What Is the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework? 

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework is a government document that all schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers in England must follow. It sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. The standards ensure your child will learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. 

It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. 

What Will My Child Be Learning?  

The EYFS framework outlines seven areas of learning and development and educational programmes. It is split into Prime and Specific areas.  The prime areas are important for your child’s development and future learning because they lay the foundations for children’s success in all other areas of learning and of life.  The specific areas provide the range of experiences and opportunities for children to broaden their knowledge and skills also through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied.

The Prime Areas of learning are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development;

• Communication and Language;

• Physical Development.
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The Specific Areas of learning are:

• Literacy;

• Mathematics;

• Understanding the World;

• Expressive Arts and Design.
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Thurnham Glasson C of E staff will consider your child’s needs and interests to plan challenging and enjoyable activities and experiences. Staff will use the EYFS educational programmes to build a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving. 

At Thurnham Glasson C of E we have anti-discriminatory practice where staff ensure equality of opportunity for all with every child being included and supported.

How Will My Child Be Learning? 

The EYFS framework identifies the essential role of play in your child’s development. It is through both child-led play and play guided by an adult that your child will develop confidence and relationships with others. Through play, our EYFS Staff will help your child to extend their vocabulary and develop their communication skills. The EYFS framework identifies three characteristics of effective teaching and learning:

Playing and Exploring

Active Learning

Creating and Thinking Critically

A greater focus on teaching specific skills will occur as your child progresses through their Reception year, which will help them to prepare for Year One.

How Will I Know How My Child Is Doing?

EYFS staff will use their professional knowledge to understand your child’s level of development. If we have any concerns about your child's progress, we will discuss these with you.  

Three formal assessments take place during the EYFS:

Two-Year Progress Check (this will happen between the ages of 24 to 36 months)  

Reception Baseline Assessment (at the start of the Reception year)  

Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (at the end of the EYFS)

Throughout their Reception year discussions at Parents’ Evenings will inform you on how your child is progressing. At the end of the Reception year, children are benchmarked against the Early Learning Goals for each area.  There are 17 ELGs your child is expected to achieve by the end of the EYFS.

We hope that this has given you an insight into how/what your child will be learning this academic year. Further information about specific content is available on our website.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff.