Paris, as the capital of France, exemplifies the national approach to early childhood education, which emphasizes universal access and academic foundations from an early age. Children attend “école maternelle” (preschool) typically starting at age three, and since 2019, education has been compulsory from age three nationwide ([Reference 1]).
The “école maternelle” follows a national curriculum (“Programme pour l’école maternelle” [Reference 2]), focusing on language acquisition, socialization, and the development of early literacy and numeracy skills.
Preschools are mostly public and free, operated by the Ministry of National Education, with some private (often Catholic) institutions also available.
Special programs such as “REP+” (Réseau d’Éducation Prioritaire Plus) ([Reference 3]) provide additional resources for preschools in disadvantaged areas, aiming to reduce educational inequality from the earliest stages.
As a kindergarten director, I deeply respect Paris’s systematic and inclusive model—offering all children, regardless of background, the chance to build strong educational foundations in a nurturing, structured environment.

References:

• [1] French Ministry of Education: Compulsory Schooling from Age 3 (2019)

• [2] Programme pour l’école maternelle (Curriculum, 2021 Edition)

• [3] REP+ Priority Education Networks, French Ministry of Education

フランスの首都パリは、全国に共通する幼児教育モデルを象徴する存在です。フランスでは3歳から「エコール・マテルネル（école maternelle＝幼稚園）」に通うことが一般的であり、2019年からは3歳からの就学が全国で義務化されました。
「エコール・マテルネル」では、国家教育省が策定する「幼稚園カリキュラム（Programme pour l’école maternelle）」に基づき、言語能力の習得、社会性の育成、初期のリテラシーと数的理解の発達に焦点を当てています。
大半の幼稚園は公立で無償であり、教育省直轄の運営体制のもとで展開されていますが、一部私立（主にカトリック系）も存在します。
また、「優先教育ネットワーク（REP+）」により、経済的に困難な地域の園には追加支援が提供され、教育格差の早期是正が目指されています。
子どもたち一人ひとりに、確かな基盤と可能性を与えようとするパリの体系的かつ包括的な教育アプローチは、私たちにとっても大いに学ぶべきものであると感じます。

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, implements early childhood education under the “Foundation Phase” framework ([Reference 1]), a distinctive Welsh curriculum for children aged three to seven. The Foundation Phase emphasizes experiential learning, play-based exploration, and developing children’s independence and creativity.
Children aged three and four are entitled to a minimum of 10 hours of free early education weekly through the Welsh Government’s Early Education Offer ([Reference 2]). Additionally, the “Childcare Offer for Wales” provides up to 30 hours of free early education and childcare for eligible working families ([Reference 3]).
In Cardiff, bilingual education is strongly promoted; Welsh-medium preschools (Meithrin) and English-medium settings coexist, supporting children to develop bilingual fluency. Cultural identity, outdoor learning, and inclusive practices are central themes across all early years settings.
As a kindergarten director, I find Cardiff’s model inspiring: a holistic, bilingual, and culture-rich approach that respects children’s individuality and nurtures their curiosity—elements that are increasingly vital in today’s global and interconnected world.

References:

• [1] Welsh Government: Foundation Phase Framework

• [2] Cardiff Council: Early Education Offer for 3-4 Year Olds

• [3] Welsh Government: Childcare Offer for Wales