elements – the curriculum, learning resources,
assessment, and teaching and learning – have been developed
to work together, providing centres with a complete and holistic
programme designed around the needs of the child. This aligned
approach builds skills and confidence so that learners are ready to make
a successful transition to primary school.

How does the programme help children develop?
AB: When we designed the programme, we thought about the development of the
whole child. It doesn't just focus on literacy and numeracy, but also on creativity, social
and emotional development, and physical development. We want children to be able to develop
as individuals – to fire their imagination and spark their interest in the world.

36 EDUCATIONWORLD MARCH 2021