Our Vision
Our educational approach is to give children the opportunity to discover and strengthen their French while developing their creativity, confidence, imagination and physical skills in a nurturing, immersive and play-based environment. We also place great importance on learning and growing together, encouraging collaboration between children and across different age groups.
Originally delivered by fully French-speaking teams, our programmes remain firmly rooted in their French identity, while evolving to meet the needs of increasingly international families within French-speaking schools. We now also offer activities in English and bilingual activities.
At Douce France, play is at the heart of everything we do. Through art, imagination, creativity, movement and sport, we make every activity engaging and enjoyable, responding to children’s natural instinct to learn, explore and have fun.
What makes Douce France unique is the twofold support we provide for children. Our dedicated activity leaders are with them throughout the day, providing continuity, care and guidance, while specialist instructors join us throughout the year to lead high-quality workshops and share their expertise.
Our holiday camps are inspired by the French tradition of “centres de loisirs”, where children are immersed in a different theme that runs through the games, activities and stories they experience. This helps spark their imagination and curiosity, while ensuring that every camp offers a fresh and exciting experience.
Our educational approach is built around the following core values
- Respect for every child
Douce France welcomes and values every child as an individual, taking into account their unique background, needs, abilities and pace of development.
- Kindness and care
Douce France creates a safe, supportive and positive environment where every child feels comfortable expressing themselves and developing their confidence.
- Learning through enjoyment
At Douce France, we believe that children learn best when learning is combined with enjoyment, play, discovery and hands-on experiences.
- Cultural openness
Discovering different languages and cultures plays an essential role in developing communication skills, tolerance and an open-minded outlook on the world.
- Cooperation and mutual support
Douce France encourages children to help and listen to one another and to develop mutual respect through group activities, enabling every child to find their place and feel part of the group.
Our activity programmes are designed around the following learning and development objectives
- Develop children’s language skills
- Develop their spoken and written communication skills
- Broaden their vocabulary
- Build their confidence in communicating
- Support children’s personal development
- Encourage independence in ways that are appropriate to each child’s age and abilities
- Recognise and celebrate each child’s individual achievements
- Build self-esteem
- Give children opportunities to discover and develop their talents
- Nurture children’s creativity
- Develop their imagination through art, drama, storytelling and creative activities
- Encourage self-expression
- Develop children’s physical skills
- Encourage children to explore a wide range of physical and sporting activities suited to their age and abilities
- Make sport and movement fun, engaging and accessible to everyone
- Develop children’s social skills
- Learn to live and grow together while respecting others
- Understand and respect group rules
- Develop listening and cooperation skills
- Build teamwork and encourage children to support one another
- Broaden children’s horizons
- Discover different cultures
- Develop curiosity and critical thinking
- Encourage an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity
Our teams bring our values and educational vision to life through the following principles
- Take a positive and encouraging approach
- Build trusting relationships with children and their families
- Take a genuine interest in each child and get to know them as individuals
- Maintain open and ongoing communication with children, parents and the management team
- Work collaboratively as a team, drawing on each person’s strengths
- Treat all equipment and facilities with care and respect
- Show respect for everyone involved in our community
Our educational approach continues to evolve in response to
- Our observations of the children
- Feedback from families
- Team reviews and reflections
- Evaluation of learning and development outcomes
Our Commitment
Douce France’s educational approach is designed to provide children and their families with a welcoming, stimulating, nurturing and multicultural environment. Our ambition is to give every child a unique and enriching experience, enabling them to fulfil their potential, develop their independence and self-confidence, and broaden their horizons.
Meet the Founders
JENNIFER
DAVID
Keeping Children Safe
At Douce France London, we recognise the paramount importance of safeguarding and protecting the children and young people in our care. We are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive, have positive experiences, and stay safe from harm. Our safeguarding policy statement outlines our commitment to protecting children and highlights the procedures we have in place to ensure their well-being.
Safeguarding And Child Protection Policy
Whistleblowing Policy
SEND Policy
Online Safety Policy
First Aid Policy
Fire Safety And Emergency Evacuation Policy
Equality Policy
Data Protection Policy
Complaints Procedure
Designated Safeguarding Leaders
Safeguarding Level 3 Certificate
Safeguarding Level 3 Certificate