Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
26 March, 2026

A New Chapter for Early Years at Léman

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman
A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

At Léman International School Chengdu, we believe the earliest years of education should be filled with wonder, exploration, and joy. 


At Léman International School Chengdu, we believe the earliest years of education should be filled with wonder, exploration, and joy. 

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman


That’s why we’re excited to share a series of thoughtfully designed upgrades to our Early Years environment — enhancing both our classrooms and outdoor learning spaces to better support every child’s development. 

These improvements will begin over the April break and continue throughout the summer, ready to welcome students back for the new academic year. 

More Space to Explore, Move and Grow

Our first phase focuses on expanding the outdoor learning area behind our Nursery and Pre-Nursery classrooms — more than doubling the space available to our youngest learners. 


This new environment has been carefully designed to support both physical development and imaginative play. 


What’s new: 

  • A significantly larger outdoor learning space  

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

New asphalt flooring for safe, all-weather use

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

A painted bike track, encouraging movement and coordination 

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

A “Secret Garden” with trees and plants for exploration and discovery  

 

This expanded space reflects what makes Léman unique — room for children to move, think, and learn freely. 

Why This Matters for Your Child 

 

Outdoor play is not just about fun — it’s essential to early childhood development. 

With more space and purposeful design, children will: 

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

  • Develop gross motor skills through movement, balance, and coordination  

  • Build confidence and independence through active exploration  

  • Strengthen social skills by playing and collaborating with others  

  • Experience greater wellbeing and happiness in a natural environment  

This is where learning comes to life — beyond the classroom walls. 

Coming Soon: A Living Forest Stream 

In the second phase of our campus development, we will introduce a flowing stream within our forest area — creating an immersive, nature-based learning experience. 

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

The benefits of a natural water feature in early years learning: 

  • Curiosity and scientific thinking 
    Children naturally explore concepts like flow, cause and effect, and problem-solving through water play.  

  • Sensory development 
    The sound, movement, and feel of water stimulate multiple senses, supporting brain development.  

  • Creativity and imagination 
    A stream transforms play into storytelling, adventure, and open-ended discovery.  

  • Emotional wellbeing 
    Natural environments are proven to help children feel calmer, more focused, and connected.  

  • Collaboration and communication 
    Shared exploration encourages teamwork, language development, and social confidence.  

This addition will make our outdoor environment even more distinctive — combining nature, play, and learning in a way few schools can offer. 

A Learning Environment That Sets Léman Apart 

We know from speaking with families that facilities and environment play a key role in building confidence when choosing a school. 


At Léman, our expansive outdoor spaces are already one of our greatest strengths — and these upgrades take that even further. 

While other schools may focus primarily on classroom-based learning, we are proud to offer: 

  • Exceptional outdoor space in an urban environment  

  • A balance of academic excellence and nurturing care  

  • Opportunities for children to learn through movement, nature, and exploration 

A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman - A New Chapter for Early Years at Leman

The third stage of development will focus on refining our indoor learning environments, with expanded classroom spaces, enhanced natural lighting, and a more contemporary, uplifting design. These improvements will further support high-quality teaching and learning, creating an environment that promotes focus, creativity, and a strong sense of wellbeing.