Long-Term Curriculum Planning | EYFS

EYFS definition

Long-term curriculum planning sets out the broad learning intentions and experiences a setting wants to offer over an extended period, often a year. In the EYFS, it connects these intentions across the seven areas of learning.

What does a long-term plan describe?

It provides a broad view of what learning might build towards and how opportunities connect over time. This may include recurring experiences, language, relationships, physical development and gradually more demanding learning.

A list of topics or celebration dates may contribute useful contexts, but does not by itself explain what children are intended to learn.

What might it look like in practice?

  • A baby room identifies how everyday care and exploration support communication and movement.
  • A preschool plans repeated opportunities to revisit stories, quantities and relationships.
  • A Reception team considers how mathematical ideas connect across the year.

How does it connect with everyday planning?

Medium-term planning develops priorities for a shorter period; short-term planning considers more immediate opportunities and support. These scales can inform one another.

Adults revisit the longer-term picture as they learn about the children and families. A curriculum overview can provide direction while leaving room for different starting points, interests and ways of participating.

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