1. What kind of curriculum do you follow?
At SERRA, we will provide a strong foundation to your child through our innovative curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach of northern Italy and Inquiry-based learning. The framework of our curriculum is based on the UK Early Learning Goals covering the following areas of learning and development in children.
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Language and literacy
• Mathematical development
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development
2. What are your unique differentiators?
Apart from the curriculum, our other unique differentiators are:
• Environment
At SERRA International, we believe that the environment is the third teacher. Our pre-school environment is richly and carefully resourced to stimulate learning and development in children. The environment will engage your child to become an active participant in the learning process.
• Teachers
At SERRA International, our greatest strength lies in the exceptional quality of our teaching staff. They are well-qualified, experienced and have a deep understanding of children. Our teachers are frequently provided opportunities for training and professional development. Our core training team has received extensive mentoring from international faculty of EtonHouse Group-Singapore.
• Parent Involvement
We view parents as our partners, advocates and collaborators and involve them in every aspect of children's learning. The school maintains an open door policy and you will be continuously updated about your child's progress through our in-depth documentation process, where teachers maintain records of your child's work.
3. Will my child face any problems when he/she joins a local school in Grade 1?
We use the National Curriculum Framework as a guideline, ensuring that children graduate from KII and are fully prepared to go on to Grade 1 in a local school.
4. How does SERRA International Pre-School differ from a Montessori?
The Montessori Method of teaching is purely based on 'learning using Materials'. The curriculum is tool based and children learn the concepts using the materials specifically designed to teach age groups over 2.5 years. At SERRA, the environment which is the third teacher is carefully planned and well-researched provocations are set up by teachers to encourage children's natural curiosity. Teachers help children to drive their own learning and make meaningful discoveries. The curriculum is an emergent one which arises from play and shared investigation
5. What is the teacher-child ratio at SERRA pre-schools?
At SERRA International, we maintain a healthy teacher-child ratio:
Pre-nursery - 1:8
Nursery - 1:10
Kindergarten I - 1:12 to 1: 15
Kindergarten II - 1:12 to 1:15
Additionally, we have well-trained attendants who support the teachers in their daily routines.
6. At what age will my child be eligible for admission in each level?
If your child falls under any of the age group he/she will be eligible for the corresponding levels
Mother Toddler program - 10 to 18 months
Child Care - 1½ to 6 years
Pre-nursery: 1 ½ - 2 ½ years
Nursery: 2 ½ - 3 ½ years
Kindergarten I: 3 ½ - 4 ½ years
Kindergarten II: 4 ½ - 5 ½ years
7. Is outdoor play supervised?
Yes, in our pre-school program each and every activity is supervised by our trained staff. As per our 'no hat no play' policy, it is essential that your child wears sun hats and shoes before venturing out for their outdoor play time.
8. Are play equipment at SERRA child safe, non-toxic and age-appropriate?
Yes, all the equipment and material provided to children at SERRA is of the best quality, age-appropriate, child safe and non-toxic.
9. What are the timings of the pre-school?
School timing:
Pre-nursery and Nursery -9.00 am to 11.30 am
Kindergarten - 9.00 am to 12.00 pm
Office Hours - 8.30am to 4.30pm
We also provide child care facility at our pre-school for children and various after-school programs.
10. What is the academic year followed at SERRA?
Our academic year runs from June to April, divided into four terms of 10 weeks each.
11. What is the admission procedure?
You need to schedule a visit your nearest SERRA pre-school. Please click here (schedule a visit link) and fill in your details. Alternatively, you can call the Parent Liaison Manager (PLM) at the pre-school nearest to you and schedule a school tour.
12. Can we secure admission in advance?
Yes. You can seek admission in advance.
13. Is the fee structure same across all your schools?
No, the fee structure varies across different localities. Contact the Parent Liaison Manager at the nearest SERRA International pre-school for more details (schedule a visit link)
14. How will SERRA help my child settle in at the pre-school?
To tackle separation anxiety, you will be encouraged to spend time with your child at the beginning of the day through our program - Indoor Integrated Play (IIP) until he/she settles in the pre-school. Gradually, once your child gets accustomed to the school environment, the time spent in class is reduced.
15. Should my child be toilet trained?
No. Your child need not be toilet trained, as our trained attendants will ensure that your child is kept clean at all times, with regular checks.
16. Are there regular parenting workshops and parent teacher meets?
At SERRA, we follow an open door policy where parents can meet the teachers any day. We organise culmination days at the end of each unit (5 units a year) where your child's work is displayed. Teachers also maintain a portfolio of your child's progress which will be shared with you on a bi-monthly basis with you.
17. What are the facilities for day care/ child care program?
SERRA International has designed an exclusive Child Care Program where our expert care-providers create a warm, family environment for your child. The caregiver - child ratio is 1:10. Apart from outdoor play, the children are also exposed to dance and drama, music and movement, art and craft, storytelling and puppet shows.
18. Are caregivers trained in first aid?
Our caregivers have specialised in early childhood education and development and well-trained in providing first-aid.
19. Can I enrol my child only in the Day Care/Child Care program?
Yes, you can choose to enrol your child only in our Child Care program at any of our pre-schools.