Ria Ayoubdel, mum to Demi, shares why she loves being part of the White Lodge community.
Choosing the best preschool in Singapore for your child is an exciting step – it’s the next big leap in your little one’s independence, and the start of their learning on a new level. As parents, we want somewhere our kids will feel at home, and a teaching team that will make their learning journey fun and fascinating while giving them the care they need.
White Lodge preschool is renowned as one of the most inspirational and nurturing educational establishments in the region, taking a truly child-centred approach to each of its students’ learning journey.
Beyond instilling young minds with a lifelong love of learning, its philosophy is to help its students to grow into confident, creative and caring members of the community. From its parent-and-child workshops which introduce babies from six months old to socialising and fun sensory activities – and gives parents a chance to meet – to its pre-nursery program and all the way to kindergarten, children are stimulated, challenged and nurtured to prepare them for the next step of their lives.
With eight branches across the island, White Lodge has developed a strong school community – the school leadership, early educating team and parents all come together to make White Lodge a great place for little ones to thrive. Here, Ria Ayoubdel, mum to Demi, shares what she loves about being part of the White Lodge family…
How many children do you have attending White Lodge and how long have they been enrolled?
We have our five-year-old daughter at White Lodge Bukit Timah and she has been enrolled for over three years.
What were the most important or deciding factors when selecting your preferred preschool?
Prior to choosing White Lodge we had a checklist of essentials, which included location, facilities, the quality and experience of teaching staff, safety and word-of-mouth recommendations. White Lodge ticked all of the boxes.
How has White Lodge lived up to your expectations?
After three years it is needless to say we are extremely happy with White Lodge and more importantly our daughter loves going to school. We strongly believe this is down to the teachers and the environment. Our daughter is learning something new every day.
What does your child like most about attending White Lodge?
When we ask our daughter what she likes about going to school, she says, “I really like my teachers and my friends also the reading and painting.” So if we were to summarise all this it is not specific to one area but rather the whole environment White Lodge has created.
Can you share with us a bit about the curriculum that White Lodge offers?
White lodge is very hands-on with its teaching practice, and allows children to grow at their own pace.
What extra-curricular activities do your children participate in?
Mandarin lessons.
What advice would you give other parents looking for a school?
To do their research and speak to parents whose expectations would be similar. We found White Lodge to be exceptional value for money. If you are looking for a school where your child will be nurtured at their own pace all the while being challenged to grow, then it would be hard to look past White Lodge.
What do you value most about White Lodge?
We truly feel they care and listen. The program of work for the children is rock solid with the aim of getting them ready for the next step in their journey.
How is the communication between White Lodge and you as a parent?
Do you get meaningful information on what is happening in the class room? Amongst all the newsletters, personal interactions with the teachers – whether that is at drop-off or pick-up, at the yearly art exhibition/concert, the scheduled one-on-one updates or via the easy access to the Director – I feel we are very much across what is happening. White Lodge’s openness and honesty is one of the secrets to its success.
How much homework is given to your child and how often?
Previously our child was getting one book to read weekly and recently this has increased to one book plus weekly activities that take approximately one to two hours per week.
This post is in partnership with White Lodge International Preschool (currently Invictus International Preschool).