At a glance, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) set sthe standard for learning, development, and child care from birth to 5 years old. Schools registered as early year providers (preschools, nurseries) must follow the EYFS.

The framework supports an integrated approach to early learning and care. It has outlined common principles and commitments to professionals to deliver quality early education and childcare experience to children.

The EYFS framework gives parents confidence and assurance that the same commitments and principles will govern their child’s learning and development experience.

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?

This stage helps your child get ready for school and prepare them for their future learning and successes. A child’s early years should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure; and parents should support their development, care and learning needs.

In 2012, the framework was revised with emphasis on parent’s role in helping the child to develop.

It circles on the following:

• The legal welfare requirements that everyone registered to look after the children must be followed to keep every child safe and promote their welfare.
• The 7 areas of learning and development will guide professionals’ engagement with your child’s play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge.
• Assessments will tell you about your child’s progress through the EYFS.
• Expected levels that your child should reach at age 5, usually the end of the reception year called the “Early Learning Goals (ELGs)”.

There is also guidance for the professionals supporting your child on planning the learning activities, and observing and assessing what and how your child is learning and developing.

Moreover, much thought has been given to making sure that every child is as safe as possible. There is a set of welfare standards that everyone must follow within the EYFS.

Here are some welfare standards:

• Number of staff required in a nursery
• How many children a child-minder or assistant can look after?
• Administering medicines
• Carrying out risk assessments

Parents can find out about the quality of your child’s nursery and other early years providers in relation to the EYFS Framework by checking what the Government’s official inspection body for early years.

Method of Learning

This framework explains how and what your child will be learning, in line with their healthy development. New skills and knowledge will be demonstrated in these 7 aspects of learning and development.

Three (3) Prime Areas of Child’s development includes:

• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development

For your child’s health development, these prime aspects are essential. As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. These are:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design

These 7 aspects of learning are used to plan your child’s development and activities. The education professionals who teach and support your child are responsible for activities that suit your child’s unique needs. Much like primary and secondary school curriculum, the EYFS framework is more suitable for children. In the EYFS, children learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside.