Short-Term Planning | EYFS

EYFS definition

Short-term planning considers the learning opportunities, care and support children may need in the immediate future, often over a day or week. In EYFS practice, it connects curriculum intentions with the children and circumstances present now.

What might a short-term plan include?

Adults may consider a teaching focus, a book to revisit, a change to provision, useful language or an individual adaptation. Practical arrangements can include who will support an experience and which resources are needed.

Planning may be shared through a brief discussion, notes or a suitable template. The useful level of detail depends on the setting and purpose.

What might it look like in practice?

  • A baby’s key person agrees familiar songs and gestures with their family.
  • A childminder prepares accessible resources for tomorrow’s mixed-age group.
  • A preschool adult offers larger blocks after noticing difficulty joining small pieces.
  • A Reception teacher revisits a counting idea through a brief group activity and play.

What happens when plans change?

Children’s responses may lead adults to adjust the timing, explanation, challenge or support. Short-term planning can include prepared experiences and decisions made during interactions.

It links with broader intentions without requiring every moment of the day to be scheduled or recorded.

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