Age: 5-6
Grade: 0
Leaping Leopards is our final Pre-Preparatory year and an exciting stage in a child’s early learning journey. At this age, children are confident, curious, and increasingly independent, ready to take on new challenges while still learning through play and exploration.
Leaping Leopards bridges early childhood and formal schooling, ensuring children move into Grade 1 feeling secure, capable, and excited for what lies ahead.
Grade 0 is about readiness – not rushing. Children need confidence, independence, and strong foundations in place before stepping into more formal learning.
In Leaping Leopards, our focus is on:
This ensures children are ready for Grade 1, academically, socially, and emotionally.
While learning in Leaping Leopards remains play-based, free play is balanced with more structured and intentional activities. Children engage in rich play experiences, guided activities, and collaborative learning that gently build academic readiness.
Teachers carefully design learning opportunities that:
Play continues to be the foundation, ensuring learning remains joyful and meaningful.
The Leaping Leopards programme is informed by early childhood research and developmental neuroscience, recognising that strong foundations support successful learning.
Through purposeful play and guided learning, we support:
These skills prepare children to step confidently into Grade 1.
Leaping Leopards learn in welcoming indoor spaces and enjoy a dedicated, developmentally appropriate playground designed specifically for their age group.
Children are encouraged to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting independence, collaboration, and active learning within a safe, structured environment.
As part of the wider Uplands community, Happy Hippos enjoy enriching specialist experiences that gently broaden their learning:
These experiences support a smooth transition into Grade 1 by familiarising children with specialist teachers, spaces, and routines.
Leaping Leopards are guided by a team of qualified, experienced teachers and nurturing assistants who understand how to support children at this important transition stage.
Educators balance guidance and independence, encouraging children to take responsibility for their learning while feeling supported and secure.
We work closely with Grade 1 teachers to ensure a smooth, confident transition. Children become familiar with the Preparatory School environment, routines, and expectations before leaving Leaping Leopards.
By the end of Grade 0, children feel at home on campus and ready for the next chapter of their learning journey.
Leaping Leopards is a place where children grow in confidence, independence, and readiness – leaving Grade 0 feeling secure, capable, and excited for the journey ahead.
