Parent Guide to the Early Years Statutory Framework 2025

Early Years Curriculum for Preschool (Ages 2-5)

The Early Years Statutory Framework 2025 (EYFS) is designed to support the development and learning of children aged 0-5. For children aged 2-5, this framework helps set out the key expectations for their development, with a focus on creating an environment where young children can thrive. The curriculum outlines the important areas of learning and development, as well as the principles that underpin effective teaching and care. As a parent, understanding this framework can help you support your child’s progress and work closely with preschool educators.

What is the Early Years Curriculum?

The Early Years Curriculum is a structured approach to fostering children’s learning and development in preschool settings. It is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which sets out clear expectations for early learning. The curriculum is divided into seven key areas of learning and development, all of which are interlinked and important for your child’s overall development.

The Seven Areas of Learning and Development

The framework focuses on three prime areas of learning that are essential for your child’s healthy development.

These areas lay the foundation for the other areas of learning:

Prime Areas:

1. Communication and Language
Children develop their speaking, listening, and understanding skills. – Activities like storytelling, songs, and conversations help children express themselves and develop language.

2. Physical Development
This area focuses on movement, coordination, and health. – Activities such as running, jumping, drawing, and handling objects help strengthen muscles, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

3. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)
This helps children build confidence, learn to interact with others, and manage their feelings. – Social interactions, sharing, taking turns, and emotional regulation are important at this stage.

Specific Areas:

4. Literacy
Children begin to understand stories, print, and letters. – They develop early reading and writing skills, learning to recognize letters and sounds, and practicing drawing or writing letters.

5. Mathematics
Early concepts in number, shape, space, and measure are introduced. – Children practice counting, understanding basic shapes, and simple problem-solving.

6. Understanding the World
This area encourages curiosity about the world around them. – Topics include nature, the environment, technology, and understanding people and communities. It helps children make sense of their experiences and the world.

7. Expressive Arts and Design
Children explore their creativity through music, movement, art, and role play. – These activities encourage self-expression and develop imagination, enabling children to communicate through a variety of media.

How Children Learn: The Characteristics of Effective Learning

In addition to the areas of learning, the EYFS highlights three key characteristics of effective learning that guide how children engage with their environment:

 

• Playing and Exploring: Children learn by playing. They explore and investigate, ask questions, and make sense of the world.
• Active Learning: When children are motivated, they focus on tasks, learn from their mistakes, and keep trying. This helps them become independent learners.
• Creating and Thinking Critically: Children learn how to solve problems, think creatively, and make decisions, which supports their cognitive development.

The Role of Practitioners in Preschool

Preschool staff, including teachers and caregivers, play a critical role in supporting children’s development. They observe children’s progress, plan activities that match individual needs, and provide a safe and stimulating environment. Practitioners use the framework to guide their teaching, ensuring that children are given opportunities to explore and learn in meaningful ways.

How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Learning

As a parent, you can play an important role in your child’s learning and development. Here are a few tips for supporting your child’s journey through the early years curriculum:

• Encourage Communication: Talk to your child often, listen to them, and ask open-ended questions that allow them to express their thoughts.
• Create a Learning-rich Environment at Home: Offer simple materials like books, toys, and art supplies to encourage creativity. Play together, whether through pretend play, building with blocks, or exploring the outdoors.
• Provide a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, physical activity, and sufficient rest are key to your child’s development. Active play helps with both physical and cognitive skills.
• Support Emotional Development: Be patient, offer reassurance, and help your child manage emotions. Encourage positive social interactions with others.
• Be Involved: Attend parent-teacher meetings, ask how your child is progressing, and work together with educators to support any areas of need.

Assessing Progress

Throughout the early years, your child’s progress will be assessed regularly, based on observations and interactions. This ongoing assessment allows practitioners to tailor learning experiences to your child’s needs. Parents will be kept informed of their child’s development, and any concerns will be addressed promptly. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) at the end of Reception will provide a summary of your child’s progress.

How the EYFS Framework Benefits Your Child

The Early Years Statutory Framework ensures that every child is supported and nurtured as they grow. By the time your child enters school, they will have developed essential skills across a wide range of areas, ensuring they are ready to learn and take on new challenges.

Final Thoughts

The Early Years Statutory Framework 2025 provides a well-rounded approach to your child’s early education, focusing on their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. As a parent, staying engaged in your child’s preschool experience, supporting their learning at home, and working in partnership with their educators can make a significant impact on their success and happiness. This guide gives you a clear understanding of the curriculum’s key areas and how you can help foster a love of learning during these crucial early years.

My daughter’s confidence has grown and her language and physical skills have come on leaps and bounds. If I ever have any questions or queries then Mrs B and her team are always available to talk to. There is always a warm smile to great you and kind words shared.

N, Parent