The Statutory Framework for the early years foundation stage is the early years framework used in the UK and is mandatory for all early years childcare providers.
The Early years foundation stage (EYFS) not only provides a learning and development framework but also covers safeguarding and welfare requirements which are given legal force by the Childcare Act 2006.
Early years children between birth and 5 develop quickly and to fulfil their potential they need the best start in life possible. To ensure children are school ready providers must meet the standards set by the early years foundation stage statutory framework.
The EYFS seeks to provide in all early years settings, quality and consistency and a secure foundation through learning and development opportunities, this is achieved through planning and assessment ensuring that each child is able to make good progress. No child should get left behind and the needs and interests of each individual child are taken into account and are assessed and reviewed regularly. It also seeks to promote a good working partnership between parents and practitioners. It ensures all children have equality of opportunities by the use of anti discriminatory practice.
The EYFS specifies requirements for learning and development and for safeguarding and welfare. All early years settings must structure activities and experiences around the areas of learning and development. Providers must help children work towards their early learning goals and have arrangements in place for assessing and measuring progress and be able to fulfil the requirements for reporting to parents and carers.
The EYFS covers the requirements that providers must take to keep children safe and promote their welfare.
The EYFS has four overarching guiding principles that should shape early years settings these are defined as: every child is a unique child positive relationships teach children to be strong and independent