Whole-Setting Curriculum Map (Birth–5): Curriculum Intent & Progression
A cohesive, high-level overview of learning and development from birth to the end of the EYFS.
(Available Now with Professional Membership)
What this document is
The Whole-Setting Curriculum Map (0–5) is a strategic, high-level curriculum overview document that sets out how learning and development progress across the Early Years, from babies through to Reception. It does not replace weekly, termly or continuous provision planning, but provides the shared framework that those plans sit within.
It outlines typical developmental pathways across the Prime and Specific Areas of Learning and identifies the key golden threads that run consistently throughout a child’s journey from birth to five.
The document is designed to provide clarity and coherence at whole-setting level, while fully supporting child-led, responsive and play-based practice. It does not prescribe activities, outcomes or fixed expectations.
It is intended to support professional judgement, not replace statutory guidance.
Who this is for
EYFS leaders, managers and curriculum leads
Practitioners working across multiple age groups
Settings developing or reviewing a whole-EYFS curriculum
School-based EYFS teams ensuring continuity into Reception
Childminders and small settings seeking a clear curriculum overview
What this document helps you do
Articulate a clear, coherent EYFS curriculum from birth to five
Demonstrate how learning progresses without rushing children
Identify core learning priorities for each age band
Support smooth transitions between rooms and stages
Align provision, observation and assessment with development
Maintain consistency across a whole setting while remaining responsive
Clearly evidence curriculum intent during inspection conversations
What’s included in the document
This curriculum map pack includes:
Golden Threads (Birth–5) underpinning all learning
Curriculum Maps by Age Band:
Babies (0–18 months)
Toddlers (18–36 months)
Preschool (3–4 years)
Reception (4–5 years)
Progression Overview (at a glance) showing developmental focus across the EYFS
This document is intentionally high-level and is designed to work alongside age-band curriculum maps, continuous provision guidance, planning tools and assessment documents.
How this fits within our Birth–5 framework
This document forms part of our wider Birth–5 Curriculum & Pedagogy framework, supporting clear curriculum intent, progression and coherence across the Early Years.
This document is part of our EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy Membership (Professional), which provides full access to age-specific curriculum frameworks, planning guidance, assessment tools and leadership support.
(Available Now with Professional Membership)
Related documents include:
Additional Whole-Setting Guidance | for Professional Members
Explore our whole-setting guidance below, including overarching curriculum and pedagogy documents, early years schemas and EYFS setting policies.
-
-
Early Years Schemas - Practitioner Toolkit | EYFS Birth-5
↪ Schema Cards (definition, behaviours, age-related examples, enabling resources)
↪ Schema Observation & Responsive Provision Planning Template
-
EYFS Group Setting Policies Pack
↪ x 22 Policy Documents
↪ Policy Sign-Off and Confirmation Document
↪ EYFS Setting Policy Folder Contents List
Childminder Setting Policies Pack
↪ x 22 Policy Documents
↪ Childminder Assistant or Volunteer Policy Sign-Off and Confirmation Document
↪ Childminder Policy Folder Contents List
-
↪ Clear, practitioner-friendly explanations of key curriculum and pedagogy terms used throughout our guidance.
Age-Specific Guidance For Children Within Your Care
Select the ages relevant for the children you work with. You do not need to use everything. (Many practitioners use more than one pathway.)
What is Professional Membership?
Find our more about our Professional guidance for confident, reflective EYFS practice (Birth–5)
Latest EYFS Articles & Practical Guides | From Our Blog
Stay informed, get expert advice, and find inspiration from our collection of articles and useful external resources, tailored specifically for EYFS practitioners. We regularly publish in-depth articles to support you with current best practices, regulatory changes, and fresh ideas.
Are you looking for a specific resource or document for your provision?
Use our 🔍 SEARCH Bar located at the top of every page.
Content within the EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy Membership is provided as professional guidance and support. It reflects current understanding of the EYFS statutory framework, Development Matters and inspection expectations at the time of writing. Practitioners are responsible for applying professional judgement and ensuring practice aligns with current statutory requirements and their specific context.
Updated: January 2026