Early Years Foundation Stage

 

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? (EYFS)

The EYFS sets the standards for all childcare, nurseries, Childminders, pre-school and reception years. It is a legal requirement that all childcare providers implement the EYFS for all children from birth until their fifth birthday.

The main aim of the EYFS is to help each child achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes:-

  • To be healthy
  • To stay safe
  • To enjoy and achieve
  • To make a positive contribution
  • To achieve economic wellbeing

 

The EYFS is then broken down into four themes.

  • A unique child
  • Positive relationships
  • Enabling environments
  • Learning and Development - which is split into the 6 areas of learning:
    1. CLL- Communication, Language and Literacy
    2. PSRN- Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
    3. PSE- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
    4. KUW- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
    5. CD- Creative Development and
    6. PD- Physical Development

 

What does this mean for me and my child?

As a Childminder who is caring for your child I will be using the EYFS standards to plan for your child's activities. I will be observing your child and noticing their interests, their likes and dislikes. Then I will document what your child has achieved by using their artwork, photographs and written observations.

Using this information I will link it to where the child is developmentally within the EYFS. This is not designed to be plotting what your child can and can't do as every child is an individual and therefore progresses at different rates. It is designed to then be able to plot the best steps to encourage your child to the next developmental level depending on their existing ability. This then allows me to individually plan the next activity which your child will enjoy and also allow them to achieve the steps towards the early years developmental goals which your child should be on the way to achieving by the time they are at the end of the reception year. I will share this information with you via an Observation book.

 

Doesn't my child already do this at nursery/school?

The reason Childminders are required by law to do this is to compliment the care your child is already receiving/will receive at school or nursery. Children can act differently in different childcare settings, this way, with your permission I will be able to liaise with the nursery/school regarding themes your child is doing and also developmental achievements. It is good practice for all the settings/carers that care for your child to be following the same developmental goals and encouraging your child to the next level at the same time, this is an OFSTED requirement. It is a requirement for all children from birth-5 years therefore when your child starts nursery if they have been here from birth I am able to share with them your child's abilities therefore enabling them to plan for your child. It also means that as a childminder I am aware of the goals a child is expected to achieve by the end of reception and can help your child to work towards those.

 

Pencils