Information for Parents

Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is how the Government and Early Years professionals describe the time in your child’s life between birth and age 5. This is a very important stage as it helps your child get ready for school as well as preparing them for their future learning and successes. From when your child is born up until the age of 5, their early years experience should be happy, active, exciting, fun and secure; and support their development, care and learning needs. 

What is the EYFS Framework – why do we have one?

The EYFS Framework exists to support all professional working in the EYFS to help your child, and was developed with a number of early year’s experts as well as parents.

In 2012 the framework was revised to make it clearer and easier to use, with more focus on the things that matter most. This new framework also has a greater emphasis on your role in helping your child develop. It sets out:

• The legal welfare requirements that everyone registered to look after children must follow to keep your child safe and promote their welfare.
• The 7 areas of learning and development which guide professionals’ engagement with your child’s play and activities as they learn new skills and knowledge.
• Assessments that will tell you about your child’s progress through the EYFS.
• Expected levels that your child should reach at age 5, usually the end of the Reception year, these expectations are called the ‘Early Learning Goals.’
• There is also guidance for the professionals supporting your child on planning the learning activities, and observing and assessing what and how your child is learning and developing.

For more information: https://foundationyears.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/What-to-expect-in-the-EYFS-complete-FINAL-16.09-compressed.pdf

What can parents and carers do?

Parents and carers are their children’s first educators. When they are with you learning can happen at any time and anywhere, for example through:

• Being generous with praise and cuddles;
• Sharing stories together;
• Playing games, singing nursery rhymes;
• Talking about what you can see in the park or on the street;
• Counting the stairs as you go up and down.

Children do best when parents and professionals work together.

It is important to remember that you know more about your own child than anyone else. Practitioners should be asking you about your child and sharing information with you about your child’s progress.

The part you play in their learning and the choices you make will make a difference to their future.