Early education (Early Years Foundation Stage: EYFS)

Early Years education is a non-compusary stage of education generally comprising the ages from birth to 5 (or to the date when a child starts reception).

Depending on individual circumstances, parents or carers may chose whether their child go to nursery or are cared for and educated by a childminder, or not. Many factors may determine that decision. However, it is widely recognised that early education can be beneficial for children and helps them with the transition to school:

Research indicates that early education and childcare (EEC) can have a positive effect on children’s educational, cognitive, behavioural and social outcomes, in both the short and long term, if it is of high quality. EEC can also play a positive role in raising attainment and closing the gap between outcomes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and other children. (UK Parliament, 2021)

Early Years Foundation Stage

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children 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.

The EYFS only applies to schools and early years providers in England. There are different early years standards in Scotland and Wales.

Areas of learning

Children 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

Children’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.