Understanding The Early Years Curriculum

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The Early Years Curriculum, or the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a learning framework set by the UK Government. The EYFS is important in preparing children for later schooling. For many children this journey begins as they start nursery, play group or with a childminder. At a private nursery in Surrey, Banstead Prep, children enter into EYFS at the age of 2, where they believe that a secure, safe and happy childhood provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow.

They describe the Early Years Curriculum as ‘rich, exciting and engaging’. They also explain that the reason it is such an important stage of your child’s life is because it helps your child to prepare for school, as well as prepare for their future.

During the Early Years Curriculum your child will be learning about the world and developing their literacy and maths skills, as well as expressing themselves through arts and crafts. The EYFS also focuses a lot of classroom activities on developing communication and language skills, as well as enhancing physical development.

There are many online resources and books where parents can find out information on the EYFS. Many nurseries and schools provide parents with published information on the curriculum, to keep them engaged with their learning programme and allow them to follow along at home. They will also recommend apps and websites to assist you in your child's learning and I know these have helped us!

To help parents understand how they can support their child’s early learning stages at home, here are a few tips…

• Include your child in activities around the house as much as possible.
• Teach them about the outside world by naming all the natural elements you can see.
• Practice nursery rhymes and the alphabet. These basics will help your child to improve their vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Read bedtime stories and use books that encourage children to lift flaps or feel textures.
• Count everything! From the steps at home to the birds in a tree. Help your child to recognise numbers.
• Don’t be afraid to make some mess and enjoy arts and crafts at home. This is a great way for children to express themselves and use all of their senses.

Be relaxed about your child's early learning and they will be too.

Mummy Snowy Owl

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