Durham International has announced its new Nursery and Pre-Prep School in Nairobi will officially open in January 2021 for children entering Playgroup, Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) and Foundation Stage 2 (FS2). Admissions for Year 1 will be accepted for the academic year commencing September 2021.
With the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 closures, and as schools all around the world consider their readiness and protocols for re-opening, Durham International took a carefully considered decision to delay the opening of its new school until January 2021. Mr Nick Millen OBE, Durham School’s Director of International Operations said, “After extensive consultation with key stakeholders, it was decided that for the sake of safety and certainty of planning, an opening in January will be in the best interests of the whole school community. We are confident that the Founding Families joining our new school will fully support this approach in these unprecedented times. Children joining us in Early Years will benefit from an exceptional educational experience at Durham, providing a solid foundation in their formative year where they will develop a lifelong love for learning and a Confidence for Life”.
Mrs Sue Small, Headteacher elect of Durham International Nursery & Pre-Prep School said, “We look forward to welcoming children to our brand new school in January 2021. We know many parents are excited to join us as our Founding Families and become part of the international Durham community. We will have children joining Durham who will be starting school for the first time in January, children from other schools in Nairobi and children who are new to Kenya having moved from other countries. We are committed to ensuring that every child will get the best possible start to their educational journey at Durham, one filled with happiness and where they develop a ‘Confidence for Life’. Parents can be assured that our teaching team will shape the curriculum to suit the developing needs and interests of every child through a range of learning opportunities designed to be engaging, challenging and fun”.
Whilst Durham International Nursery & Pre-Prep School is a new school in Nairobi, it is operated in partnership with the 600-year-old traditions and heritage of Durham School UK. Conveniently located in the leafy suburb of Thigiri, the School enjoys a fabulous site as well as having facilities of the very highest standard. Children will enjoy a range of outdoor spaces as well as spacious classrooms and other specialist learning areas for creative and expressive arts include a dedicated art room, a dance studio, a music room, a fully equipped IT suite and a heated swimming pool. Mrs Ann Champion, EYFS Director said, “The School’s wonderful surroundings provide a safe and nurturing environment for our pupils as well as providing endless opportunities for outdoor play and learning. Our bespoke curriculum develops the ‘whole child’, with a focus on mindfulness and the teaching of our core values – Moral Integrity, Ambition, Respect and Kindness. This is the MARK of a Durham School education”.
