The EYFS

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.

The EYFS aims to provide:

• quality and consistency in all early years’ settings
• a secure foundation for all children for good progress through school and life
• partnerships between different practitioners
• partnerships between parents or carers and practitioners
• equality of opportunity for all children

We’re adding a couple of documents that are relevant to the EYFS, that you are free to
download. One is a booklet to help parents/carers to find out more about how your child is
learning and developing during the first five years, in relation to the EYFS.

The other is a Government publication of the 2014 Statutory framework for the early year’s
foundation stage, that sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from
birth to five.