Like all Ofsted-registered child care settings, as Childminders we need to follow the 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 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework supports an integrated approach to early learning and care. It gives all professionals a set of common principles and commitments to deliver quality early education and childcare experiences to all children.
As well as being the core document for all professionals working in the foundation years, the EYFS framework gives mums and dads confidence that regardless of where they choose for their child’s early education, they can be assured that the same statutory commitments and principles will underpin their child’s learning and development experience.”
Ref: https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/eyfs-statutory-framework/
The latest version of the EYFS was published in March 2017 with a revised version in September 2021.
There is a document you can download to find out more about “What to Expect, When” which is a guide for parents and carers about your child’s development and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
It sets out 3 ‘prime’ areas of learning:
- Communication and Language
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Physical development
And 4 ‘specific’ areas:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive art and design
In addition, practitioners need to provide opportunities and development for the ‘Characteristics of Effective Learning’. Children with effective learning characteristics:
- are willing to have a go
- are involved and concentrating
- have their own ideas
- choose ways to do things
- find new ways of doing things
- enjoy achieving what they set out to do
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