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Chelis School Consultancy and Development Centre

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. All schools and FME (Federal Ministry of Education)registered early years providers must follow the EYFS standards, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes. It was introduced as part of the 2006 Childcare Act and must be followed by all FME-registered settings and childminders.

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The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. All schools and FME (Federal Ministry of Education)registered early years providers must follow the EYFS standards, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes. It was introduced as part of the 2006 Childcare Act and must be followed by all FME-registered settings and childminders.

"The ways in which the child engages with other people and their environment – playing and exploring, active learning and creating, and thinking critically is pivotal to learning and development across all areas; lending support to the child to remain an effective and motivated learner.

The prime areas begin to develop quickly in response to relationships and experiences, and run through and support learning in all other areas. The prime areas continue to be fundamental throughout the EYFS. The EYFS Framework explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy development. Your child will be learning skills, acquiring new knowledge and demonstrating their understanding through 7 areas of learning and development. Children should mostly develop the 3 prime areas first which are communication and language, physical, personal, social and emotional development. These prime areas are those most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning. As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in the other four specific areas. These are literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts and design.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
What is EYFS
Responsibilities of an EYFS Teacher
Physical Development - Feely Palms
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of the EYFS framework, which is essential for anyone working with children aged 0-5 in FME-registered settings
Explores the seven areas of learning and development within the EYFS framework, offering a comprehensive understanding of child development
Covers activities that support physical development, communication, language, and personal, social, and emotional development, which are crucial for early years learning
Includes activities like 'Pom-Pom Avalanche' and 'Spinning Cups,' suggesting a hands-on approach to learning and development
Focuses on the prime areas of development (communication and language, physical, personal, social and emotional development), which are foundational for future learning
Requires familiarity with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which may necessitate prior learning for those new to early childhood education

