Early Years Foundation Stage

Since September 2008, Early Years providers have to follow a structure of learning, development and care for children from birth to five years old. This is called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and it enables your child to learn through a range of activities.

Throughout our website you will find reference to the EYFS principles and how we bring them to life, including the Ofsted reports where all our nurseries are inspected against the EYFS common standards in care and early education

The principles are closely aligned to our own Co-operative Values of Democracy, Openness, Equality and Social Responsibility. We believe that these values are important when making the decision of where to place your trust, a decision we know is not easy to make or one we ever take for granted.

What does the Early Years Foundation Stage do?
The EYFS ensures:

• Children learn through play
• Providers work closely with parents
• You are kept up to date on your child’s progress
• The welfare, learning and all-round development of children with different backgrounds and levels of ability, including those with special educational needs and disabilities

What are the EYFS Themes and Principles?
The EYFS has four themes: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning and Development. Each theme has an overarching Principle and each Principle has 4 commitments which explain how the principles can be put into practice.

Theme: A Unique Child Principle: Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured. Commitments: Child Development, Inclusive Practice, Keeping Safe, Health and Well-being.

Theme: Positive Relationships Principle: Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person. Commitments: Respecting Each Other, Parents as Partners, Supporting Learners, Key Person.

Theme: Enabling Environments Principle: The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children’s development and learning. Commitments: Observation, Assessment and Planning, Supporting Every Child, The Learning Environment, The Wider Context.

Theme: Learning And Development Principle: Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of Learning and Development are equally important and interconnected. Commitments: Play and Exploration, Active Learning, Creativity and Critical Thinking, Areas of Learning and Development.