Learning and Development

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela

Early Years Development- A guide for parents

"Children are born ready, able and eager to learn. They actively reach out to interact with other people, and in the world around them. Development is not an automatic process, however. It depends on each unique child having opportunities to interact in positive relationships and enabling environments."

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 2012

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a structure of learning, development and care that all schools and early years providers follow from birth to five years old. Our practitioners carry out regular observations of your child, using the information gathered to plan activities which reflect your child’s interests and abilities. These observations cover all areas of development within the EYFS as well as recording special moments or your child’s response to certain activities. Observations are recorded in your child’s learning journey, a document which highlights your child’s development and provides you with a record of your child’s time at preschool for years to come.

There are 4 themes within the EYFS:

These themes are important as they all combine to ensure young children make good, strong progress in their earliest years. This Stage in life is the most important as children’s minds and bodies grow and develop most from birth to age 5.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas of learning and development have been

produced by the government and early years professionals for use by all early years providers including child minders.

We use the areas of learning and development when we are observing, assessing and planning for your child’s individual needs. The areas of learning and development make sure that we are constantly challenging your child and helping them to develop and succeed.

There are 7 areas of learning and they are split into 2 parts

A. The 3 prime areas – which are for all children and will always be the main focus of our

planning and activities for children under 3

B. The 4 specific areas – which are mostly used for the older children (over 3s) but are also relevant for younger children

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This area of learning and development is about how your child…