The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old.
All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.
Areas of learning
Your child will mostly be taught through games and play.
The areas of learning are:
- communication and language
- physical development
- personal, social and emotional development
- literacy
- mathematics
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
Assessments
Your child’s progress will be reviewed when they’re between 2 and 3 by an early years practitioner or health visitor.
Their class teacher will assess them at the end of the school year when they turn 5.
The assessment is based on classroom observation - your child won’t be tested. It uses the early learning goals, which can be found in the early years framework.
Where the EYFS applies
All schools and registered early years providers in the maintained, private, voluntary and independent sectors have to use the EYFS. This includes:
- reception and nursery classes in maintained and independent schools
- day nurseries
- childminders
- playgroups
- after school and breakfast clubs
- holiday playschemes
- Children's Centres