26-27 Minis at KCC

The Minis At KCC

What we do, and how we do it.

Who We Are School Leadership

Peter Taylor

Robert Paler

Anne Watkins

Principal

Vice-Principal & Head of Secondary

Head of Primary

Who We Are Early Years Leaders

Louise Azode

Debbie Sleeth

Rachel McInerny

Kerry Lundall

Raquel Pessoa

Head of Early Years

Assistant Head of Early Years

Assistant Head of Primary & PYP Coordinator

Learning & Teaching Lead

Head of Inclusion

our core

Commitment To open doors.

Our Mission Our Mission is to cultivate Knowledge, Courage, and Connection to unlock the unique potential in all.

Our Vision Our Vision is a community of global learners exceeding expectations.

our

Philosophy 1. Rooted in Play and Inquiry Our Early Years approach is rooted in play and inquiry creating inclusive environments where children feel valued and confident to explore.

2. Real-Life Experiences That Matter Learning is purposeful and holistic, grounded in real-life experiences that nurture belonging, respect and a connection to the UAE’s cultural heritage.

3. Compassionate and Globally Minded Individuals Through responsive teaching and meaningful connections, we empower children to take ownership of their learning and grow into compassionate, globally minded individuals.

What does Early Years Look Like

at KCC?

Early years education isn't about what to learn.

It's about how to learn.

Children learn through play, storytelling and exploration Stacking blocks, singing a rhyme, stepping into a role play corner - every moment builds problem-solving, creativity, resilience and communication High-quality early education shapes stronger outcomes; academically, socially and emotionally, for life In a world where emotional intelligence matters as much as academic ability, starting young makes all the difference

The IB

Curriculum At Raha KCC, we use the IB Framework.

To develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

Combines best practices from all around the world Focus is on making the child a life–long learner It is internationally minded - this means we actively nurture an appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and ways of seeing the world

In Early Years, we teach the PYP. The PYP stands for the Primary Years Programme.

This means students from Minis – Grade 5.

How we Learn

at KCC The IB Learner Profile & ATL Skills ATL stands for Approaches to Learning, the skills that children carry throughout their education. These include self-management, communication, thinking, research and social skills.

The IB Learner Profile describes the kind of learner we're nurturing: curious, caring, balanced, open-minded, reflective and more.

You'll hear these words often in Early Years as they shape how we plan, how we talk with children, and how we celebrate their growth.

Together, the ATLs and the Learner Profile sit at the heart of everything your child experiences at Raha KCC.

A KCC EY Learner LooKs liKe

Caring and Empathetic

Shows kindness and respects others in the learning community

Independent and Capable

Takes initiative and thrives in their environment

Excited to Come to School Brings joy and enthusiasm into the learning space

Curious and Inquisitive Eager to explore, discover and make sense of the world

Confident Communicator Expresses thoughts, feelings, and ideas with growing clarity

Passionate Learner Loves to learn and asks thoughtful questions

Self-Aware and Knowledgeable Understands who they are and the world around them

Courageous and Resilient Embraces challenges and tries new things with confidence

Teaching

and Learning We believe that great teaching in the Early Years is built around five key principles and are embedded into every moment of every day. They ensure that every learner feels supported, challenged, and excited to grow.

A Culture of High Expectations – believing every child can thrive and succeed.

Collaboration and Connection – nurturing strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Purposeful Learning Environments – designing spaces that spark curiosity and independence.

Well-Planned, Responsive Teaching – planning intentionally while responding in the moment to children’s needs.

Effective Teaching Strategies – using proven approaches to maximise engagement and progress.

Our educators use these principles to guide daily practice. From morning greetings to group inquiries, each moment is an opportunity to support growth. These principles are not just theory, they are the heart of how we teach and how our children learn.

The Learning

Community Our learning community is wonderfully diverse - the cultures, languages and experiences our families bring make us richer, and children learn so much from one another.

Relationships are at the heart of everything; children thrive when they feel connected to their teachers, peers and environment, and that extends to families too.

We're committed to open, honest dialogue and real collaboration; we're not just here to teach your child, we're here to work alongside you.

