ELA Basel Early Years / Kita Brochure (English)

Early Years
Prospectus
Bilingual Programme
Learning for the future

An ELA Basel education
provides your child with
the skills, attitudes and
knowledge needed to grow
into a caring, well-rounded
young person.

Welcome to
ELA Basel
Welcome to ELA Basel, a vibrant
and nurturing Early Years and
Primary school in the heart of
Basel. We pride ourselves on
creating a family environment to
support our children’s
development and growth.
We blend the best of the Swiss
and British education
programmes with a focus on
science, the arts and technology.
Our campuses have been carefully designed
to cater to the diverse needs of our children,
creating an environment that supports
creativity, learning, and personal growth.
Our Gartenstrasse campus, situated near
Basel SBB, caters to our Early Years children
aged three months to 4 years, while our
Wildensteinerhof campus, just a stone's
throw away from the Basel Münster, is
tailored for Primary students aged 4 to 12
years.
With small class sizes and a high teacher-tostudent
ratio, we ensure that each child
receives the individualised care and support
they deserve.
Diversity is at the core of our community, with
ELA Basel welcoming children and educators
from over 35 countries. This enriching culture
provides daily opportunities for celebrations
and learning from one another.
ELA Basel is governed by a highly
experienced Board and buoyed by the
unwavering support of our parent community.
An education at ELA Basel equips your child
with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge
essential for blossoming into compassionate,
well-rounded individuals.
We would love to connect with you and
discuss how we can shape your child's
future. Feel free to reach out to us with any
enquiries.
Katherine Robinson
Head of Early Years
2

Our Vision
In Early Years at ELA Basel, we
believe independence is the
foundation for learning. By
providing a welcoming, childfriendly
environment, we believe
children will become happy,
confident and resilient individuals.

Introduction
Since 1993, ELA Basel has provided
childcare, dedicating ourselves to
providing a nurturing and enriching
experience for children and their
families.
Following the Early Years Foundation
Stage framework (EYFS), we welcome
children from 3 months to 4 years old.
Our highly qualified team of professionals
includes a Head of Early Years guiding
our vision, supported by another three
management team members, leading our
learning environment, two Deputy Heads
and one Pedagogy & Curriculum Leader
(German), dedicated room leaders,
assistants and apprentices.
Behind the scenes, our expert chef,
housekeeper, and auxiliary staff work
tirelessly to ensure each child enjoys
nutritious meals and thrives in a clean
and welcoming space.
The children will benefit from a bilingual
environment, where staff communicate in
English and German on a 50/50 split
basis.
During core hours, one caregiver will
speak German and another in English,
encouraging bilingual development from
an early age. In addition, our staff are
proficient in a wide range of languages,
further opening up the possibility to
communicate in your preferred language.
Safeguarding is embedded within the
high-quality childcare we provide. All of
our staff undergo police and rigorous
reference checks during the recruitment
process, while our Early Years
Pedagogical & Curriculum Leader is also
our Designated Safeguarding Lead. We
create a secure environment that feels as
safe as home. Our team is trained to
uphold the highest safety standards,
ensuring peace of mind for every family.
We know that choosing a nursery for your
child is an important decision, and we are
delighted that you are considering ELA
Basel for your child’s education. If you
have any further questions, please call us
or register for a visit. Contact details can
be found on the back page, or you can
scan the QR code to request your
personalised visit.
4

Learning
Environment
At ELA Basel, your child’s well-being is our main priority, and we are proud to offer a nurturing
environment that ensures children are safe and stimulated.
Environment
Our rooms have been created to be dynamic
environments that encourage children to be
independent, promoting exploration, imaginative play
and learning. We offer a natural and authentic setting
that provides a wide range of resources, games,
creative tools and materials that provide children with
“real-life experiences”.
Our rooms are laid out so that children can move freely,
and resources are organised in a way that each child
can access them independently.
Organisation and Ratios
Our Early Years building at Gartenstrasse is a carefully designed
space that welcomes children, creating an intimate yet engaging
environment.
From the youngest infants (3 - 18 months) comfortably settled
on the ground floor with a nurturing 1:3 adult-to-child ratio to the
energetic toddlers (19 months to 3 years old) exploring four
vibrant rooms on the first floor with a 1:5 ratio, curious
preschoolers (3 years old to 4 years+) spreading their wings on
the top floor in four rooms with a 1:5 ratio, every age group has
its own specially tailored and age-appropriate space.

