NAISAK EYFS Teachers Lead Groundbreaking Metacognition Study with Nord Anglia Education

Three Early Years teachers from Nord Anglia International School Al Khor (NAISAK) have been recognised globally after participating in the innovative Flagtime research study — a metacognition-focused project by Nord Anglia Education. Their work has been published across NAE platforms, showcasing NAISAK's leadership in cutting-edge Early Years education.

Led by Ms. Kathleen Lyons, Head of EYFS, alongside dedicated educators Ms. Amali Pathirana and Ms. Eimear Campbell, the team at NAISAK contributed to this international study designed to improve metacognitive skills in young children — skills that are foundational for lifelong learning.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to build on what we already do in Early Years,” said Ms. Lyons. “Flagtime is all about children becoming more reflective, independent learners. It aligned perfectly with our individualized, objective-led planning.”

What is the Flagtime Research Project?

Part of Nord Anglia’s global education research initiatives, Flagtime is a structured classroom approach designed to foster metacognition in early childhood education — helping children learn how to learn.

Using a mix of child-led activities, visual prompts (like personalized flags), and reflective discussions, children at NAISAK’s EYFS were guided through tailored learning experiences that encouraged independence, resilience, and social collaboration.

Key components of Flagtime in EYFS include:

• Daily open-ended activities targeted at each child’s next learning step
• Self-selection using flag markers tied to individual goals
• Reflection circles where children discuss what they found easy, hard, or enjoyable
• Observational assessments tracking metacognitive growth over time

Developing Metacognitive Skills in Early Years at NAISAK

At NAISAK, the Flagtime approach was trialed in FS1, where Ms. Pathirana and Ms. Campbell led targeted interventions to build essential skills like turn-taking, collaboration, and independent problem-solving.

“One small group focused on learning to take turns,” Ms. Lyons explained. “We used jigsaw puzzles where children had to wait for their turn to put in their piece and work as a team. Over time, we saw huge progress — they began applying those skills naturally during free play.”

These real-life examples of social and emotional growth highlight how metacognitive strategies can be integrated into EYFS classrooms in a developmentally appropriate way.

Measurable Outcomes and Global Collaboration

The Flagtime study involved over 50 educators and nearly 240 students across Nord Anglia schools in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. At NAISAK, the children were observed at the beginning and end of a six-month implementation period, with findings showing clear growth in:

• Independent learning
• Task resilience
• Reflective thinking
• Communication and language development

What’s more, the program proved highly adaptable for multilingual classrooms, like those at NAISAK. Children were observed understanding English instructions and responding in their home languages — confirming the study’s relevance in bilingual and EAL settings.

“Many of our children understand English but respond in Arabic or another home language,” said Ms. Lyons. “Flagtime gave them confidence and structure to express themselves, regardless of the language.”

Why This Matters for Parents and Educators

Metacognition is a term often associated with older students — but NAISAK is proving that these vital skills can (and should) start early.

By integrating research-backed strategies into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), NAISAK is helping children develop:

• Critical thinking from a young age
• Social-emotional intelligence
• Lifelong learning habits
• Confidence in both English and home languages

These are exactly the types of qualities future-ready students need in the 21st century.

What’s Next?

With the first phase of Flagtime now completed and published, NAISAK is preparing to expand the program into FS2, with long-term plans to integrate it into Key Stage 1.

“We’re excited to keep building on this,” said Ms. Lyons. “It’s an exciting time for NAISAK EYFS — especially with our new facilities on the way.”

The second phase of Flagtime begins in the coming weeks, and NAISAK is proud to once again be at the forefront of educational innovation.

Celebrating Our Educators

NAISAK is incredibly proud of Ms. Kathleen Lyons, Ms. Amali Pathirana and Ms. Eimear Campbell, whose leadership, dedication, and expertise continue to make a lasting impact — both here at NAISAK and across the global Nord Anglia community.

“Their work speaks volumes,” said Ms. Lyons. “We’re lucky to have them on our team.”

Want to Learn More About EYFS at NAISAK?

If you're a parent looking for an Early Years programme that’s research-driven, globally connected, and focused on developing confident, independent learners — NAISAK is the place to be.

Explore our EYFS programme, book a tour at NAISAK, or read more about Flagtime and Nord Anglia research.