EYFS

The EYFS is a stage of children’s development from birth to the end of their first year in school. The first five years see the greatest growth and learning for all children. Early years practitioners work with children and their families to support their development and learning.

The EYFS is based on four principles:

  1. A Unique Child: Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, confident and self-assured.
  2. Positive Relationships: Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.
  3. Enabling Environments: The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning.
  4. Learning & Development: Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and interconnected.

THE EARLY YEARS CURRICULUM

There are seven areas of learning in the EYFS and each covers several aspects of learning.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Children are provided with experiences and support that helps them develop a positive sense of themselves and others; respect for others; social skills; and a positive disposition to learn. We ensure support for their emotional well being helping them to know themselves and what they can do.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Children are given opportunities for them to be active and interactive and to improve their skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. They are supported in using all their senses to learn about the world around them, and to make connections between new information and what they already know. They are supported in developing and understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food.

COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE

Children are given the opportunity and encouragement to use their skills in a range of situations and for a range of purposes and are supported in developing confidence to do so.

LITERACY

Children are supported in developing their Literacy in a broad range of contexts in which they explore, enjoy, learn, practice and talk about their developing understanding. They are provided with opportunities to practice and extend their skills in these areas and to gain confidence and competence in their use.

MATHEMATICS

Children are supported in their understanding of Mathematics in a broad range of contexts in which they explore, enjoy, learn, practice and talk about their developing understanding. They are provided with opportunities to practice and extend their skills in these areas and to gain confidence and competence in their use.

UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD

Children are supported in developing knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. They are supported and offered opportunities for them to use a range of tools safely, encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real life situations. They undertake practical experiments and work with a range of materials.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS AND DESIGN

Creativity is extended by providing support for a child’s curiosity, exploration and play. They are provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role-play activities, mathematics and design and technology.