Early years (0-5) education

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework of learning, development and care for children from birth to 5 years old. It enables your child to learn through a range of activities, such as learning through play.

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All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries, and school reception classes. You can find the document in the downloads section below or on the government website.

Areas of learning
Your child will mostly be taught through games and play. The areas of learning are:
• Communication and language
• Physical development
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design

Attendance in Early Years Settings and School Provision
Good attendance is essential for children to take full advantage of the learning and development opportunities available to them in their early years.
Through regular attendance, children build up the secure attachments they need for healthy development. A regular routine supports the young child to feel settled and secure. Unsettled children have higher stress levels which, in turn, prevent them from being able to benefit fully from the learning opportunities available.
Studies show that children who regularly attend Preschool and Early Years settings have better early academic attainment and social-emotional wellbeing than those who do not attend. Children with good early years attendance also perform better than their peers at the end of Reception. This means that a lack of attendance could affect your child’s learning and development. Therefore, regular and punctual attendance is paramount, so that all children have full access to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
We recognise that sometimes families may need extra support with attendance, therefore effective communication is essential between you and your key person. The Early Years setting or school will collaborate with you to support your child’s good attendance and punctuality. Where children’s attendance is not improving, the setting will talk to you about the available support, for example, implementing bedtime routines, supporting you with healthy eating, referrals to early help or other support agencies.

Safeguarding
We all have a duty to keep children safe and protect them from harm. Poor attendance can be seen as a safeguarding issue.

Starting Reception Class
New skills take time to learn. Practising at home will help your child move into school more easily with confidence.
Click on the link for some great ideas to prepare your child for school.
https://startingreception.co.uk/#how-can-i-help-my-child-get-ready

If your child has SEND – click on this link for useful ideas to support SEND transitions.
https://www.fis.cityoflondon.gov.uk/send-local-offer/early-years-0-to-5

Our Early Years Service Team is committed to support and strengthen you in your practice, so that children can have the best possible start in life and reach their full potential. Click on this page to find updates and information about topics that are relevant to you: https://www.fis.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ey-send-hub/early-years-hub