The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework outlines the standards that all early years childcare providers in England must follow to support the learning, development, health and safety of children from birth to five years old. Its main purpose is to ensure that all young children receive high-quality care and education in a safe, secure and supportive environment.
The EYFS recognises that children develop and learn rapidly during their early years and their experiences between birth and the age of five can have a significant influence on their future development and life chances. Every child deserves the best possible start in life, with opportunities and support that enable them to develop their individual abilities, build confidence and reach their full potential. A happy, safe and secure childhood, alongside positive parenting and high-quality early learning experiences, provides an important foundation for children’s future success.
The framework promotes teaching and learning that prepares children for school and equips them with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continued progress throughout their education and later life.
The EYFS aims to provide:
- Quality and consistency: Ensuring that all early years settings provide high-quality care and education, allowing every child to make progress and ensuring that no child is left behind.
- A secure foundation for learning: Supporting practitioners to plan activities and experiences based on each child’s individual needs, interests and stage of development. Children’s progress should be regularly observed, assessed and reviewed.
- Partnership working: Encouraging positive relationships between early years practitioners, parents and carers to provide consistent support for each child’s learning and development.
- Equality of opportunity and inclusion: Making sure that every child is valued, included and supported, regardless of their background, circumstances or individual needs. Practitioners must promote equality and challenge discrimination.
The EYFS Statutory Framework sets out specific requirements relating to children’s learning and development, as well as safeguarding and promoting their welfare.
The learning and development requirements include:
- Educational programmes: The areas of learning and development that must guide the activities and experiences provided for children in early years settings.
- Early Learning Goals (ELGs): The expected knowledge, skills and understanding that children should demonstrate by the end of the academic year in which they turn five.
- Assessment arrangements: Requirements for monitoring and assessing children’s progress, identifying their learning needs and sharing information about their development with parents and carers.
The safeguarding and welfare requirements outline the responsibilities of early years providers in protecting children from harm, keeping them safe and promoting their physical and emotional wellbeing. These requirements ensure that children are cared for in an environment where they feel safe, valued and supported.
