EYFS

It is a legal requirement for childminders to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework - also known as EYFS. This covers childrens development from when they are born to the end of reception. EYFS is not like a schools formal curriculum, it is based on a play approach to education.

The EYFS aims ensures childminders provide; quality and consistency in their setting to ensure no one is left behind and everyone makes good progress, a secure foundation through learning and development opportunities which are planned to meet each individual child's needs, partnership working between childminders and parents/carers and equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice and ensuring every child is included and supported.

Play is a vital part of child development and learning. The importance of play is heavily woven into the framework of EYFS that childminders work closely to. Section 1.8 of EYFS 'Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity. Play is essential for children's development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems and to relate to others.'

There are different areas of learning which are all important and joined to each other. Please see the drop downs for more information.