What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?
The EYFS is the framework that guides all early years settings in England. It sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to age 5.
It is based on four key principles:
- Every child is a Unique Child – each child is special and develops in their own way.
- Positive Relationships – children learn best when they feel safe, cared for, and supported.
- Enabling Environments – the right environment encourages children to explore, learn and grow.
- Learning and Development – children learn at different rates and in different ways.
Characteristics of Effective Learning
Planning at Granville Plus Nursery School is shaped by the EYFS approach to how children learn best:
- Playing and exploring – finding out and having a go.
- Active learning – being involved and keeping on trying.
- Creating and thinking critically – having ideas and making links in their learning.
Areas of Learning and Development
The EYFS has seven areas of learning, split into two groups:
Prime Areas – the building blocks of learning:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
Specific Areas – essential skills for future learning:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
Our Approach at Granville Plus Nursery School
We provide a rich curriculum that nurtures children’s:
- wellbeing and confidence
- positive attitudes towards learning
- social skills, focus and persistence
Through carefully planned activities and experiences, as well as by listening to and observing the children, we ensure that all areas of learning are covered. This provides a strong foundation for children’s learning and helps to create a positive, enriching start to their education.
Our workshops for parents and carers explain clearly how we put the EYFS into practice, so that you can support your child’s learning journey at home too.
