The Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards, that all professionals working with children age birth to five, are required to follow.The safeguarding and welfare requirements are part of the EYFS and outline what providers of childcare must do to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children such as health and safety measures,staff checks and training .

Another aspect of The EYFS is the Learning and Development requirements.

There are 7 areas of development that,as providers,we focus on :

The prime areas:

Communication and language

Physical development

Personal,Social and Emotional 

The specific areas:

Literacy

Understanding the World

Mathematics

Expressive Arts and Design

For children aged 2-3 years we focus on the prime areas as these are the foundations to help children develop in the specific areas.

Staff observe children and write down what they do/say or use photographs. This information is then put into the childs development folder and linked to the relevant area of the EYFS.

We currently use 'Tapestry' which is an electronic way of recording childrens observations and progress.Parents can access this online via phone,tablet or Computer at any time.

https://tapestry.info/

Twice a year we collate the information and write a summary of the child's development.From this information we can assess the child and plan activities and experiences that will enhance their skills.The information is discussed with the childs parent/carers although parents are welcome to see their child's folder at any time and discuss any issues.

2 year old progress check

Between the ages of 2 and 3 we are required to write a summary of a childs development in the 3 prime areas as above. This information is shared with parents/carers and we encourage the summary to be given/shared with the childs health visitor .This will help to give adetailed review of the childs health and development and identify any help if needed.

The full document can be accessed here 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2