EYFS - Curriculum from the UK

The early years' foundation stage (EYFS) is the educational framework for children aged 0-5. It sets standards for learning, development, and care in early childhood settings.

The seven areas of learning and development covered by the EYFS are:

1. Communication and language

2. Physical development

3. Personal, social, and emotional development

4. Literacy

5. Mathematics

6. Understanding the world

7. Expressive arts and design

The four guiding principles of early childhood development are:

1. Every child is unique and constantly learning.

2. They are resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured.

3. Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

4. Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults. They benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents.

The early years foundation stage is designed to give young children a strong start in life, providing them with the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and consistent environment. practitioners work closely with parents to ensure that each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Assessments in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) happen every day, in the form of observations rather than formal testing. A child's progress is reviewed at around two years old, before they start more structured learning, and again at the end of their reception year before they move on to Key Stage 1.

All children in early years will have a 'learning journey'. This is a document that records observations about the child. EYFS practitioners observe children as they play to understand the child’s current attainment, their interests and plan for their next steps accordingly.