Learning environment
Outdoor
Our children enjoy the benefits of a secure, enclosed playground
equipped with fantastic climbing equipment that aligns with our
ethos of encouraging natural play and development.
This outdoor area is designed to promote interaction among
children of all ages. It features a sand pit, climbing frame and
tricycles, providing a variety of options for children to develop
their gross motor skills and explore their environment.
Wider Community
.
Along with our excellent resources within ELA Basel,
we extend our learning environment to embrace the
wider community. Children are given the opportunity to
explore the local area with visits to the library, parks,
the zoo, art exhibitions, museums and the forest.
These outings are not only enjoyable but also crucial
for developing a sense of community and
understanding of the world around them.
Garden Parties
Our garden parties are
more than just a
gathering. They are
opportunities for parents
and children to come
together to share
experiences that shape
children’s growth, create
memories and forge new
friendships.
6

Our Curriculum
The first five years are pivotal in your child’s life, setting the stage for their future wellbeing,
happiness, development, and success in learning.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage which sets the standard for how children
from birth to five years old learn and develop.
Our curriculum is designed to build on what children already know and can do, giving
them a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for future learning.
We provide activities that are suitable for each child's age and stage of development
across seven areas promoting three prime areas and four specific areas. This carefully
considers each child's readiness, interest and enabling them to learn at their own pace.
Areas of Learning and Aspects of Early Years Foundation Stage
Personal, Social and
Emotional Development
Our ethos is centred around
providing children with experiences
to help them develop into
well-rounded little people. We
provide opportunities for children to
express preferences, share ideas,
and articulate feelings, encouraging
a sense of empathy and community.
Communication and
Language
Recognising the importance of
communication, we support children
in unfamiliar situations, aiding them
in expressing what they want and
helping them to articulate their
thoughts and feelings. We focus on
expanding their vocabulary and
polite interaction and encourage
them to be creative through
imaginative play.

Areas of Learning and Aspects of Early Years Foundation Stage
Physical Development
Physical education is a crucial
component of building lifelong
healthy habits in early childhood.
From the outset, we emphasise the
importance of health and physical
well-being through a range of
stimulating activities. Children learn
to move confidently, navigate
spaces safely, and easily handle
equipment and tools.
Understanding
the World
At ELA Basel, we help children relate
the world around them to their own
experiences and encourage them to
celebrate what makes them an
individual. Through books, stories,
activities and experiences, we help
children make sense of their
environment.
Expressive
Arts & Design
Children learn through a range of
experiences. Children in Early Years
develop their imagination by
experimenting with various tools
and mediums. Music, movement,
messy play and art activities
encourage children in our care to
explore and investigate the world
around them.
School readiness is
assured by a
seamless transition
into Primary Years
Mathematics
Maths is made enjoyable
to our children through fun and
meaningful activities. We introduce
concepts such as counting in doubledigits
and sequencing numbers,
enhancing mathematical skills
through playful learning.
Literacy
Our goal is to instil a love of reading from
a young age. We have a diverse selection
of books, blending fact with fiction and
fun narratives with captivating
illustrations. In Preschool, the use of
phonics phases 1 & 2 helps the children
form the correct sounds of letters and
words. In German, immersive exposure as
well as targeted language awareness
activities support them to build a robust
pre-academic foundation for literacy.
8
As the children get
older, literacy
activities intend to
support more
structured writing
skills

Keeping a Record
Each child has a secure online photo folder on Google
Drive, which their parents or guardians can access. Using
photos and videos, parents can weave the story of their
child’s progress and achievements through their day-today
activities. A monthly digital newsletter for each group
offers additional insight into monthly themes, group
projects and adventures, as well as information about
events and general reminders.
Effective communication between staff and parents
helps build a shared understanding of how every child
can reach their full potential and allows parents to stay in
touch with their child wherever they are.

