Early Years – Everything You Need to Know

What is the EYFS?

A legislative framework known as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) offers recommendations for early childhood education. Ofsted requires all early years providers in England, including childminders, schools, and nurseries, to register. The framework promotes children’s learning and development through play-based and adult-led activities, guaranteeing they receive a thorough and well-rounded education from a young age.

Areas of Learning and Development

The EYFS framework is divided into seven key areas of learning, which cover all aspects of a child’s development:

• Improving speaking, listening, and comprehension abilities.
• Personal, social, and emotional development includes developing self-assurance, controlling emotions, and establishing wholesome connections.
• Physical Development, Improving movement, control, and coordination.
• The development of writing and reading skills.
• Introduce to numbers, counting, and fundamental arithmetic in mathematics.
• Studying the environment, people, and technology is part of understanding the world.
• Expressive Arts and Design, Play, music, and art are used to foster creativity.

Assessment in EYFS

Children’s progress is assessed through:

• Two-Year Check: Conducted by an early years practitioner or health visitor when the child is between 2 and 3 years old. This check ensures early identification of development needs.
• End of Reception Year Assessment: Conducted by the class teacher based on classroom observations to ensure children have achieved the Early Learning Goals. This assessment helps prepare children for the transition to Key Stage 1.

EYFS Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum in the UK sets standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. A well-crafted EYFS curriculum not only supports children’s growth but also makes your nursery stand out, attracting prospective parents and ensuring a brighter future for the children.

Key Components of the EYFS Curriculum

Learning through Play – Playing is essential for children’s development. The EYFS encourages learning through play, allowing children to explore and discover in a safe environment.

Assessment and Progress – Teachers assess children’s development regularly and share insights with parents to support continuous growth.

Partnership with Parents – Engaging parents in their child’s learning journey is crucial, fostering a collaborative approach to education.

Individualised Learning – The EYFS recognises that each child is unique, supporting personalised learning experiences to meet individual needs.

The EYFS curriculum is vital for early childhood education, emphasising play-based learning, individual attention, and parental involvement. By following the updated 2024 framework, nurseries can ensure high-quality education and care, setting children up for future success.

Guiding Principles of EYFS

The EYFS framework is based on four guiding principles that shape early years practice:

1. Unique Child: Every child is unique and constantly learning, capable of being resilient and confident.
2. Positive Relationships: Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
3. Enabling Environments: Children learn and develop well in environments that respond to their individual needs.
4. Learning and Development: Children develop at different rates, and all areas of learning are interconnected, ensuring a holistic approach to development.

The Role of Play in EYFS

Play is a fundamental aspect of the EYFS. It supports learning and development across all areas by:

• Encouraging creativity and problem-solving through imaginative play.
• Enhancing social skills through group activities and cooperative play.
• Providing opportunities for independent learning and decision-making.

EYFS Settings

EYFS settings include various types of early years environments:

• Nurseries: Providing care and education for young children.
• Preschools: Preparing children for school through structured activities.
• Childminders: Offering flexible care in a home setting.
• Reception Classes: The first year of formal schooling, integrating play-based learning with preparation for Key Stage 1.

These settings must create safe and engaging environments that support children’s learning and development, ensuring they feel comfortable and secure.

EYFS and Ofsted

Ofsted inspects early years settings to ensure they meet the standards set by the EYFS framework. Inspections focus on the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment, as well as safeguarding and welfare. This ensures that children receive a high standard of care and education in a safe environment.

Parental Involvement

Parents play a crucial role in their child’s early education. The EYFS framework encourages a strong partnership between practitioners and parents to support children’s learning and development. By sharing observations and engaging with their child’s learning journey, parents can help reinforce and extend their child’s development at home.

Recent Updates to EYFS

As of 2024, updates to the EYFS framework include:

• Changes in training requirements for childminders, allowing for more flexible entry into the profession.
• New guidelines for safeguarding and welfare to ensure the highest standards of care.

Conclusion

The EYFS framework provides a comprehensive and structured approach to early years education, ensuring that children receive the best possible start in life. By focusing on play-based learning and strong partnerships between practitioners and parents, the EYFS supports the holistic development of young children. At Edumentors, we understand the importance of quality early years education, which is why we offer access to experienced and qualified early years tutors.