The School

Day

Monday to Thursday Morning Drop-off: Afternoon Pick-up:

7:30-7:45am 1:00-1:15pm

Fridays Morning Drop-off: 7:30-7:45am Afternoon Pick-up: 11:15-11:30am

Specialist Classes PE 2 x 40 minutes per week - Swimming for Term 3 Arabic 5 x 40 minutes per week Islamic Studies 2 x 40 minutes per week Music 1 x 40 minutes per week Library Once per week

School Learning

Platform Here at KCC we use a platform called Toddle where you will receive class updates, information on your child's learning and your reports from your class teacher.

Reporting &

Assessment The partnerships between home and school provide the foundation to support students’ learning, growth, health and well-being and agency.

Below is our schedule of reporting and conferences through the school year where you will receive updates on your child’s progress.

Be

Prepared School Uniform The Minis uniform is the Raha grey PE top and shorts. This can be purchased from Magrudy’s in Al Forsan Mall or via their online store.

In the winter, children can wear the grey Raha Hoodie, and the grey Raha trousers.

These can also be purchased from Magrudy’s in Al Forsan Mall or via their online store.

We'd also ask that you pack a spare set of clothes in a labelled bag (does not need to be uniform). In Early Years, children are hands-on learners — water, sand, and the occasional artistic moment are all part of the day, and we want them to be comfortable!

Packed Lunch & Water Bottles A few practical things to have ready from day one. Every child will need a named water bottle, a lunch box or snack box, and a school bag — all clearly labelled with their name please.

A reminder that we are a ‘No Nuts’ school.

Start of the Year:

First Week We ease our Minis in gently.

One important note — there will be no bus service for Minis during this first week, so please do plan your drop-off and collection arrangements accordingly.

Day

Who?

When?

Friday 28th

Small groups to meet the Teacher Community Orientation in the Canteen

30 minutes between 8.00am and 10.00am

Monday 31st Tuesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Thursday 3rd

Small groups 2 hour sessions

7.45am – 9.45am 11.00am – 1.00pm

Friday 4th

All students in school

7.45am – 11.15pm

Start of the Year:

Second Week Day?

Who?

When?

Monday 7th Sept – Thursday 10th Sept

All students in school *

7.45am – 1pm

Friday 11th Sept

All students in school

7.45am – 11.15am

*Extended drop off from 7.30am - 8.00am to support with morning routines.

We will support individual children with transition times where necessary and may extend settling-in schedules where required, managed between leaders and parents individually.

Extra-Curricular

Program We have 2 afterschool programs (ECPs), one which is a paid service and one led by our teachers.

Teacher-led ECPs

Start in January They run each term, for 8 weeks Free of charge Run from after school on Monday and Wednesday (1.00-1.45pm) Announced through Raha Reminders (the weekly newsletter) - Sign ups take place on the SchoolsBuddy App No bus service after ECPs

Paid Provider Program

Providers use our facilities Sessions run after school and into the evenings, as well as weekends Paid sessions Announced through Raha Reminders - or visit them on Community Orientation Day in the Canteen

School

Transportation Buses are run by an external provider - STS If you are planning to use After School Club – please let the bus company know this (so that they book a slot on the correct bus).

Under 4 years – must have a booster seat Bus service will not run during the shortened hours in week 1.

Please refer to your welcome pack for information on how to register for bus service.

School

EY Parent Parking

Parking Minis enter at Gate 2 – the EY Car Park is the closest Lots of parking at the mall and in the adjacent roads Drop ‘n’ Go is open in the mornings and is no parking

This is where you come into school

KCC

Communication

Communication with teacher, school reports, reminders

Follow the school Instagram: @risabudhabiKCC

Trips, Permissions, ECPs

What’s

Next?

Welcome Pack & Orientation Guides

If you haven’t received your welcome pack, please find it here.

Please find your orientation guide for Week 1 here.

Class Allocations and Welcome Letters

On Wednesday 26 August you'll receive your class allocations and welcome letters — that's when you'll find out who your child's teacher will be, so an exciting moment!

Community Orientation Day/First Day of School Friday 28th August Learn more about who is at Community Orientation Day here.