Intent

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is a statutory framework in England that sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. It aims to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life and is supported to reach their full potential. The EYFS curriculum promotes a holistic approach to early education, focusing on both academic and personal development. 

A key principle of the EYFS is that learning should be active, engaging, and meaningful. It also emphasises the importance of strong relationships between practitioners, children, and parents. Assessment is ongoing and primarily observational, culminating in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile at the end of the Reception year.

Overall, the EYFS curriculum supports young children in becoming confident, curious, and independent learners, laying the groundwork for future success in school and beyond.

Implementation

The curriculum is divided into seven areas of learning and development. These are split into three prime areas; Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. There are also four specific areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design. Practitioners use play-based and child-led approaches to support learning in these areas, adapting to each child’s individual needs and interests.

Impact 

The EYFS curriculum has a significant impact on early childhood development by providing a structured yet flexible framework that supports holistic growth. It fosters key skills such as communication, social interaction, and problem-solving through play-based learning. By nurturing personal, social, and emotional development alongside academic foundations, we aim for all children to become confident, resilient learners. Strong partnerships with parents and ongoing assessment ensure each child’s unique needs are met, promoting positive outcomes and school readiness.

Early Learning Goals 

The Early Learning Goals (ELGs) are a set of key developmental milestones in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for children aged 0 to 5 in the UK. They cover the prime areas: communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, as well as literacy and mathematics. 

The ELGs are a tool to support our planning and practices to ensure that children are prepared for school by building strong foundations in essential skills like speaking, counting, and forming relationships. They also help identify any additional support a child might need to reach their full potential.