Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework
The EYFS framework sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well.
Section 1 – Learning and development requirements
The EYFS learning and development requirements are made up of seven areas. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.
Seven Areas of Learning
Prime Areas
- Personal Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Art and Design
All areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum are provided daily in both independent and adult supported learning experiences.
The Educational Programmes are curriculum summaries which set out what should be taught in settings for each area. Providers build on these educational summaries to design and create their early years curriculum. These can be found in The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework document.
Section 2 – Assessment
Assessment at the start of the reception year – the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA)
The Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) is a short assessment, taken in the first six weeks in which a child starts reception.
Assessment at the end of the EYFS – the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP)
In the final term of the academic year in which the child reaches age five the EYFS Profile must be completed. Each child’s level of development must be assessed against the early learning goals. The early learning goals (ELGs) are the level of development children should be expected to have reached by the end of Foundation. Practitioners must note whether children are meeting expected levels of development, or if they are not yet reaching expected levels (“emerging”). The EYFS profile results are shared with parents and carers in the end of year school report. Results are also shared with the local authority.
For more information on any of the above please refer to
- The Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework
- What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage - a guide for parents
