Early Years Foundation Stage

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?

Every child is an individual and deserves the best possible start in life. The EYFS is a statutory government framework that supports this belief.

• It sets standards for learning, development and welfare for children aged 2 and half to 5

• It’s a fun and flexible framework that’s focused on seven areas of learning and development

• It explains the skills, knowledge and understanding children must learn to support their healthy development

• It helps very young children acquire the skills they’ll need to learn at school and beyond

• It encourages learning through indoor and outdoor play, discovery and other activities that stimulate and entertain your child. 

Early years practitioners use the framework to help them plan for learning and healthy development of the children in their care which means if your child is in a nursery or child care setting the EYFS applies to them.

How will my child develop in these areas?

Whilst your child is at an early years setting they’ll be provided with activities and opportunities designed to help them work towards the seven areas of learning and development. Your child’s Key Person plays an important part in this process. They are responsible for:

– planning activities to promote your child’s learning and development 

-conducting ongoing observations to track and assess your child’s achievements and progress against the EYFS early learning goals 

-putting together information about how your child is progressing.

How will I know how my child is progressing?

In addition to a curriculum of learning, EYFS also outlines how your child will be assessed whilst in an early years setting. Your Key Person will observe and assess your child and record feedback in a learning journal. You can ask to see this observational feedback whenever you like. There are two other assessments:

•  The first formal check takes place somewhere between your child’s second and third birthday. This is called a progress check at Age 2. This check will assess your child against the three prime areas. It can also ensure the early identification of any development issues
  
• The second check happens in your Childs reception year at school. This assessment will create a picture of your Childs development

What can I do to support my child’s learning and development under the EYFS? 

Parents have a really important role to play in their child’s learning and development. Even every day situations offer opportunities for children to explore and discover. What’s more, children benefit when the influential adults around them work in partnership. As such your chosen childcare setting will encourage you to share your Child’s at home experiences and achievements. This could be in the form of informal discussions at collection and pick up times or through written feedback in communication diaries or wow notes. This information sharing will help your setting plan and support your Child’s development journey. For example a family visit to the zoo could result in a wild animal inspired arts and craft session at your child’s setting! In addition, if you know what your child has been enjoying away from home, you can reinforce the learning with relevant activities at home.