13 Dec The Importance of the EYFS Curriculum
The importance of the EYFS, Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is multiple. In essence, the EYFS covers a child from birth to the age of 5. The curriculum has been created to support your child in getting ready for school and therefore prepare them for their future learning success.
The EYFS standard must be followed by early years Ofsted-registered early years providers. These include childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes (in England, Scotland and Wales have different standards).
Exemptions
If a parent feels that the EYFS curriculum conflicts with a religious or philosophical belief then they can apply for an exemption. This would involve the parent talking to their early years provider and explaining where these beliefs conflict with a) an area of learning or b) a learning goal or assessment.
Education Areas Covered:
- communication and language
- personal, social and emotional development
- physical development
- literacy
- mathematics
- understanding the world
- expressive arts and design
These fall into three key areas which are considered particularly important for stimulating children’s interest in learning and skill in building relationships.
- Communications and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language
Children are given opportunities to experience a rich language environment, develop confidence and skill in expressing themselves, and also how to speak and listen in a range of situations.
Physical Development
The early years placement should provide opportunities for young children to be active and interactive and develop their co-ordination, movement and physical control. They should also understand the health benefits of physical activity, and also make healthy choices about food.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The early years provider will aim to help children develop a positive sense of themselves and others. Children will be assessed on their ability to form positive relationships and respect others. social skills are also important as is how they manage their feelings and understand appropriate behaviour in groups.
Core Skills in Full:
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Communication and language
- Creativity
- Early literacy
- Maths and problem-solving
- Physical development
- Self-care
Safeguarding and Welfare Standards
Early years care providers must take all the steps necessary to ensure a safe environment for the children in their care. All providers must adhere to the safeguarding and child welfare standards which include:
Suitable Employees
All permanent and temporary staff have to be checked for suitability along with their qualifications, skills and experience.
Child Protection
All those involved with childcare have to be alert to all matters that involve the child’s safety and wellbeing.
Staff/Child Ratios
This is to ensure all children are supervised at all times.
Behaviour Management
Staff are required to understand unwanted behaviour and have developed the skills to deal with them.
Environment and Equipment Safety
At all times staff must consider and direct children as necessary to make sure their environment and the equipment in use are safe.
Special Education Needs
The necessary arrangements to support a child with SEN or disabilities must be in place.
Record Keeping
Children’s records must be kept up to date. Information about the child can be shared with parents and childcare professionals where appropriate.
EYFS Assessments
The child’s progress will be reviewed when they are between 2 and 3 by an early year’s practitioner or health visitor. Their class teacher will access the child at the end of the school year when they turn 5.
This article is an overview of the EYFS curriculum and is more of an introduction rather than a comprehensive document. A PDF of the full EYFS statutory framework is available on the GOV.UK website here.
About Purple Dove Recruitment
As a childcare recruitment agency, we adhere to the EYFS curriculum standards. Our remit is to ensure the supply of EYFS-aware candidates and at all times that the children of a nursery are protected.
The Purple Dove Team
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