Communication and language
Listening, understanding and talking, building a rich vocabulary through stories, songs and conversation.
Looks like: Sharing books, rhymes, role play in the home corner.
Early years curriculum
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the national framework for children from birth to five, and bring it to life through play.
The three prime areas
Building strong foundations
These areas are especially important for igniting curiosity and forming relationships, and underpin everything else.
Physical development
Moving with confidence and control, from climbing and balancing to using scissors and pencils.
Looks like: Obstacle courses, dough, pouring and threading.
Personal, social and emotional development
Making friends, understanding feelings and growing in independence and self-care.
Looks like: Taking turns, putting on coats, feelings check-ins.
The four specific areas
Widening their world
These areas build on the prime areas and help children make sense of the world around them.
Literacy
A love of books and stories, early mark-making and recognising sounds and letters.
Looks like: Story sacks, name cards, chalk on the playground.
Mathematics
Counting, comparing, recognising shapes and spotting patterns in everyday play.
Looks like: Hopscotch, sorting, counting snack portions.
Understanding the world
Exploring nature, people and communities, and how things work.
Looks like: Minibeast hunts, planting, village walks.
Expressive arts and design
Creating with materials, music, movement and imaginative play.
Looks like: Painting, junk modelling, dancing and dressing up.
How children learn
Alongside the seven areas, the EYFS describes three characteristics of effective learning. We notice and nurture them every day, and share your child’s progress with you, including the progress check at age two.
- Playing and exploring
- Active learning
- Creating and thinking critically
See learning through play
The best way to understand the EYFS is to watch it in action. Come and visit during a session.