UK Early Years Foundation Stage

The statutory framework for early years learning

A comprehensive framework supporting children from 6 months to 6 years - nurturing every child's unique potential through purposeful play and exploration.

EYFS 4 Guiding Principles

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework is a government document that all schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers in England must follow. It sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. The standards ensure your child will learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. 

01

Unique child
Every child is a capable learner who is resilient and confident. We recognize that each child develops at their own pace, with unique needs and interests.

01

Unique child
Every child is a capable learner who is resilient and confident. We recognize that each child develops at their own pace, with unique needs and interests.

02

Positive Relationships
Strong relationships with adults and peers are essential for fostering emotional and social development. We prioritize creating secure and respectful connections.

03

Enabling Environments
A safe, welcoming, and stimulating physical environment is crucial. We provide spaces where children can explore, play, and learn.

What Will My Child Be Learning?

The EYFS framework outlines 7 areas of learning and development and educational programmes.
There are three prime areas of learning, which are particularly important for your child’s development and future learning:

Prime Areas

There are three prime areas of learning, which are particularly important for your child’s development and future learning:

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Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)

- Develop self-confidence and emotional regulation.
- Form positive relationships and understand others' feelings.
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Communication and Language (CL)

- Enhance listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
- Develop vocabulary through conversation and storytelling.
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Physical Development (PD)

- Promote gross and fine motor skills.
- Encourage healthy lifestyles through physical activity.

Specific Areas

There are four specific areas of learning, through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied:

Literacy (L)

- Focus on reading and writing skills.
- Encourage phonics and self-expression through writing.

Mathematics

- Understand numbers, shapes, and measures.
- Develop problem-solving and counting skills through engaging activities.

Understanding the World (UW)

- Explore communities, the environment, and technology.
- Foster curiosity and cultural understanding.

Expressive Arts and Design (EAD)

- Encourage creative expression through art, music, and imaginative play.
- Help children explore their creativity and express their feelings.

How Will My Child Be Learning?

The EYFS framework identifies the essential role of play in your child’s development. It is through both child-led play and play guided by an adult that your child will develop confidence and relationships with others. Through play, EYFS practitioners will help your child to extend their vocabulary and develop their communication skills. The EYFS framework identifies three characteristics of effective teaching and learning: A greater focus on teaching specific skills will occur as your child progresses through their reception year, which will help them to prepare for year one.

Playing and Exploring
Teachers observe children during play and activities to gather evidence of learning.
Active Learning
A guide outlining typical milestones to identify progress and areas for support.
Creating and Thinking Critically
At the end of the reception year, children are assessed against Early Learning Goals (ELGs), providing a summary of development for parents and future educators.

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How Will I Know How My Child Is Doing?

Each child in the EYFS has a key person who will work in partnership with you, sharing information about your child. EYFS settings may also use observations to share your child’s key achievements. EYFS practitioners use their professional knowledge to understand your child’s level of development. If they have any concerns about your child's progress, they will discuss these with you. Three formal assessments take place during the EYFS:

  • Ages 24–36 months1. Two-year progress check

    A short review of development in the prime areas, shared with parents and health visitors to spot any areas needing early support.

  • Start of reception year2. Reception Baseline Assessment

    A short activity-based assessment to understand each child's starting point and identify areas for targeted support early on.

  • End of reception year3. EYFS Profile

    Children are assessed against all 17 Early Learning Goals, giving families and Year 1 teachers a full picture of each child's development.

EYFS PROGRAMMES

- Communication & Language: listening, responding to sounds
- Physical Development: sensory exploration
- Personal, Social & Emotional Development: attachment and security
- Early foundations for Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts

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- Communication & Language: first words, understanding
- Physical Development: coordination, mark making
- PSED: independence, confidence
- Emerging Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts

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- Communication & Language: sentences, conversations
- Literacy: interest in letters and books
- Mathematics: counting with understanding the World: asking questions
- Expressive Arts & Design: imaginative play

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- Communication & Language: confident speaking
- Literacy: letter recognition and early writing
- Mathematics: number sense
- Understanding the World: curiosity and reasoning
- Expressive Arts & Design: creativity

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- Communication & Language: reasoning and explanation
- Literacy: reading and writing
- Mathematics: problem solving
- Understanding the World: curiosity and knowledge
- Expressive Arts & Design: creativity with purpose

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