The Early Year’s Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a government document which sets the standards for learning, development and care for all children from birth to five.
It details all the legal requirements, the principles that practitioners need to put into their practice and information on supporting children’s progression through the seven areas of learning and development.
The Seven Areas of Learning
The following seven areas of learning combine together to make up the skills, knowledge and experiences that babies and children acquire as they grow, learn and develop. The prime areas are Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Communication and Language. These are fundamental as they work together to support development in all areas. The developmental statements in these areas help our guardians at Highgate Montessori to identify and plan for the children’s individual interests and abilities.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This area looks at supporting our children to develop a sense of themselves, social skills and respect for others and a positive disposition to learn. We are aware that their emotional well-being also needs to be supported in order to help them understand and manage their feelings and behaviour.
Physical Development
This area aims to support our children in using their senses and bodies to explore the world around them and make connections between new and existing knowledge. They are encouraged to be active and interact with things to improve their skills of co-ordination, control and manipulation in conjunction with developing an understanding of healthy living practices.
Communication and Language
This area supports our children’s developing competence in listening and understanding as well as speaking and communicating.
They will be given opportunities to build these skills and gain confidence to use them in a range of situations.
Literacy
This area focuses on our children learning the skills needed for reading and writing.
Mathematics
This area looks at supporting our children to develop their understanding of numbers, calculating, shapes, space and measures.
Understanding the World
This area looks at supporting our children in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding to help them make sense of their world. They will also be given the opportunity to explore creatures, people, plants and objects and undertake practical experiments.
Expressive Arts and Design
This area looks at supporting our children in developing their creativity by providing a range of opportunities, materials and media in which to express themselves and use their imaginations. They are encouraged to explore and share their thoughts, feelings and ideas through art, music, dance, drama and construction.