Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage
What is EYFS?
EYFS, short for Early Years Foundation Stage, is a series of guidelines on the learning and development of children up to five years old. In England, these guidelines are set by the government and it is mandatory that all paid nurseries and childminders follow EYFS standards. Schools also follow EYFS when a child is in Reception class, before moving onto Key Stage 1 in Year 1.
As this is the first stage in a child’s development, most learning targets are met through games and activities. Each child’s progress is tested by observation from an early years practitioner or health visitor when they are aged two, three and five.
What does an EYFS curriculum include?
The EYFS curriculum covers seven key areas of learning deemed essential for a child’s early years development. Please see our progression for that will show you what we aim the children to be able to do by the end of each term.
Communication and Language
Often learned through roleplay, children might practise listening to others, listening to stories, using descriptive language to express themselves or tell a story, or expanding their vocabulary.
We read to the children in the Reception class throughout the day. There are some books we will read to the children frequently to support the children in being able to retell them really well. Please see these books below.
Literacy
Exercises might include learning about rhymes and syllables through singing nursery rhymes, learning the alphabet verbally, matching sounds with the letters of the alphabet and learning to write their names and other simple words.
Maths
This involves counting, activities with shapes, basic adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, and learning about weights and measures. Children will build problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Physical Development
Through playing in our outdoor areas and during our PE lessons, children gain confidence in balance, coordination and awareness of their space and strength. Children develop fine motor skills and precision which helps with hand-eye co-ordination.
Understanding the world
Children can explore their senses of sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. They will learn about nature, seasons and culture, as well as basic science. We will teach these things through experiments such as seeing which objects float in a tub of water, and with outings to local places. We will also use 1-pads and other technology to begin children’s technical skills.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Children learn how to share, take turns, respect each other’s differences and follow rules. They will also practise independence, recognising their own needs and interests and expressing how they feel and why.
Expressive arts and design
Through arts and crafts children learn about colours, drawing things as they are and designing using their own ideas. They will also learn about music, dance and building things.
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