Holistic
Early years
Development
Changing the world, one child at a time.
WHAT WE DO
Pley Early Years is a school in Porvorim that follows the mainstream early years system in the UK (EYFS) that aims to strike a balance between open ended and structured development.Ā One of Pley Early Yearsā most important roles is to build a positive relationship with a child to provide the best possible care and education opportunities to them.
WHAT WE BELIEVE IN
- Early years education needs to be multi-dimensional
A child’s brain requires exposure on various learning simulations and not just limited areas aimed at feeding into primary school.
- Playing is serious learning
Adults often talk about play as if it is a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is really the work of childhood. Play is key to neurological development and is an essential way that children build socially resilient and cognitively flexible brains.
- EVERY CHILD IS UNIQUE
Development is not an automatic process, it depends on each unique child having opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments. Every child is a competent learner who can be resilient, capable, confident and self assured.
- Belonging is vital for a child to develop
All children should feel that their world is a safe place, where people care about them and their needs, they can develop positive relationships and where they will be able to seek help when needed. Children who feel that they belong are happier, more relaxed and have fewer behavioral problems than others.
- The medium of learning is a balanced combination of adult and child led.
It is important to strike a balance between adult led and child initiated activities to best meet the children’s outcomes. Child-led activities may start out as an adult initiated activity however by allowing the child space and time, the child may extend the resources and ideas given to create their own experience.
- Ā We are preparing children to tackle an unknown future.
We now have to prepare children for totally unforeseeable circumstances. So showing them how to do something where we know the answer is not the answer. We are trying to educate children now so that they can find answers to questions that we haven’t even thought of today.Ā
- Sustained shared thinking is a central teaching approach
Sustained shared thinking involves children and educators working together in conversations which provide opportunities to discuss and think about problems or challenges in a serious, extended way.
About Us
Pley Early Years is owned and managed by Ms. Aliya Arshad who has worked in several British nurseries in the UAE as a teacher and has completedĀ CACHE Level 3 Certification for the Children and Young Peopleās Workforce (England) (QCF).
Passion for young children and a deep desire to raise awareness towards the importance of early years education are the main motivators for Aliya to start this pre-school in Goa.
Above all, Aliya is nicknamed ‘Child Whisperer’ – her ability to connect with little children and understand what is bothering them or what they need is truly a gift, and something that parents should take great comfort in.Ā
We love Pley and its mostly because our kids love it. Pley has dedicated teachers and an amazing Principal (Aliya) who foster curiosity through play, storytelling and hands-on activities, creating a warm and fun filled environment. Colourful classrooms and a vibrant outdoor play area are also great. Pley has tailored programs for sport and the teachers go to much trouble to celebrate and develop each childās unique strengths. Welcoming parents into its community, Pley school has regular one on one updates with parents that have revealed to us the personalized and pointed care they take with our kids. We love the school and what it has done for our children.
–Ā Ryan Lobo
Parents, if you are looking for a school (toddlers to grade 2), blindly apply for a seat with Pley Early Years! My daughter has been there from toddlers and I donāt think anybody gives each child the individual attention that Ms. Aliya (backbone) and team give their students. They constantly work with the parents as much as they work with the child to ensure the childās all round growth. Their focus is not just academics but moulding and ensuring your child can go out there to take on the world and Iām saying this cause I have seen my child transform year after year. Here we are as happy parents and an even happier kid.
–Ā Tamara Correia
TEAM PLEY under the guidance of Miss Aliya Arshad, came into our life as a blessing in disguise, as not only did they help me with the most difficult transition period of any parentās life, i.e., sending their child to school for the first time but also helped me sail through the most difficult time of my personal life, divorce and losing my dad. The time and personal effort that team Pley put into my daughterās life as she was super close to her granddad and losing him was not easy. They continue to do so even today. If an institution puts in so much effort into raising your child as their own, then that says it all.! I know I say this proudly on behalf of all the parents, that our kids, stand out in the crowd and they truly do is because of Miss Aliya who believes in changing the world, one child at a time.!
– Poojan Gurung
A Wonderful journey of learning, growth and beautiful memories! PLEY has a warm, nurturing, and stimulating environment where my son has thrived both socially and academically since he was 2 and a half years old. Ms. Aliya, Ms. Rakshanda and Ms. Magna along with all the support teachers are incredibly caring and creative, making learning fun through play-based activities, songs and hands-on exploration. From one on one attention to helping kids navigate through tough situations as well providing them a safe space to develop their personality and showcase their talents, they ensured at every stage the child is at center. If you are looking for a school that feels like a second home while laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning, this is the place! Highly recommend it!
– Lyanne Nathaniel
PLEY EARLY YEARS is simply the best school we have found and we have looked in Mumbai as well as Goa. Ms. Aliya and her team truly look after a childās holistic development ā emotional, physical as well as intellectual. And more than this: they truly care ā they care about children and are always ready to learn more about your child so that they can adapt and support them in the best possible way. We could not be more grateful to the PLEY team. Our daughter has become a more happy, confident and open version of herself because of you.
–Ā Shalome PT
My daughter spent 3 formative and amazing years at Pley Early Years. The schoolās child centered environment built her confidence, encouraged her to articulate her thoughts and behaviour constructively and respectfully. And her love for reading blossomed here. The school has a child friendly and thoughtful vibe and brings the best out in the kids. Led by Ms. Aliya and her team, they are a perfect mix of firmness and kindness. They have a niche and cosy set up. Really appreciate the solid foundation Pley gave my daughter. If you are looking for a well run early years programme, Pley is worth considering.
