The EYFS framework is the cornerstone of our preschool approach, fostering holistic development for children from birth to five years old. Explore the EYFS journey with us, where every moment is an opportunity for learning, exploration, and the building of a solid foundation for a lifetime of educational success.
What is the early year’s foundation stage?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework for early childhood education in England. Designed for children from birth to five years old, it sets the standards for learning, development and care.
EYFS outlines key milestones and areas of learning, including communication and language, physical development, personal, social, and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design.
The framework emphasises play-based learning, individualised assessment, and collaboration between childcare providers and parents to ensure a holistic approach to a child’s early development and readiness for the next stages of education.
What does the EYFS aim to provide?
The Early Years Foundation Stage aims to deliver:
- Consistency and quality across all early years settings.
- A stable foundation achieved through customised learning opportunities for children in this age group.
- Collaborative efforts between parents and practitioners to support child development.
- Equal opportunities to support children from diverse backgrounds.
What to expect in the early years foundation stage?
The EYFS ensures a seamless blend of quality, consistency, and equality, fostering the essential skills that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and exploration. Take a look below at what you can expect from the framework.
Developmental milestones
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a clear outline as to what parents and teachers can expect from a child developmentally.
From birth to five years old, children make significant progress in communication, physical abilities, social interactions and cognitive skills. The framework outlines the anticipated milestones, such as babbling, crawling, walking and forming sentences. Children will also explore social interactions, develop friendships and enhance problem-solving skills.
In addition, the EYFS provides clear educational guidelines. More specifically, when early maths and literacy foundations begin, laying the groundwork for future learning.
The EYFS framework ensures nursery staff monitor these milestones, providing tailored support to nurture each child’s unique development, setting the stage for a strong foundation in learning and growth.
Learning methods in EYFS
In the EYFS, learning is facilitated through a dynamic blend of play-based methods and intentional teaching. Play is recognised as a powerful tool for exploration and discovery, promoting social, emotional and cognitive development.
Following the EYFS, structured activities and interactions with nursery staff guide children through early literacy and numeracy concepts. Expect a rich learning environment where creativity is fostered, and individualised support ensures every child progresses at their own pace.
Through hands-on experiences, outdoor play, and engaging activities, EYFS cultivates a love for learning, curiosity, and a solid foundation for future educational pursuits.
Parental insights
In the EYFS, parents can expect to have an active involvement in their child’s education. Working together with the nursery staff, parents will
receive regular updates on their child’s progress from the staff, insights into learning activities through apps such as Famly, and opportunities to contribute to their child’s development in regular meetings with the staff.
The EYFS also encourages open communication, inviting parents to share observations, concerns and aspirations for their children. Expect collaborative engagements, parent and staff meetings and resources offered to support parental involvement in their child’s learning journey.
In fact, the EYFS values parental insights, recognising the pivotal role parents play in fostering a supportive home environment that complements the educational experiences provided in early years settings.
Preparation for the educational journey
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children are prepared for their educational journey with a foundation rooted in curiosity, play and discovery. Nurseries that follow the EYFS will create a nurturing environment that lays the groundwork for essential skills like communication, social interaction and problem-solving.
As children engage in play-based learning, they develop a love for exploration and acquire early literacy and numeracy concepts. The intentional teaching approach ensures a seamless transition to more structured learning in subsequent educational stages.
Ultimately, the EYFS fosters a positive attitude towards learning, nurturing each child’s unique potential and setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable educational journey ahead.
Here, at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries and Preschools, we are devoted to your child’s early development and creating strong foundations in order to thrive. Contact us today and join us in providing your child with a nurturing environment, tailored support, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