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Reviews summary

Introduction to eyfs standards

According to learners, this course provides a neutral introduction to the neutralEarly Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. It covers the neutralcore standards and different areas of learning and development for children aged 0-5. The syllabus indicates that it includes positivepractical examples of activities for each area. While it appears to offer a positivesolid foundation for those new to the EYFS, it may be warningtoo basic for experienced practitioners already familiar with the framework.
Best suited for those new to EYFS.
"Good starting point if you're new to early years education."
"Found it a great beginner's guide to the framework."
"Might be too basic if you've worked with EYFS before and need depth."
Provides examples of activities for each area.
"The activity ideas were really useful for illustrating the concepts."
"Liked seeing practical ways to apply the theory."
"Gave me ideas for my own practice in early years education."
Explains the key areas and standards.
"It gave me a solid grasp of the main EYFS areas."
"I now understand the prime and specific areas of the framework."
"Helpful introduction to what the Early Years Foundation Stage covers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding the Early Years Foundation Stage with these activities:
Understanding the Revised Early Years Foundation Stage
Familiarize yourself with the key principles and areas of learning within the EYFS framework.
View Birth to 5 Matters on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage'.
  • Read the introduction and overview of the EYFS framework.
  • Review the age-related expectations for each area of learning.
  • Reflect on how the guidance can be applied in practice.
Review Child Development Theories
Strengthen your understanding of child development theories to better inform your practice within the EYFS framework.
Browse courses on Attachment Theory
Show steps
  • Identify key child development theories relevant to the EYFS.
  • Summarize the main principles of each theory.
  • Consider how these theories relate to the EYFS areas of learning.
Discuss EYFS Activities with Peers
Share ideas and best practices for implementing EYFS activities with other educators.
Show steps
  • Organize a peer session with other early years educators.
  • Share examples of successful EYFS activities you have used.
  • Discuss challenges and solutions related to implementing EYFS activities.
  • Brainstorm new activity ideas based on the EYFS framework.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop an EYFS Activity Plan
Design a comprehensive activity plan that integrates multiple areas of learning within the EYFS framework.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme or topic relevant to the EYFS framework.
  • Identify the areas of learning that will be addressed in the activity.
  • Develop specific learning objectives for the activity.
  • Outline the materials and resources needed for the activity.
  • Write detailed instructions for implementing the activity.
Volunteer in an Early Years Setting
Gain practical experience in applying the EYFS framework by volunteering in a real-world early years setting.
Show steps
  • Identify local early years settings that accept volunteers.
  • Contact the setting and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete any necessary background checks or training.
  • Assist with activities and interact with children under the supervision of qualified staff.
Observing and Assessing Young Children
Learn effective observation and assessment techniques to track children's progress within the EYFS framework.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Observing Young Children'.
  • Read the chapters on observation techniques and assessment methods.
  • Practice observing children in a real-world setting.
  • Reflect on how observation and assessment can inform your practice.
Create an EYFS Resource Pack
Compile a collection of resources and materials that can be used to support learning and development within the EYFS framework.
Show steps
  • Gather a variety of resources, such as books, games, and activities.
  • Organize the resources by area of learning within the EYFS framework.
  • Write brief descriptions of each resource and how it can be used.
  • Create a user-friendly guide to the resource pack.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding the Early Years Foundation Stage will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Preschool Teacher
A Preschool Teacher plays a vital role in the early education of children. They design and implement activities based on the EYFS framework, focusing on prime areas such as communication, language, physical, social, and emotional development. This course provides a solid understanding of the EYFS standards and how they translate into practical activities, like those mentioned in the syllabus, such as the feelings game or pom-pom avalanche. This course introduces one to the responsibilities of an EYFS teacher.
Early Years Practitioner
An Early Years Practitioner works directly with young children in a variety of settings such as nurseries and preschools. They implement activities that support children's learning and development, adhering to the EYFS framework. With a strong understanding of the EYFS standards, the Early Years Practitioner will be able to create learning environments that promote the prime areas outlined in the EYFS framework.
Childcare Director
A Childcare Director oversees the operations of a childcare facility, ensuring it adheres to the EYFS framework and creates a nurturing environment for children. This course introduces the director to the EYFS standards, and so helps them monitor and implement best practices. Understanding the specific areas of learning and development, will help a childcare director to evaluate the curriculum and ensure it meets the children's needs. For example, knowing the structure of the EYFS is key to being an effective childcare director.
Early Childhood Education Consultant
An Early Childhood Education Consultant advises schools and childcare providers on implementing effective early years programs. They may assess current practices and recommend improvements based on the EYFS framework. This course provides a foundational understanding of EYFS, enabling a consultant to assess areas such as physical development, communication and language, and personal development. Therefore this course is an excellent fit for anyone looking to be an Early Childhood Education Consultant.
Nursery Manager
As a Nursery Manager, one is responsible for the day to day running of a nursery, and one is expected to be familiar with the EYFS framework. This course will help the Nursery Manager review existing programs. It will also help with staff training. The knowledge from this course may inform the hiring and training practices of the Nursery Manager.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs educational materials and lesson plans for early years settings. They ensure that the curriculum aligns with the EYFS standards and promotes holistic development. This course is helpful for curriculum developers as it covers the EYFS framework and the seven areas of learning and development. The course also introduces a variety of activities that can be incorporated into lesson plans. This course is a fundamental starting point for any Curriculum Developer.
Special Education Teacher
A Special Education Teacher works with children who have special educational needs, adapting the curriculum to meet their individual requirements. Understanding the EYFS will help them create individualized education programs that address the specific needs of each child. This course's foundation with respect to the EYFS framework enables special education teachers to modify the course to suit the child's individual needs and learning style. This is a foundational course for a Special Education Teacher.
Parent Educator
A Parent Educator provides guidance and support to parents on various aspects of child development and parenting skills. By enrolling in this course, the Parent Educator will learn about the learning and development of a child. They will learn about communication and language, physical, personal, social and emotional development. This information can then be used as a tool for the Parent Educator to help other parents.
Family Support Worker
A Family Support Worker provides assistance and guidance to families with young children, helping them to overcome challenges and promote child development. This course will introduce the areas of learning and development within the EYFS, enabling the worker to offer targeted support. This course may be particularly helpful with respect to knowledge of child services.
Early Intervention Specialist
An Early Intervention Specialist works with infants and young children who have developmental delays or disabilities. They develop and implement individualized intervention plans to support their growth. This course, focused on the EYFS framework, is useful for an Early Intervention Specialist. This is because a key goal of an Early Intervention Specialist is to develop individualized intervention plans.
Children's Librarian
A Children's Librarian curates age-appropriate books and resources. They promote literacy and a love of reading among children. This course's focus on Literacy and Development will help the Children's Librarian be conversant with the area. The Children's Librarian will learn about connecting words with pictures. They may also design activities or events that promote literacy and align with early learning standards.
Child Psychologist
Child Psychologist requires an advanced degree. A Child Psychologist specializes in the psychological development of children. A Child Psychologist will find this course to be particularly useful, because it provides fundamental information of what the EYFS entails. They will also find the activities of the course to be insightful for their work. Thus, the Child Psychologist may be able to have a holistic view regarding the mental health of their patients.
Play Therapist
Play Therapist requires an advanced degree. A Play Therapist uses play as a therapeutic medium to help children deal with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. This course offers a look in to how child development occurs in the early stages. This course may aid the Play Therapist in understanding which activities are age-appropriate. They can then use this information to inform their work. They can also use this information to gauge where a child is at.
Adoption Caseworker
An Adoption Caseworker facilitates the adoption process, working with both biological and adoptive families to ensure the well-being of the child. This course may be helpful to prospective adopters, as it focuses on the EYFS framework and provides information about child development. An adoption Caseworker can use this information to provide this course as a helpful resource to prospective adopters.
Foster Parent
A Foster Parent provides a safe and nurturing home for children who are unable to live with their biological families. This course will familiarize the Foster Parent with developmental milestones. For example, they will appreciate better how to help a foster child with communication, language, physical, social and emotional development. This course will introduce the importance of relationships and experiences in a foster parent's home.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Provides a detailed guide to the EYFS framework, including age-related expectations and practical examples. It is particularly useful for understanding the developmental milestones and how to support children's learning in each area. This book is commonly used by early years practitioners and students as a key reference tool. It adds depth to the course by providing a comprehensive overview of the EYFS framework and its implementation.
Focuses on the importance of observation and assessment in early years education. It provides practical guidance on how to observe children's learning and development, and how to use this information to plan effective activities. This book is particularly useful for understanding how to track children's progress and identify areas where they may need additional support. It adds breadth to the course by providing a detailed guide to observation and assessment techniques.

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