What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in Nursery?
Explore the developmental stages of childhood through play with us!
At Kid’s Island Nursery, our approach to early childhood education is inspired by many wonderful teaching philosophies; from the outdoor learning systems inspired by Forest schooling to Reggio Emilia-inspired play exploration. All of these fantastic teaching practices are woven into the sturdy foundation of the British Curriculum, and with that, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
While we primarily focus on incorporating many different styles of play-based learning, the framework does play a vital role in our daily practice, guiding how we support and observe each child’s development during these vital early years. Every milestone needs to be celebrated, after all!
What is the EYFS?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the UK government’s framework for early childhood education, which covers the developmental cycles of children from 8 months to 5 years old. It provides a clear image of child development for teachers, parents and other educators in all aspects of children’s learning, development and understanding of children in their care.
The EYFS ensures that every child, wherever they are, gets the same strong foundation to build on when they start school. It focuses not just on academic skills, but on the whole child: their wellbeing, social confidence, creativity, curiosity, and independence.
The EYFS at Kid’s Island Nursery
At Kid’s Island Nursery, we take the EYFS and bring it to life through a nurturing, play-rich environment. While we draw inspiration from various educational approaches, the EYFS provides the base elements that underpin our curriculum.
Our teachers use the EYFS Baseline Document to track and assess each child’s developmental progress. This doesn’t mean sitting at desks or filling in worksheets…quite the opposite actually! Assessment is done through natural observation during play and throughout the natural routines of the day.
Whether a child is building towers with magnetic tiles, making mud pies in the Mud Kitchen, painting in the Atelier or singing their heart out during circle time; our teachers are noticing how they communicate, problem-solve, express themselves, and interact with others. These observations help us understand where a child is thriving, and where they may need a little extra support (which is okay!).
The Seven Areas of Learning and Development
The EYFS is divided into seven interconnected areas of learning, which together help children grow into confident, capable learners.
1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This is about helping children understand themselves and others. Through daily routines, budding friendships and most importantly play, children learn how to manage their emotions, take turns, show empathy, and build positive relationships. This is the foundation for every child’s learning development.
2. Physical Development
From tummy time to climbing, jumping, threading beads, or using scissors; physical development includes both gross motor skills (large body movements) and fine motor skills (control of hands and fingers). At Kid’s Island, we provide plenty of opportunities indoors and outdoors for children to move, explore and strengthen their bodies.
3. Communication and Language Development
Through stories, songs and conversations, children develop listening skills, vocabulary and the ability to express their ideas. Our incredible staff model rich language and create moments where children feel confident to speak, share, and be heard. And this includes being able to read and understand body language too, it counts!
4. Literacy Development
Children begin to recognise letters and sounds towards the end of their nursery journey, but literacy development starts way before this! They learn to handle books with care, look at pictures and learn the art of story-telling. This gentle approach to introducing phonics and the written word is the best way to create a life-long love of learning.
5. Mathematics
Through hands-on play and constant environmental exposure, children learn about numbers, shapes, patterns and measure. Whether they’re counting shells in the sandpit or sorting pom-poms by colour, early maths is woven into everyday invitations that make numbers relevant and familiar.
6. Understanding the World
This area of learning helps children make sense of the world around them. Exploring nature, their community, cultures, old and new technology and their environment. It’s where curiosity blossoms, and children begin to ask “why” and “how” as they discover connections in the world.
7. Expressive Arts and Design
Creativity is the truest form of play! We are talking about open-ended painting, music and dance, role play, construction and using their incredible imaginations. It allows children to express themselves freely and develop a vast imagination alongside confidence and problem-solving skills.
Why the EYFS Matters
The EYFS isn’t about testing or ticking boxes, it’s about building a foundation for lifelong learning. By supporting every area of development, it ensures that when children leave nursery, they’re not only prepared for school but equipped with curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning.
At Kid’s Island Nursery, our experienced educators use the EYFS as a guide but not a script. We balance structure with creativity, allowing each child’s unique interests to shape their learning journey. In doing so, we nurture confident, capable, and joyful learners who are ready to take their next steps in the world.
F.A.Q:
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The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the UK government’s framework for early childhood education, which covers the developmental cycles of children from 8 months to 5 years old. It provides a clear image of child development for teachers, parents and other educators in all aspects of children’s learning, development and understanding of children in their care.
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The most obvious difference between the Montessori approach and the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) lies in how children’s daily routines are structured and delivered.
Montessori has a strong focus on children learning based on their interests and self-guided learning, whereas the EYFS provides a solid structure for understanding development through the seven areas of learning and development. -
The four main principals of the EYFS are as follows:
1. A Unique Child: Every child is a unique individual learner who is capable, self-confident and resilient.
2. Positive Relationships: Children learn to be independent and secure in their relationships with their families and home.
3. Enabling Environments: Providing children with environments that foster curiosity and meet children’s individual learning needs.
4. Learning and Development: Children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates, and the EYFS framework covers the education and care of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.