Phuket’s bi-lingual preschools and nurseries

My mixed Thai/English son, Joshua, has now nearly reached 2 years old. My partner and I have been happy for him to stay at home up until now, but we have now decided it’s time for us to start thinking about placing him into a pre-school or nursery. Although this is not something we will do immediately, it is something we will be doing in the near future.

It is not every parent’s choice to do this and it is not compulsory for any child to attend school here in Thailand until they are 6 years old. However, in our opinion, if Joshua attends a preschool or nursery it will be his first real experience interacting with a large group of children, it will also help him learn to make friends and play well with others. We also see it as an opportunity for him to learn to share, follow instructions and build a foundation for learning, that we personally feel will benefit him for when he actually attends school.

We also believe that Joshua needs to feel safe and secure with someone other than his mum and dad and he should be able spend some time away from us and build relationships with adults outside of our family.

At present, my partner speaks to Joshua in Thai and for the little time in the day he is with me, I speak to him in English. Unfortunately, possibly due to laziness, I only speak and understand very basic Thai. I’m concerned that if I send Joshua to a local pre-school, although I will obviously continue to speak to him in English, he will only be spoken to at the pre-school in Thai and that perhaps he will not be able to understand or communicate with me in future. It may be a stupid thing to think, but is something that runs through my mind. Therefore, our only real option is to place him in a bi-lingual pre-school.

So what are the option for me, and I’m sure many others, in the same situation?

Buds Phuket – the oldest established bi-lingual child care facility in Phuket and they cater for children between the ages of 12 months and 8 years old and offer flexible arrangements. They are located on Chaofa Road, Chalong.

Smiley Kidz – formed in 2007 and provide superior care for children between the ages of 3 months to 7 years old and offer flexible arrangements. They are located in the Chalong area.

ABC Nursery and Pre-School – welcomes children aged 18 months to 6 years and has various attendance options. They are located in the Rawai area.

Cravens International Nursery Pre School – cater to children from the ages of 18 months to 6 years. Located close to Chalong Circle.

HeadStart International School – founded in 2005, provides learning from Preschool, through to Secondary Level, located in the Vichit district.

Phuket International Nursery & Pre-School – provide care from 18 months to 6 years, located near Tesco (Chalong).

Mother and Child, Kindergarten and Preschool – established in 2005, accept children from the age of 12 months right up to the age of six. Located in the Rawai area.

Anuban Phuket Nursery – provincial government school and one of the best in Phuket, cater to children from the ages 2 to 5 years old. Located in Taladyai, Phuket City.

Ban Suan Dek Phuket Nursery – small but popular Phuket nursery, cater to children 1 to 4 years old. Located in Ratsada Phuket City.

If you would like further information on any on the above preschools & nurseries, please look them up on the web, most of them do have websites with full information on curriculum, schedules and fees or phone numbers can easily be found for you to call them.