by on 16/06/2025 63
Highlights |
|
In a world that’s growing faster by the second, there remains a quiet, sunlit space in Bandar Puteri Puchong where children are given the one thing they truly need: time to grow, explore, and become unique in their own way. Welcome to Little PORTMAN @ The Pulse, an international preschool that’s redefining early education with purpose, passion, and parental instinct at its very core.
This isn’t just another branch of a well-established brand. It’s a centre born from a deeply personal mission, crafted by a mother, educator, and visionary: Ms. Choong Poh Yi.
“I didn’t start Little PORTMAN just as an entrepreneur. I started it as a mother who wanted the best for her daughter—and for every child who walks through our doors,” says Ms. Choong.
As a graduate of PORTMAN College and former personal assistant to the institution’s founder, Ms. Choong was already immersed in education long before opening her centre. But it was the arrival of her daughter that shifted her perspective.
“When my daughter turned two, I couldn’t find a preschool that felt right. So, I decided to build the environment I was looking for.”
And with that, Little PORTMAN @ The Pulse was born—not as a franchise on autopilot, but as a meticulously curated environment that balances professional quality with a mother’s unwavering care.
At Little PORTMAN, early childhood education is viewed as the most critical window in a child’s life. These formative years shape character, instil values, and open the mind to exploration. That’s why the school blends UK’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum with Malaysia’s Kurikulum Standard Prasekolah Kebangsaan (KSPK) framework, ensuring a solid academic base while nurturing a child’s personal and emotional growth. But this is no rigid classroom. In fact, the moment you walk into Little PORTMAN, you’ll notice something refreshingly different—there are no walls.
Little PORTMAN adopts an open-concept learning environment. Instead of closed-off classrooms, children learn in spacious, vibrant learning zones designed to encourage movement, creativity, and social interaction. This unique layout helps enhance concentration, fosters independence, and most importantly, allows children to feel free while still learning structure and discipline.
“Some parents ask if their child might be distracted in an open space. But that’s where we come in—to teach them how to follow rules, respect boundaries, and stay focused even in stimulating environments. It’s a life skill.”
Little PORTMAN ensures children are not confined to one type of learning. With enrichment sessions in music, art & craft, and basic public speaking, students enjoy a well-rounded education that supports both expressive and cognitive development.
While the school doesn’t have a large outdoor space, they’ve created a mini bio-eco corner to teach children about nature and sustainability. To expand on this, term-end field trips often focus on outdoor and nature-based experiences—encouraging children to explore the world beyond the classroom.
Festivities are also joyfully celebrated— such as Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day, and Children’s Day—are celebrated with curated activities that build empathy, gratitude, and joy.
Every detail in this preschool has been thoughtfully considered—from its child-safe furnishings to its strict hygiene protocols. “I run this school the way I would care for my own child,” Ms. Choong says with conviction. “That means every space must be clean, every teacher must be qualified, and every child must feel safe.”
Security is non-negotiable. Visitors must pass a two-tier verification process before entering learning spaces. Hygiene is just as rigorous. Classrooms are sanitised every single day. Nap-time mattresses are cleaned after every use. Even towels are individually hung to dry properly. This place keeps the space clean and safe, to ensure children’s health are optimum.
Meals are freshly cooked by a trusted caterer, with zero processed or canned food. Fruits are served three to four times a week, and children are gently taught not to be picky eaters.
“We train them to appreciate balanced meals. We don’t scold—we explain, encourage, and guide,” says Ms. Choong.
At Little PORTMAN, education is delivered by trained professionals only. Every class is capped at 12 students and guided by two fully qualified early childhood educators. There are no assistants without credentials and no casual hires.
“We don’t believe in letting ‘kakaks’ run a classroom. If you’re going to teach children, you need to be educated yourself.”
For Ms. Choong, teachers are mentors, role models, and protectors. She’s vocal about the risks of under-qualified teachers in the early childhood industry. “A bad teacher doesn’t just fail to educate—they can emotionally scar a child. We’re here to raise happy, confident kids, not scared ones.
At Little PORTMAN, assessment is holistic. Children are evaluated across the EYFS’s seven core areas—from language and literacy to physical development, creativity, and emotional well-being.
At the end of each term, parents are provided with individualised feedback that includes strengths, areas for improvement, and recommended strategies for growth.
“Our job is to help parents see the whole child—not just academic performance. Some children shine in music, others in expression or logic. Every spark matters.”
The school also maintains daily communication via WhatsApp—a practical, parent-friendly solution that includes photos, learning highlights, meal updates, and wellness notes. This open-door approach ensures that parents feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
At Little PORTMAN, this is more than a preschool—it’s a movement toward mindful education, where every child is seen, valued, and nurtured with love and professionalism. It’s where a mother’s instincts meet international pedagogy. Where safety meets creativity. And where little learners begin their journey.
Ms. Choong envisions a future where more early childhood centres are run by passionate educators—not profit-driven operators—and where quality care and character-building are held in the highest regard. Because when education starts with the heart, everything else falls into place.
For families in Puchong seeking the ideal preschool, Little PORTMAN is a rare and radiant find. “Children only get one childhood. We have to get it right.”