British International School HCMC - Early Years and Infant Campus

The Early Years & Infant Campus is located at 101 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It sits in a residential, expatriate-friendly neighbourhood with good road access and a number of school bus routes, making commuting manageable from many parts of the city. The area lies across the Saigon River from the central District 1 yet offers a quieter campus setting.

This specific campus serves children from age 2 years through to 5 years.

It is a co-educational day school.

The campus offers support programmes for children learning English as an additional language (EAL) and additional educational needs (AEN), with specialist staff and small-group work for those requiring extra help. All children are monitored and learning support is tailored to individual needs.

The school is affiliated with the British educational system: it follows the English national curriculum framework for its early years and infant programmes and is part of the UK-based educational group.

The school does not have any religious affiliations.

On this campus, the full-day sessions begin at 8:15 am, with supervision available from 7:45 am for children who arrive early. The full-day programme runs until 2:50 pm (for Years 1 & 2 and older Early Years children), while the half-day sessions for younger children (F1 & F2) end around 12:00 pm.

the campus is included in the school’s bus network covering several districts of Ho Chi Minh City. Buses are supervised by a Bus Manager and monitors; children are escorted to the bus boarding areas from the campus and properly registered for safe afternoon transit.

The Early Years & Infant Campus at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework from the United Kingdom. The curriculum emphasises learning through play, communication, and exploration, developing early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Children progress through Foundation 1 to Foundation 3, where they experience a balance of structured and free-choice activities in language, mathematics, understanding the world, and creative expression. Specialist lessons in music, physical education, and Vietnamese culture are also included. Assessment is continuous and observational, ensuring that each child’s learning is guided by their individual development. Upon completing Foundation 3, children transition to the Junior Campus for Year 1, where they begin the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

The school incorporates wellbeing and emotional development through its structured wellbeing curriculum based on the PERMAH model: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health. This model is applied through lessons and daily routines that help children build confidence, empathy, and social awareness. In the Infant and Primary years, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is taught as a subject, allowing students to explore topics such as friendships, safety, and emotional regulation. Teachers and pastoral staff support students’ social and emotional development through class discussions, group activities, and individual guidance.

BIS HCMC provides support for students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN) through its Learning Support department. This includes assistance for children with mild to moderate learning difficulties, speech and language delays, or other developmental needs that can be supported within a mainstream environment. The school is not a specialist SEN institution. Support may include in-class adjustments, targeted small-group interventions, and collaboration with external professionals where required.

The school operates an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students whose first language is not English. Provision is available from Foundation Stage 3 and continues throughout the Primary years. The level of support is determined following assessment by the EAL department, and students may receive tiered assistance ranging from full integration with language scaffolding to small-group sessions. The school employs qualified EAL specialists who work closely with classroom teachers to ensure language support is embedded in daily learning.

Mental wellbeing is promoted through the school’s wider wellbeing framework and its focus on emotional literacy, healthy relationships, and personal growth. Teachers use age-appropriate approaches to help children recognise and talk about their feelings. The curriculum integrates wellbeing activities designed to strengthen resilience and self-awareness. The school also engages parents through information sessions and communication about student welfare, ensuring consistent support between home and school.

The school has a published Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that outlines procedures for identifying and responding to child welfare concerns. All staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding responsibilities and required to follow established reporting guidelines. Designated Safeguarding Leads are appointed on each campus to coordinate protective measures and maintain liaison with parents and relevant authorities. Safeguarding and child welfare form a core part of the school’s operational and pastoral framework.

1. Make an enquiry
Parents begin by submitting an online enquiry form expressing interest in joining the BIS HCMC community. The admissions team responds within one business day to discuss the child’s needs, explain the admissions requirements, and arrange a campus or virtual tour.

2. Take a tour
Families are invited to visit the Early Years & Infant Campus in Thao Dien to experience the school environment. If travel to Ho Chi Minh City is not possible, the admissions office can organise a personalised virtual tour.

3. Submit an application
Applications are accepted year-round. Parents must complete the online application form and upload supporting documents such as a copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, previous school reports (if applicable), and any specialist assessments or recommendations.

4. Entrance assessment
Every child sits an age-appropriate entrance assessment designed to understand their learning needs. Supporting documentation—such as previous reports or teacher recommendations—may also be reviewed at this stage.

5. Securing your child’s place
If the application is successful, the school issues a formal offer letter. Parents must confirm acceptance by paying the required registration fee to secure the place.

6. Preparing for the first day
Once enrolment is confirmed, families receive class and teacher information, along with orientation day invitations to help children meet staff and classmates before term begins.

The school operates a waitlist system when year groups reach full capacity. Applications are held on file and reviewed as spaces become available, with priority given to siblings of current students and children of returning families.