Sai Kung International Pre-School

SKIP was set up by a group of parents as a branch of the Hong Kong Preschool Playgroups Association (HKPPA), an organisation that promotes learning through play and encourages parent participation.   Initially run from one of the founding parent’s homes, the group moved to its current location in 1988 and became a registered kindergarten.

SKIP is a non-profit making organisation, registered in Hong Kong as Sai Kung Pre-school Group Limited and governed by a board of directors made up of volunteer parents.

We continue to follow the original philosophies of learning through play and parental involvement to this day.

At SKIP we believe that ‘play is a child’s work’. Through play children feel confident to behave in many different ways and to experiment with their physical, emotional and cognitive selves. It is also through play that children develop their imagination and creativity.   Following the play-based UK Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, our aim is to ensure children leave us confident and well prepared to tackle the next steps in their education.

SKIP parents play a vital role in the school. From attending playgroups, assisting in the classroom as duty parents, organising or supporting fundraisers and by joining the school board, our parents all contribute to the success of SKIP.

SKIP is run by a small team of dedicated staff.    All teaching staff are first language English speakers (with the exception of the Mandarin teacher) and have a wealth of experience working with preschool children.   Kindergarten staff have early years’ qualifications and are registered with the Education Bureau.

SKIP follows an adapted UK Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum using a learning through play and thematic teaching approach.  Early years learning concentrates on 7 areas split between prime and specific areas of learning.

Teaching is often done through play, where children learn about subjects and other people through games.

For children in the early years of education PLAY, both indoors and outdoors, is a key way in which they learn.  Through PLAY, in a secure but challenging environment with effective adult support, children can:

• Explore, develop and represent learning experiences that help them to make sense of the world
• Practice and build up ideas, concepts and skills
• Learn how to understand the need for rules
• Take risks and make mistakes
• Think creatively and imaginatively

Overlooking Shelter Cove and surrounded by lush greenery, SKIP offers children a chance to play and learn in an open, environmentally-friendly space. Our facilities include a bright and well-equipped classroom, a spacious outdoor playground protected by sunshades, an art and crafts area, a large sandpit and an interactive garden.