Overview of EYFS Curriculum
The Early Years Foundation Stage is a government led, statutory framework for all children aged between 0 and 5 years. It provides a framework for the safeguarding, learning and development of all children attending Peartree Way Nursery School.
There are 4 overarching principles which should shape practice in the early years. These are:
- Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.
- Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs and help them to build their learning over time. Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers.
- Importance of learning and development. Children develop and learn at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
(EYFS 2024)
The learning and development requirements are split into 7 areas of learning with supporting guidance giving clear stages of development and learning for all children. At Peartree Way all children are supported to make the best possible progress from their individual starting points through carefully planned opportunities across all the areas of learning.
Prime Areas of Learning:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas of Learning:
Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play and learning that is guided by adults. When supporting children’s play we are mindful of the ‘characteristics of effective learning’ which are:
- 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.
Below is an excellent guide for parents/carers/guardians of children from birth to five years old. It will help you find out more about your child's learning and development in the Early Learning Foundation Stage.
What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a guide for parents