What Is The EYFS?
The Early Years Foundation Stage is a framework for children up to the age of five, setting out six key areas of learning around which activities should be based.
What does the EYFS cover?
It covers the welfare and development of children.
The welfare section covers:
- Basic checks, such as ensuring staff have undergone all relevant security checks
- Facilities and equipment safe and suitable for children
- Quality of the environment, for example, it recommends there should be some access to outdoor space
The development section covers:
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Communication, language and literacy
- Problem solving, reasoning and literacy
- Knowledge and understanding of the world
- Physical development
- Creative development
Where does the EYFS apply?
All childcare providers except mother and toddler groups, nannies and short-term crèches have to be registered and inspected by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education - so that means that all our after school clubs and play schemes are registered (please see After School Clubs for URN numbers). The EYFS, therefore, applies to:
- reception and nursery classes in maintained and independent schools
- day nurseries
- childminders
- playgroups
- after school and breakfast clubs
- holiday play schemes
- Sure Start Children’s Centres
In England a parent can ask a childcare provider for their Ofsted unique registration number (URN) - see after school clubs and use this to check their registration on Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Inspection-reports.
How will I know how My Child is doing?
EYFS guidelines state that your child should have a ‘key person’ at the after school clubs and play schemes, who is responsible for putting together information on how your child is developing. You can ask to see this information, share your own impressions and build on what your child is learning at home, just speak to the supervisor at the after school club. When your child starts at the club, you will be invited in to meet with the key person before the intial session and discuss all the relevant information that we and you need to know.
How can I find out more?
To find out more, visit www.direct.gov.uk/eyfs
Ofsted - what do they do?
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They report directly to Parliament and are independent and impartial. They inspect and regulate ours and other services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.
To find an inspection report, go to the Find an inspection report page.
The aim of this work is to promote improvement in the services we deliver so that children and young people, parents and carers, adult learners and employers benefit. Please see below the set of standards that our after school clubs and holiday schemes are guided by and need to meet.