The EYFS curriculum is first and foremost the EYFS Statutory framework. The Framework sets out the Characteristics of Effective Learning (How children learn) and the 7 Areas of Learning (What children learn.) Practitioners also use Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters to inform planning and assessment.

Characteristics of Effective Learning

The characteristics of effective learning, how we learn, underpins the Early Years Foundation Stage across our federation  The ways in which children engage with others and their environment – playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically – support the children to remain effective and motivated learners.

Playing and exploring, which is about finding out and exploring, playing with what they know and being willing to ‘have a go’.

Active Learning, which is about being involved and concentrating, persevering and enjoying achieving what they set out to do.

Creating and thinking critically, which is about having their own ideas, making links and choosing ways to do things.

To help children understand about how they can develop effective learning behaviours  the adults actively encourage children to use ‘Super Learning Powers’ and model how to do this as they play and learn.

We make judgements about the child’s demonstration of these characteristics each term and use this information to support learning.