In September 2008 the "Early Years Foundation Stage" (EYFS) was introduced for all children from birth to five years of age. The EYFS was revised in 2012 and 2014 and we have made the necessary changes to ensure we are following the framework. Below is a brief summary of the EYFS:-
Themes and Principles
The four themes in the EYFS underpin all the guidance and principles that inform them - working together for children in the EYFS. The themes are how we operate on a daily basis through our policies and procedures, routines and attitudes - all of which already form our outstanding practice. The 4 themes are:
• A Unique Child
• Positive Relationships
• Enabling Environments
• Learning and Development
A great deal of emphasis is also placed on:
• Providing equality of opportunity
• Partnership working - with parents, other professionals and other providers
• Improving quality and consistency
• Laying a secure foundation for future learning - i.e. when they transfer to school
The Learning and Development Requirements:
The learning and development requirements are divided into the seven areas of learning:
Prime Areas:
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and Language
Specific Areas:
• Literacy
• Expressive Arts and Design
• Mathematics
• Understanding of the world
There are also characteristics of learning:
• Playing and Exploring
• Active Learning
• Creating and Thinking Critically
There is significant emphasis on the fact that each child learns in an individual way and at different rates. The assessment arrangements for all children are on-going and based on observing day to day activities. There is also a legal requirement for an assessment to take place when your child turns two. This is carried out by your child’s key person and you will be involved in this process at all stages. The next formal assessment will be carried out at the end the EYFS which is the end of your child’s reception year.
*The EYFS influences all of our planning throughout the nursery.
As with all frameworks, there are principles which help underpin it:
- Relationships with other people (adults and children) are of crucial importance in a child’s life.
- A relationship with a key person at home and in the setting is essential to a child’s well-being.
- Babies and young children are social beings; they are competent learners from birth.
- Caring adults count more than resources and equipment.
- Schedules and routines must flow with the child’s needs.
- Children learn when they are given appropriate responsibility, allowed to make errors, decisions and choices and are respected.
We look forward to working in partnership with you and sharing your child’s learning journey. If you have any queries, suggestions or feedback at any time then please feel free to get in touch with us.