Part of the EYFS Glossary
This article forms part of our EYFS Glossary of Early Years Education Terms, which explains key curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment language used in early years practice.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) refers to the stage of education and care for children from birth to the end of the Reception year in England. It describes the period of early childhood during which children develop the foundations for learning, development, and wellbeing.
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) describes the stage of learning and development that takes place from birth until the end of the Reception year in England.
During this stage, children experience a wide range of learning opportunities that support their development across social, emotional, physical, and cognitive domains. Early years practitioners create environments and experiences that encourage children to explore, play, communicate, and develop relationships.
The expectations for how early years providers support children during this stage are defined in the EYFS Statutory Framework, which sets out the legal requirements for early years provision in England.
Who the EYFS Applies To
The EYFS applies to children from birth until the end of the Reception year. Guidance set out in the EYFS Statutory Framework is followed by a wide range of early years providers in England.
These providers include:
nurseries and pre-schools
school-based Reception classes
childminders
private, voluntary, and independent early years settings
All registered early years providers caring for children within this age range must follow the requirements set out in the EYFS Statutory Framework.
Key Features of the EYFS
During the Early Years Foundation Stage several key elements that shape early years practice are brought together. These include:
guidance on supporting children’s learning and development
expectations for safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare
assessment approaches used in the early years
principles that underpin effective early years practice
Together, these elements aim to support high-quality early years education and care.
Areas of Learning and Development
Children’s learning in the EYFS is organised into seven Areas of Learning and Development, which guide early years curriculum planning.
These areas are divided into two groups.
Prime Areas
The Prime Areas support children’s early development and provide foundations for learning across the curriculum.
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Specific Areas
The Specific Areas build on the foundations established through the Prime Areas.
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
These areas work together to support children’s holistic development during the early years.
Assessment in the EYFS
Assessment in the EYFS is primarily based on observation and professional knowledge of the child. Practitioners observe children’s learning during everyday activities and interactions and use this information to support planning and decision-making.
Two key assessment points take place during the EYFS:
the Progress Check at Age Two
the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) at the end of the Reception year
These assessments help practitioners understand children’s development and support transitions between stages of learning.
Statutory Context
The requirements for early years providers in England are set out in the EYFS Statutory Framework. This document defines the legal responsibilities that providers must follow when supporting children’s learning, development, safeguarding, and welfare.
While the Early Years Foundation Stage refers to the overall stage of education and care for young children, the EYFS Statutory Framework sets out the specific requirements that providers must meet.
Common Questions About the Early Years Foundation Stage
-
The Early Years Foundation Stage covers children from birth until the end of the Reception year. This typically includes children from around 0 to 5 years old. It represents the first stage of formal education in England before children move into Key Stage 1.
-
During the Early Years Foundation Stage, children take part in a range of experiences designed to support their development across communication, physical development, social relationships, early literacy, mathematics, creativity, and understanding of the world.
Learning during this stage often takes place through play, exploration, and interaction with adults and other children.
-
The Early Years Foundation Stage supports children in developing the foundations for future learning and development. Experiences during this stage help children build communication skills, confidence, independence, and early understanding of the world around them.
These foundations support children as they move into later stages of education.
Summary
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) refers to the stage of education and care for children from birth to the end of the Reception year in England. It represents the period during which children develop the foundations for learning, development, and wellbeing.
The expectations for early years providers during this stage are defined in the EYFS Statutory Framework, which sets out the legal requirements for early years provision.
Related Glossary Terms
The following glossary entries are closely related to the Early Years Foundation Stage and provide additional context:
EYFS Statutory Framework
Areas of Learning
Prime Areas
Specific Areas
Early Learning Goals (ELGs)
Development Matters
EYFSP (Early Years Foundation Stage Profile)
Observation–Assessment–Planning (OAP) Cycle
Further Guidance | Related Documents within our ‘EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy’ suite:
Below you will find a selection of guidance documents from within our Little Owls Resources ‘Curriculum & Pedagogy’ area which explore this concept (& its age-specific application within EYFS settings) in greater depth.
[For additional documents please visit our support pathways: Baby | Toddler | Preschool | Reception | Mixed-Age]
Further Guidance | Related Resources within our ‘Printable Provision’ area:
Below is a selection of resources from within our ‘EYFS Framework’ collection.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this glossary is intended to support understanding of terminology commonly used within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). It does not constitute official guidance and should not be considered a substitute for the EYFS Statutory Framework or other Department for Education publications.
Terminology and interpretations may vary between settings and professional contexts.