What Makes
Us Special?
At ELA Basel, we pride ourselves in creating a superb “home away from home”
environment. Children are not just educated, they are cared for and guided to grow
into confident, resilient and joyful children with skills for the future. The children are
treated as unique individuals, and the environment reflects their needs and interests.
The setting is led by a highly experienced long-serving staff.
ELA Basel's unique features:
Comprehensive Care:
Our fees encompass everything each
child needs throughout their day,
including highly nutritious snacks and
lunches, nappies, and care products,
ensuring a worry-free experience for
parents.
Prime Location:
Our setting is conveniently situated near
the city centre, the Basel SBB train station
and easily accessible by tram.
Multilingual Staff:
Our team is composed of staff who
speak a variety of languages, ensuring
that communication is seamless and
inclusive. This diversity means that
families from various backgrounds will
always find a welcoming and
understandable environment at ELA
Basel.
Expansive Outdoor Space:
We boast a large garden and designated
areas tailored for our youngest children,
providing ample space for exploration
and play in a natural setting.
Parental Engagement:
Through an online photo folder and a
monthly newsletter, parents gain valuable
insights into their child's progress and
development, fostering a collaborative
partnership between home and ELA
Basel.
Safety First:
All our staff are trained in first aid,
ensuring the well-being and safety of your
child at all times.
Heritage Setting:
Our beautiful historic building offers a
unique and inspiring environment for
children to learn and play.
10

Our commitment to giving your
child the best start in life
includes a strong focus on the
importance of a well-balanced
diet.

A Well-balanced
Diet
We provide healthy snacks and nutritious meals freshly prepared in our kitchen. Our
menus are thoughtfully crafted to ensure each child receives a varied intake of fruits
and vegetables each day, along with a selection of foods that support a healthy
lifestyle.
The transition from breastfeeding or bottle to solid food will be approached
individually with each family. We will work in partnership with the families to ensure
we meet the child's dietary needs. Below is an example of one of our rotating weekly
menus, showcasing the nutritious meals your child can enjoy in our care. We take into
account any dietary requirements, allergies and we follow a no nut policy.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning
Snack
Fruit and
bread
Fruit and
bread
Fruit and
bread
Fruit and
bread
Fruit and
bread
Lunch
Creamy
vegetable soup,
zucchini &
cheese crepes
and Green
Salad
Filipino chicken
Adobo
with
wild rice &
smashed
cucumber
Salad
Fusilli pasta
with
creamy tomato
sauce and
grilled
vegetables
Meatloaf with
potato
croquettes
& green beans
Grilled salmon
with boiled
potatoes in
lemon sauce
& provencal
tomato
Vegetarian
option
Tofu Adobo
with
wild rice &
smashed
cucumber
Salad
Vegetable
souffle with
potato
croquettes and
green beans
Grilled herbs
tofu with
boiled
potatoes &
provenca
tomato
Afternoon
Snack
Yoghurt with
granola
Tortilla chips
and guacamole
Brioche and
jam with milk
Fruit salad and
corn waffles
Banana bread
12

School
Transition
We aim to ensure that all children
develop a love of learning that will follow
them throughout their educational
journey. Part of this is to ensure they are
ready for school when the time comes.
At the preschool stage, getting the
transition right is vital for every child, and
we view this as a process rather than a
single event. When smooth school
transitions occur, there are enormous
benefits for children’s personal, social
and emotional development and future
school success.
For those transitioning into ELA Basel's
primary school, we host several events
aimed at familiarising children and
parents with the routines and
expectations of primary school, while
also supporting them through the
emotional challenges of this significant
change.
14

Opening Hours
and Age Range
ELA Basel operates Monday to Friday, from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, throughout 48
weeks of the year, with closures on Basel-Stadt bank holidays, 2 weeks of summer
break and 2 weeks of Christmas break. The dates will be provided at the beginning
of each year enabling parents to plan ahead.
We offer
Extended opening hours from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm
Availability for half day: morning or afternoon schedules.
Minimum of 40% enrolment (e.g. 4 half days or 2 full days).
Age Ranges
Babies: 3 to 18 months
Toddlers: 19 to 36 months
Preschool: 3 to 4 years
Our Early Years provides
flexible wrap-around
care with both core
hours and an extended
day option available.

ELA Basel is like a home
away from home for my two
children in Early Years. It
makes all the difference to
our family knowing how
much care and attention
each child receives.
ELA Basel Parent

Our inclusive international
community prepares young
people for the future.
If you’d like to find out
more, please contact us to
arrange your personal visit
of the school.
ELA Basel, Gartenstrasse 93, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 61 313 05 80 Email: office@ela-basel.ch
www.ela-basel.ch