– Nandita Dā Costa
Our daughter has been in Pley since she was 2.5 years old. Last year when Z was a little behind than the class, the school offered her extra classes for about a month and it worked. My daughter is now going to step into the 1st Grade. She has already started reading and writing and I can give full credit to the school for that. Academics aside, the kids in Pley are being taught to the best versions of themselves. Kindness is practiced daily and the kids have learnt to be inclusive. They are also taught to set their boundaries with their friends, in their small ways, all things that are so important moving forward. My husband and I always recommend the school based on our experience. It has most definitely raised the bar for what I would expect of any school moving forward.
– Falon Dcruz
Pley*, and everything it stands for, is exactly what we were looking for in a school, for my child. His emotional well being was nurtured. He was in a safe environment and he had freedom of expression. Aliya and her wonderful team of teachers know how to cater to children and meet their specific needs. They work hand in hand with parents and am to bring out the best in the child. I have had many personal hand holding experiences with Aliya and if I had to do it all over, I wouldnāt think twice. Thank you for all the wonderful years! Itās been heartwarming and Pley* will always feel like home to Izar and me!
– Rasha Balooch
We have been in this school for several years and think of PLEY as a second home for our children. It is all a parent can dream of for a pre-primary and primary school. The founder and the teachers are dedicated to the well being and growth of children. The approach in the school is well rounded, focusing on all the aspects of academic, personality, psychological and physical development of children. It is a blessing to have a school where your child doesnāt want to miss a day at. The staff dedicates tremendous attention to details and are always approachable and responsive. We have a had a truly fulfilling partnership with PLEY in bringing up our kids.
– Ira Snissar Lobo
We as parents were always worried about Jās speaking at that age when kids preferably start talking. Ms. Aliya took special efforts to come along and meet a professional to understand and develop Jās speaking abilities; to our wonder with equal efforts by Ms. Aliya and Jās class teachers along with us at home he started talking and that too with clear diction. His love for reading has also bloomed and enjoys it at home. The school has a very comfortable environment and itās child friendly in every way possible. All thanks to Ms. Aliya and the entire team of teachers. Her efforts with the kids being kind but firm helps them to develop a strong foundation. J has spent 2.5 productive and incredible years in PLEY and we look forward to many more years together.
Urvi Rajani
Our journey with PLEY began when our daughter was just 15 month sold. Like any parent, I was nervous about entrusting her to someone else ā but the comfort and trust came quickly. Just as she had settled in, COVID hit. Weāre deeply grateful for the schools thoughtful and creative response: from interactive video calls, and sending home art materials, to allowing one child at a time ito school for safe social interaction (and giving parents a breather), and even home visits as the kids graduated to the next class. Post COVID, PLEY only got more inspiring. Every event has been full of surprises and emotion ā itās been incredible watching our daughter grow under the care and guidance of such imaginative and nurturing educators. Beyond play-based learning and creativity, what truly stands out is the emphasis Aliya and her team place on emotional intelligence. We couldnāt have asked for a safer or more enriching start to our daughters early years.
Amrita Sandil
Pley Early Years has been one of the most thoughtful and reassuring environments weāve come across. Itās a niche wholesome space ā designed with genuine care, not just convenience. Weāve experienced Pley over several years, with one child starting at three and the other as early as 18 months, and the one thing thatās remained consistent is the integrity of the space. The team, under the quiet and capable leadership of Ms. Aliya Arshad brings a rare level of intention and emotional intelligence to early childhood care. The teachers form real, individual bonds with each child. They know the kids personally ā not just by name but by nature. The systems are calm, predictable and aligned with each childās rhythm. Nothing feels forced, performative or rushed. Itās everything an early years space should be ā personal, capable and rooted in real care.
Aditya Tiwana
A beautiful community led school. Feels like home. We have been really happy with our sonās journey at Pley! Apoorv Bamba Lovely play school that has taught our little girl a lot! Weāre very glad her first years were at Pley.
Kaveri Kumar
My daughter was 2 years and 8 months when we started at Pley. The school is close knitted and has a "community" spirit, which we loved from day one. The language used in school and the culture they have built is very respectful. No child is expected to be like the other and every child is important. Along with this "education" Aliya and the teachers are imparting formal education in the most fun and natural way- through Play. Now that Pley is extended upto grade 2, I'm grateful that I can keep my child in this warm and cozy environment just a little bit longer.
– Mariam Niloufer
The first time we visited the school we were convinced that this is the right place for our boys. It offers a lot of learning & extra curricular activities and keep students engaged through out. My boys loved their school, kindness of teachers and other staff. They really care and truly wants the best for each and every child. I would like to thank Ms Aliyah & Pley Early team for the support, discipline and guidance which helped in the development of our boys during their time in the school.
– Shab S
Miss Aliya and team are the best for nurturing children and letting them develop at their own pace . They take each childās individual capabilities and likings into consideration. Values and growth mindset is given primary importance as is required in the early years of learning . My elder kid has gone here for the last 4 years and I canāt think of enrolling my second one anywhere else ! All the teachers are caring and the children are given snacks on timely basis and looked after very well š
– Prachi Bharne
Pley is an incredibly nurturing, loving and stimulating home away from home for my 5-year old daughter. She loves going and itās an absolute joy to watch her grow and thrive in her school environment. Pley is run very professionally and us very well organized. They constantly go that extra mile with little events and special occasions. If youāre looking for a preschool I would absolutely recomnend Oley without any reservations.
– Christina Fernandes
My son spent a couple of years with Aliya and the environment that she has created helped shape Aaron through his early years and me as a new mum. Her method was intuitive and flexible and gave my son an education that came in the form of fun, discipline that came in the form of conversation and growth in the form of space where he was allowed a safe space to express and be himself. He needed more attention than most kids and he got that and more.
– Nat
discover our ethos
UKG Story Recitation
Importance of Early Years
Nora Alogna Audio Podcast
A PEEK INTO PLEY