EYFS

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the educational framework that sets standards for learning, development and care of children from birth to five years, including the Reception year of school.

The EYFS framework:

  • sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well 

  • ensures children are kept healthy and safe 

  • ensures children have the knowledge and skills they need to start school 

All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS. The framework helps early years professionals to work with families to get their child ready for future learning and life, as well as preparing them for school.

The guide ‘What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage’ has been written to help parents find out more about what their child is learning. It focuses on the seven areas of learning and development which are covered in the EYFS.

The 7 Areas of Learning and Development

The EYFS framework includes 7 areas of learning and development that are equally important and interconnected. However, 3 areas known as the prime areas are considered particularly important for igniting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building children’s capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

The prime areas are:

  • Communication and language

  • Physical development

  • Personal, social and emotional development

The prime areas are strengthened and applied through 4 specific areas:

  • Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Understanding the world

  • Expressive arts and design

Characteristics of Effective Learning

The Characteristics of Effective Learning describe behaviours children use in order to learn. To learn well, children must approach opportunities with curiosity, energy and enthusiasm. These abilities and attitudes will support them to learn and make good progress in all the Areas of Learning and Development.

  • playing and exploring - children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’

  • active learning - children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements

  • creating and thinking critically - children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things

How the Virtual School supports our children in Early Years

We recognise that as the first years in a child’s life, the Early Years are fundamental to future learning and success. The Virtual School ensures that children in our care receive just as much attention and support in the early years as those in other key stages.

All looked-after children are entitled to 15 hours free early education entitlement (FEEE) each week from the term after their 2nd birthday. Children who have left care under a special guardianship order (SGO), child arrangement order or adoption order remain eligible for a funded 2 year old place.

All 3 and 4-year-old children in England are currently entitled to 15 hours of free early education and childcare. In addition, some carers may be entitled to claim an extra 15 hours of childcare per week, bringing the total to 30 hours. Eligibility can be checked on the Childcare Choices website.

All cared for children from the age of two, who are attending a setting (nursery or child minder), will have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) that is updated on a termly basis.

Transition to Reception should be planned during the Summer term PEP meeting prior to the child starting school. Where possible, staff from the receiving school should be invited to attend the Summer PEP and be involved to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Social workers and carers should ensure that they are familiar with the school admissions process and the application date for Reception places. Looked-after children will have priority when places are allocated.