EYFS

Understand • Teach • Support • Inspire

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides a framework for supporting the learning, development and wellbeing of young children in their early years.

EYFS Teacher Training is designed for educators who want to understand how young children learn and develop and how to create safe, engaging, inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

The training combines knowledge of child development with practical classroom strategies, helping teachers become more confident in planning activities, observing children and supporting their individual needs.

WHAT IS EYFS?

The Early Years Foundation Stage focuses on the important period of children's early development and encourages learning through play, exploration, communication, relationships and meaningful experiences.

The approach recognises that every child develops at their own pace and that effective early years education should support the whole child.

THE 7 AREAS OF LEARNING

The EYFS framework organises learning and development into seven areas.

1. Communication & Language

Support children's ability to listen, understand, communicate and express their ideas.

Activities can include:

• Conversations
• Storytelling
• Songs and rhymes
• Listening games
• Vocabulary activities
• Group discussions

2. Physical Development

Help children develop physical coordination, movement and healthy habits.

Learning experiences can support:

• Gross motor skills
• Fine motor skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Movement
• Pencil control
• Health and self-care

3. Personal, Social & Emotional Development

Help children develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.

Teachers learn how to support:

• Self-confidence
• Emotional awareness
• Friendships
• Cooperation
• Independence
• Positive behaviour

4. Literacy

Encourage early reading and writing through enjoyable, age-appropriate experiences.

Topics include:

• Stories and books
• Phonics
• Sounds and letters
• Mark-making
• Pre-writing
• Early reading
• Vocabulary development

5. Mathematics

Introduce early mathematical concepts through practical experiences and play.

Children can explore:

• Numbers
• Counting
• Shapes
• Patterns
• Sorting
• Matching
• Measuring
• Comparing
• Problem-solving

6. Understanding the World

Encourage children to explore people, communities, nature and the world around them.

Activities can include:

• Nature exploration
• Plants and animals
• Families and communities
• Seasons and weather
• Technology
• Simple science experiences
• Observation and investigation

7. Expressive Arts & Design

Give children opportunities to express their ideas and creativity.

This can include:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Art & craft
• Music
• Dance
• Singing
• Puppetry
• Dramaplay
• Imaginative play
• Creative movement

THE 3 CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHING & LEARNING

EYFS also emphasises three important ways in which young children learn.

Playing & Exploring

Children learn through curiosity, exploration, discovery and trying new experiences.

Active Learning

Children develop through participation, concentration, persistence and enjoyment in learning.

Creating & Thinking Critically

Children learn to make connections, solve problems, develop ideas and think about their experiences.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT & OBSERVATION

A key part of early years teaching is understanding each child as an individual.

Training helps educators learn how to:

• Observe children's interests
• Recognise developmental progress
• Identify learning needs
• Plan appropriate activities
• Support individual differences
• Encourage children's strengths
• Record meaningful observations

PLAY-BASED LEARNING

Play is an important way young children explore and understand their world.

Teachers learn how to provide purposeful opportunities for:

Imaginative Play • Construction • Sensory Exploration • Outdoor Play • Creative Activities • Role Play • Games • Stories • Music & Movement

The teacher's role is to create the right environment, observe children's learning and provide appropriate guidance and support.

PLANNING EYFS LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Learn how to plan activities that connect children's interests with developmental goals.

Training may cover:

• Activity planning
• Learning objectives
• Continuous provision
• Indoor and outdoor learning
• Individual and group activities
• Learning resources
• Observation and assessment

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT & POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR

Learn how to create a welcoming classroom where children feel safe, respected and encouraged to participate.

Topics include:

• Classroom routines
• Positive discipline
• Circle time
• Transitions
• Encouraging independence
• Supporting emotions
• Managing challenging behaviour
• Building positive relationships

INCLUSION & INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Every child is unique.

EYFS training encourages teachers to recognise differences in children's development, interests, abilities and learning needs and to provide inclusive and accessible learning opportunities.

HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING

Early years educators have an important responsibility for children's wellbeing.

Training can introduce:

• Personal hygiene
• Healthy habits
• Nutrition awareness
• Safe learning environments
• Child supervision
• Emotional wellbeing
• Basic safeguarding awareness

PRACTICAL TEACHING ACTIVITIES

The training can include practical activities such as:

Storytelling • Phonics • Nursery Rhymes • Circle Time • Art & Craft • Puppetry • Dramaplay • Fingerplay • Music & Movement • Numeracy Games • STEM & STEAM Activities • Outdoor Learning • Lesson Planning • Teaching Demonstrations

WHO CAN JOIN?

EYFS Teacher Training may be suitable for:

• Preschool teachers
• Nursery teachers
• Pre-primary teachers
• Kindergarten teachers
• Montessori educators
• Early years practitioners
• Teaching assistants
• Preschool coordinators
• Existing educators wishing to upgrade their skills
• Individuals beginning a career in early childhood education

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Training in EYFS can complement professional roles such as:

Early Years Educator • Preschool Teacher • Nursery Teacher • Pre-Primary Teacher • Kindergarten Teacher • Classroom Assistant • Early Years Coordinator • Preschool Activity Teacher

WHY STUDY EYFS?

The early years provide an important foundation for children's future learning and development.

Understanding EYFS helps teachers move beyond simply delivering lessons and learn how to observe, plan, communicate, encourage, support and inspire young children.

BECOME A MORE CONFIDENT EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR

Understand Children • Create Meaningful Learning • Encourage Curiosity • Support Development

Develop the knowledge and practical teaching skills needed to create happy, purposeful and engaging early learning experiences.