Learning time

The Early Years Foundation Stage

The EYFS framework sets the standards to make sure that children aged from birth to 5 learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.

The framework is for all Ofsted registered early years providers in all settings, including nurseries, childminders, pre-schools and reception.

The EYFS sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

Areas of learning & development...

There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

Prime areas

These three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving. These three areas, the prime areas, are:

communication and language
physical development; and
personal, social and emotional development

Specfic areas

Providers must also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. These specific areas are:

literacy
mathematics
understanding the world
expressive arts and design

The EYFS is delivered through a play based approach. We recognise that young children learn best through play and therefore provide your child with appropriate play and learning experiences for their stage of development and help them to develop new skills.

Every child has an individual learning journey, covering the seven areas of learning which is completed by your child’s key person.

Where can I get further information?

The most important place to find out more is your child’s pre-school; you can ask as many questions as you need to. We really welcome all parents/carers. You can find the Early Years Foundation Stage which includes the early learning goals at www.education.gov.uk/publications.