The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The EYFS is the statutory framework that shapes how we care for and teach children from birth to 5 at Buckshaw Village Nursery. Children learn through play across seven areas of development, building the foundations they need for school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework for children from birth to 5 years. At Buckshaw Village Nursery in Chorley we follow the EYFS across seven areas of learning, helping every child learn through play and reach their Early Learning Goals by the age of 5.
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
The Early Years Foundation Stage, first introduced and revised in 2014, is the framework that sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. Every child at Buckshaw Village Nursery in Chorley learns within the EYFS, from our youngest babies right through to pre-school.
The framework is built around the belief that children are eager and active learners. It guides our practitioners as they plan learning activities, and it makes sure each child develops sustained progress in a safe, nurturing environment. Families from Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Leyland, Euxton, Preston and Whittle-le-Woods choose The Hub at Buckshaw for exactly this ambitious, caring approach.
The seven areas of learning
The EYFS is made up of seven areas of learning and development. Three prime areas come first and underpin everything a child does. These support four specific areas, in which the prime skills are strengthened and applied.
Three prime areas
Communication and language
Giving children rich opportunities to listen, talk, build vocabulary and express themselves with confidence.
Physical development
Developing coordination, control and movement, both large and small, through active indoor and outdoor play.
Personal, social and emotional development
Helping children form positive relationships, manage feelings and grow in independence and self confidence.
Four specific areas
Literacy
Encouraging a love of books, early reading and mark making that leads towards writing.
Mathematics
Building an understanding of numbers, counting, shape, space and measure through everyday play.
Understanding the world
Exploring people, communities, nature and technology to make sense of the world around them.
Expressive arts and design
Nurturing imagination and creativity through art, music, movement, role play and design.
Learning through play
At the heart of the EYFS is the understanding that young children learn best through play. Our curriculum encourages children to develop across all seven areas by "playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking", both indoors and outdoors.
Because every child is unique, our curriculum is flexible and responsive to individual needs. Practitioners follow each child's interests, build on what they already know and celebrate every step of their learning journey.
What the EYFS framework sets out
The EYFS does more than describe what children learn. It sets clear expectations for how they are kept safe and how their progress is understood, giving parents confidence in the care their child receives.
Legal welfare requirements
Clear standards that keep every child safe, healthy and well cared for while they are with us.
Guidance for professionals
A shared framework that helps our practitioners plan meaningful learning around each child.
Progress assessments
Regular observations and assessments that track how each child is developing over time.
Early Learning Goals
The levels of development children are expected to reach by the end of the reception year, at age 5.
Early Learning Goals by age 5
The Early Learning Goals (ELGs) describe the level of development most children are expected to reach by the end of the EYFS, at the age of 5. They are not a test but a helpful guide, showing where a child is confident and where a little more support might help.
By observing children as they play and learn, our practitioners assess progress towards these goals and share it openly with families. This keeps home and nursery working together and makes the move on to school as smooth and happy as possible.
Support for every child
The EYFS is designed to help every child make sustained progress, whatever their starting point. That includes children with special educational needs and children who are learning English as an additional language.
Our experienced team knows each child as an individual and adapts learning so that all children feel included, valued and ready to thrive. To see how this comes to life day to day, explore our Ofsted Outstanding nursery or arrange a visit.
See the EYFS in action
Buckshaw Village Nursery is at The Hub, Unity Place, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7HZ, just off the M6 with free parking. Get in touch to find out how our team brings the EYFS to life for every child.
EYFS questions, answered
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?
What are the seven areas of learning in the EYFS?
What ages does the EYFS cover at Buckshaw Village Nursery?
How do children learn under the EYFS?
What are Early Learning Goals (ELGs)?
Give your child the best early years start
Discover how the EYFS shapes learning at our Outstanding Buckshaw Village Nursery in Chorley.