The Early Years Foundation Stage (‘EYFS’) framework forms the backbone of the high quality learning, development and safeguarding approach that benefits children under five at settings like Little Acorns Nursery. The EYFS is defined in law by the UK Government and its implementation is overseen by Ofsted at all registered childcare settings.

Part of the EYFS is the definition of 7 key areas of learning and each is associated with a set of goals for the children to strive towards. The seven areas form the basis of our curriculum here at the nursery and are shown below:

• Communication and Language*;
• Physical Development*;
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development*;
• Literacy;
• Mathematics;
• Understanding the World;
• Expressive Arts and Design.

Three of the seven are what’s known as ‘prime areas’ of focus and these are shown with an asterisk above. They are designed to spark a deep curiosity in the children and to give them a thirst for knowledge. They also give them the core tools to thrive and to grow healthy relationships with others.

The remaining 4 areas of focus are known as ‘specific’ areas. These will give children a wider range of skills, deeper understanding and knowledge and also help children to become more creative. In turn, the 3 prime and 4 specific focus areas feed into and reinforce each other.

All in all, the EYFS curriculum at Little Acorns Nursery gives children the very best start in life. It gives them the tools to absolutely thrive, both while they are with us and long after they have left us for their onward journey to school and beyond.