A New Nature Inspired Discovery & Play Cove at Dover Court International School

At Dover Court International School, we believe that how children learn is just as important as what they learn. That belief is at the heart of NEST – Nurturing Early Success Together – our refocused Early Childhood Education programme for children aged three to seven, from Nursery to Year 2.

Built on a bespoke curriculum that blends the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum, and delivered through a Reggio Emilia–inspired, inquiry led approach, NEST places the child at the centre of learning while ensuring strong academic foundations in literacy, numeracy and key learning skills.

Through purposeful play, personalised inquiry and carefully guided learning experiences, children develop confidence, curiosity and a deep understanding that supports long term academic success.

This philosophy has directly inspired the creation of our new NEST Discovery & Play Cove, opening in the 2026–2027 academic year. Designed as an extension of the classroom, the Discovery & Play Cove transforms outdoor play into a meaningful learning experience – one that invites children to explore, imagine, collaborate and reflect in ways that feel natural and engaging.

Located within Dover Court’s dedicated Early Childhood area on our 12 acre green campus, this new nature inspired play space reflects everything NEST stands for: joyful learning, wellbeing, independence and a strong foundation for future learning.

A Nature Inspired Playground Designed With Purpose

Spanning 806 square metres of carefully planned space, the Discovery & Play Cove has been designed as a flowing, child‑led landscape inspired by nature, organic forms and open‑ended play.

Every element has been created to support young children’s natural curiosity – encouraging them to move, imagine, collaborate, reflect and explore at their own pace. The result is a play environment that feels calm, engaging and purposeful, while still being joyful and fun.

Learning Through Play, Across Interconnected Zones

Rather than a single play structure, the Discovery & Play Cove is organised into distinct yet connected zones, that reflect the way young children naturally explore: 

• Physical challenge areas with climbing nets, rope bridges, balancing logs, slides and an obstacle course to build strength, coordination and confidence
• Imaginative and dramatic play spaces with wooden platforms and themed structures that support storytelling, role play and collaboration
• Sensory and tactile spaces featuring textured surfaces, interactive panels and musical elements to support sensory exploration and emotional regulation
• Sand and water play areas designed for experimentation, investigation and open ended problem solving
• Quiet and reflective corners with shaded seating for rest, observation and self-regulation
• Social and group play spaces that encourage communication, teamwork and shared experiences

Gentle changes in elevation, organic pathways, natural materials and the presence of mature heritage trees tie the entire environment together, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor learning.

Thoughtfully Designed, Sustainably Built

The Discovery & Play Cove has been designed and built in partnership with Edupod Singapore, a leading specialist in innovative learning and play environments. Working closely with educators and students, the team has created a space that reflects best practice in Early Childhood Education, aligning seamlessly with Reggio inspired, inquiry-driven learning principles while supporting children’s holistic development through meaningful play.

Sustainability and purposeful design sit at the heart of the NEST Discovery & Play Cove. Constructed using responsibly sourced FSC certified timber from Malaysia, the playground balances durability, safety and environmental responsibility, while the proximity of materials helps to reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint. Where possible, elements of the existing playground will be carefully reused, minimising waste and maintaining a sense of continuity for children. In addition, existing playground equipment will be donated to local communities, extending its life and positive impact beyond our campus.

A Space Where Learning Feels Natural

More than a playground, the NEST Discovery & Play Cove is an extension of our Early Childhood philosophy – a place where children build independence, develop resilience, form friendships and discover the joy of learning through play.

We can’t wait to welcome our children into this new space and watch their learning, creativity and confidence grow.

Discover NEST at Dover Court

For families who would like to deepen their understanding of NEST and see how our Early Childhood philosophy comes to life, we warmly invite you to our upcoming NEST Open House on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 (10.00am–12.00pm).

The Open House offers the opportunity to meet our school leaders and educators, learn more about our nurturing, play based approach and explore the warm, welcoming learning environments where young children feel safe, confident and inspired. Families will also have the chance to learn more about the NEST Discovery & Play Cove, opening in the next academic year, and how thoughtfully designed outdoor environments support children’s confidence, wellbeing and love of learning.

We look forward to welcoming families to experience first hand the curiosity, care and connection that shape early learning at Dover Court. Click here to register.  

Images and renderings shown are for illustrative purposes only. Final designs may change.