The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework that sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five in England. It ensures that all children are supported to develop key skills, build knowledge, and prepare for school within a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.

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As an Ofsted-registered childminder, I follow the EYFS statutory framework, which covers:

• The seven areas of learning and development

• The Characteristics of Effective Learning

• Ongoing observation, assessment and planning

• Safeguarding and welfare requirements

My role is to provide a rich, play-based environment where children can explore, develop confidence, and make progress at their own pace.

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The Prime Areas of Learning

The Prime Areas are particularly important in the early years, as they form the foundations for children’s overall development.

 

Communication and Language

EYFS expectation: Children develop listening, attention and understanding skills. They learn to express themselves effectively, participate in conversations, and build vocabulary through meaningful interactions.

How I support this: I create a language-rich environment through storytelling, songs, rhymes, role play, and open-ended questioning. I model language, extend children’s sentences, and encourage back-and-forth conversation throughout the day.

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Physical Development

EYFS expectation: Children develop gross and fine motor skills, coordination, strength and balance. They learn to manage personal needs independently and understand the importance of healthy choices.

How I support this: Children have daily opportunities for outdoor movement, climbing, balancing and active play. Fine motor skills are strengthened through threading, puzzles, construction, mark-making and creative tasks. I encourage independence in dressing, self-care and managing belongings.

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Personal, Social and Emotional Development

EYFS expectation: Children build positive relationships, develop self-confidence, regulate behaviour, understand emotions, and learn to cooperate and take turns.

How I support this: I provide consistent routines, gentle guidance and opportunities for cooperative play. I help children name and understand their feelings, build friendships, and develop resilience and self-belief.

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The Specific Areas of Learning

These areas build upon the Prime Areas and broaden children’s knowledge and skills.

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Literacy

EYFS expectation: Children develop a love of reading, understand print, begin linking sounds to letters, and develop early writing skills.

How I support this: Through shared reading, accessible books, phonological awareness activities, storytelling and mark-making opportunities, I nurture early literacy in a playful and meaningful way.

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Mathematics

EYFS expectation: Children develop a strong foundation in number, numerical patterns, shape, space and measure.

How I support this: Mathematics is embedded in everyday play — counting objects, comparing quantities, exploring patterns, recognising shapes, sequencing routines and problem-solving through construction and games.

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Understanding the World

EYFS expectation: Children make sense of their physical world and community, explore nature, understand similarities and differences, and begin to use technology purposefully.

How I support this: Local walks, community visits, nature exploration, themed sensory trays and discussions about events and seasons help children develop curiosity and awareness of the wider world.

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Expressive Arts and Design

EYFS expectation: Children explore media and materials, develop imagination, express ideas creatively and engage in role play, music and design.

How I support this: Children have access to free-flow creative materials, seasonal projects, role-play themes, music, movement, puppets and craft experiences that encourage imagination and self-expression.

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The Characteristics of Effective Learning

Alongside the seven areas, the EYFS places strong emphasis on how children learn.

I support children to:

• Play and Explore – showing curiosity and investigating new experiences

• Active Learning – concentrating, persevering and taking pride in achievements

• Create and Think Critically – developing ideas, solving problems and making connections

These characteristics are embedded in everyday activities and form the foundation of confident, independent learners.

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A Child-Centred Approach

Although I carefully follow the EYFS framework and statutory requirements, my approach is always centred around the individual child. I take time to really get to know each child — their interests, personality, strengths and areas where they may need a little more support.

 

Through regular observation and thoughtful planning, I tailor activities to suit each child’s developmental stage and next steps, ensuring learning feels natural and enjoyable rather than forced.

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Above all, I believe children learn best when they feel safe, valued and happy. My aim is to create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore, try new things, build friendships and develop a genuine love of learning.

 

Working in partnership with parents is an important part of this journey, and I value open communication to support every child’s development together.