‘All children deserve the care and support they need to have the best start in life. Children learn and develop at a faster rate from birth to five years old than at any other time in their lives, so their experiences in early years have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe, and happy childhood is important in its own right. Good parenting and high-quality early learning provide the foundation children need to fulfil their potential.’

EYFS Statutory Framework for group and school based providers, 2024

THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

The term Early Years Foundation Stage refers to children from birth to the end of the reception year.

The EYFS is based upon four principles:

• A unique child – developing resilient, capable, confident and self-assured individuals.

• Positive relationships – supporting the children in becoming strong and independent.

• Enabling environments – where opportunities and experiences respond to the individual needs of the child by developing a strong partnership between practitioners, parents/carers and the child.

• Learning and developing – An acknowledgement that children learn in different ways and at different rates.

The predominant aim of the EYFS is to help young children achieve the five ‘Every Child Matters’ outcomes of staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic wellbeing. Play underpins the delivery of all the EYFS.