The EYFS

​The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework supports an integrated approach to early learning and care. It gives all professionals a set of common principles and commitments to deliver quality early education and childcare experiences to all children.

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As well as being the core document for all professionals working in the foundation years, the EYFS framework gives parents confidence that regardless of where they choose for their child’s early education, they can be assured that the same statutory commitments and principles will underpin their child’s learning and development experience.

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The EYFS details the 7 areas of learning and development, which are used to plan activities that the children can do at Playgroup and Preschool. This is a curriculum suitable for very young children, and it's designed to be really flexible so that staff can follow your child's unique needs and interests. Children in the EYFS learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside, all of which are actively explored at Overton Preschool Playgroup.

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The stages of development are grouped and named by the age range a typical child might display this ability, and the 7 areas of learning each are coded by different letters.

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For example PD 11 – 26 months refers to Physical Development expected between 11 and 26 months. This example includes :

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Moving and handling

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• I can walk upstairs when a grown up holds my hand.

• I come downstairs backwards on my knees, holding on to the steps and come down one step at a time.

• I know that when I move a chunky crayon or pen round, up and down and across, the marks I make on the paper look the same as the way I moved my hand.

 

When a child’s keyperson observes the child displaying the activity confidently, this is recorded, and these are the observations that are included in the 2 year review when a child joins playgroup and in the Learning Journey shared with parents each term.