Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables
them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s
experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life
chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good
parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children
need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all early years
providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept
healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school
readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide
the right foundation for good future progress through school and life
The EYFS specifies requirements for learning and development and for
safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. The learning and development
requirements cover:
• the areas of learning and development which must shape activities and
experiences (educational programmes) for children in all early years settings
• the early learning goals that providers must help children work towards (the
knowledge, skills and understanding children should have at the end of the
academic year in which they turn five)
• assessment arrangements for measuring progress (and requirements for
reporting to parents and/or carers)
There are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational
programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are
important and inter-connected.
These are the prime areas:
• communication and language
• physical development
• personal, social and emotional development
The specific areas are:
• literacy
• mathematics
• understanding the world
• expressive arts and design
Here at Sowood preschool staff use the Development Matters non-statutory curriculum guidance for the EYFS, to support staff in their delivery of the EYFS learning and development requirements.
Parents are kept up-to-date with their child’s development through written reports, parents evening and day-to-day conversations with families.
If you would like any information regarding the EYFS and how we deliver it here at Sowood preschool please speak to a member of staff.
Families can find more information here:
https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/files/whattoexpectwhenaparentsguidepdf
Sowood Preschool and Community Association 