The Early Years Foundation Stage (E.Y.F.S.) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year. It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning. During their sessions the children take part in both focused activities and continuous provision.
 

The EYFS is based on four themes:

1. A Unique Child;

2. Positive Relationships;

3. Enabling Environments;

4. Learning and Development.

 

Within the theme of Learning and Development there are seven areas that are separated into prime areas and specific areas.

• Prime Areas are fundamental throughout the E.Y.F.S. They work together and help to support development in all the other areas.

• Specific Areas are supported by the Prime Areas. They include essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society.

​

There are three different learning areas within the Prime Areas. They are:
 

• Communication and Language - Within this area the children will be learning to listen and maintain attention; understand different things; and speak in full sentences to convey meaning.

• Physical Development - Within this area the children will be learning to move in different ways; handle different tools and equipment; and how to be healthy

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development - Within this learning area the children will be learning to make relationships; to become self-confident and self-aware; and to manage their own feelings and behaviour.

​

There are four learning areas within the Specific Areas. They are:
 

• Literacy - Within this area the children will be learning the strategies involved in reading and writing.

• Mathematics - Within this area the children will be learning to count and use numbers up to 20 to carry out different tasks; Shape and Space; and how to use measures in different ways

• Understanding the World - Within this learning area the children will be learning about: people and communities, the world and different technology.

• Expressive Art and Design - Within this area the children will be exploring and using media and materials; and being imaginative.

​

Each class within Early Years has their own curriculum which they follow and is progressive from our Terrific for Twos, into Nursery and finally into Reception. Throughout their time in Early Years, the staff will observe and work with individuals and groups of children during focused activities and within co-play during continuous provision. The staff will judge if the children are on track or not on track within their curriculum and will work hard to ensure that children move towards working on track. At the end of the Reception year staff make a judgement as to whether individual children are emerging, or expected at the Early Learning Goals within each learning area.

​