What is the EYFS?

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) looks at the stages of development from birth to the end of the child’s first year in school (reception year).  These years see the greatest growth and learning for your child.

The EYFS is based on 4 overarching principles which shape good practice in early years settings:–

  • A unique child

Every child is a unique.  They are consistently learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

  • Positive relationships

Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

  • Enabling environments

Children learn and develop well in environments where their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and yourself as a parent and/or carer.

  • Children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates

The framework covers the education and care of your child within the early years setting, including children with additional needs.

So what does this mean for you and your child?

The EYFS supports practitioners to provide play experiences that enable your child to expand their knowledge and skills to support their individual learning and development in their early years.  As practitioners, we recognise your child’s strengths and areas they may need additional support with.  This support may come from within the nursery or from other professionals.

The activities and experiences that we provide for your child will underpin the skills they need to work towards the Early Learning Goals in the following 7 areas –

Prime Areas –

  • Communication and language

  • Physical Development

  • Personal, social and emotional development

Specific Areas –

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Understanding the World

  • Expressive Art and Design

We recognise that learning and development are important from birth.  The 7 areas within the EYFS are all of equal importance however for children under 3 years old the Prime areas are our focus.  These 3 Prime areas support your child’s initial skills and give them the basis to develop in the 4 Specific areas when in the Pre School.    Our staff are trained towards the highest qualifications in Early Years and use this knowledge and their experience to provide planned activities and projects. We extend your child’s learning through these and your involvement is paramount to achieve this.

In partnership with parents we will use our observations to plan future activities and projects which relate to children’s current interests, needs and the world around them.  This will help develop their independence and life skills for their future. Your child has an individual plan where we record observations, place photographs and other information that is kept as an on-going record of their developmental journey.  As a commitment to your child it is important that we regularly meet and discuss your child’s progress and look towards their future next steps.

What activities will my child do at Nursery?

Below is an overview of the types of activities your child may take part in throughout the course of the day:-

Free Play and planned activities

Children will have free access to a wide range of activities, offering them learning experiences in all areas of the EYFS. The children can choose what they would like to play with (with the support of an adult if required) and they are able to select the toys and equipment themselves.  This will include resources and activities to promote hand eye co-ordination, develop children’s senses, problem solving, developing fine and gross motor skills, knowledge and understanding of the world, imagination and creative development.

Planned adult led activities are also created from the children’s interests to promote learning in all areas of their development.

If you are interested in your child joining the First Steps Family why not come and have a look around our Nursery - book a tour today!