What is the early years foundation stage (EYFS)
The EYFS sets out the standards that all early years providers must meet. It promotes teaching and learning to give children the broadest range of knowledge and skills to ensure that they are ready for school.
According to the statutory framework for the EYFS, there are four guiding principles that should shape early years practice:
- every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident, and self-assured
- children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships
- children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership between practitioners and parents or carers
- children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. The framework covers the education and care of all children in early years provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities.