The Early Years Foundation Stage

What is The Early Years Foundation Stage?

The Early Years Foundation Stage 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. ​

This is a very important stage as it prepares them for their future learning and successes. From when your child is born up until the age of 5, their early years experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure; and support their development, care and learning needs. ​

There are 7 Areas of Learning and Development:

 3 prime areas and 4 specific areas

Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first. These are: ​

1. Communication and language​

2. Physical development​

3. Personal, social and emotional development.

As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills

in the 4 specific areas. These are: ​

1. Literacy

2. Mathematics

3. Understanding the world ​

4. Expressive arts and design.

Communication and language development – providing children with opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations. 

Physical development – ensuring there are plenty of opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children are also supported to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food and oral hygiene. 

Personal, social and emotional development – supporting children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities. 

Literacy  - supporting children to understand the key concepts of print. Having conversations about texts, learning new vocabulary, exploring phonics, early writing and mark making. 

Mathematics - providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, subitising, comparing and using numbers, exploring shape, measure, positional language and pattern.

Understanding the World - guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, the past and the environment. 

Expressive Art and Design - ensuring children have opportunities to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities including art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design.