The EYFS begins at birth and lasts until the end of the school year in which they turn five and attend full time. The EYFS curriculum is a planned programme of learning opportunities to help all children make progress towards a set of Early Learning Goals. These goals outline the skills, understanding, knowledge and attitudes that is expected at the end of the EYFS.

The EYFS is organised into 7 areas of learning which are:

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding of the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

Each area of learning and development is implemented through planned, purposeful play. This is achieved through a mix of adult-led activities and child-initiated activity. The environments are organised into distinct areas of provision to enable children to access organised and challenging experiences and activities based on their current needs and interests. Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems and relate to others.