EYFS (Reception and Nursery)

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets out the learning and development stages for children as they grow from birth to five, this includes the Nursery and Reception years.

The EYFS Framework sets the standards schools and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five years of age.

The Government also sets out Development Matters which is non-statutory guidance material supporting practitioners to implement the requirements of the EYFS.

The EYFS is known as the Foundation Stage because it is teaching children the foundations of learning by preparing and equipping them with the skills needed to be successful learners.

Learning in the EYFS is split into seven areas.

The primary areas of learning are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and Language

The four specific areas of learning are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

All areas of learning are equally important and interlink with each other. Using the Framework, Development Matters and the children’s interests, teachers plan to meet the needs of all children. Activities and experiences are planned to spark curiosity, promote independence and challenge.