Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the development, learning and care of children from birth to five. All registered providers of Early Years care are required to use the EYFS statutory framework.

This page provides an outline of the themes and principles of EYFS and gives links to further sources of information, including the DCSF National Strategies website.

Themes and principles

EYFS is based around four themes, each of which is linked to an important principle:

A unique child
Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Positive relationships
Children learn to be strong and independent from a base of loving and secure relationships with parents and/or a key person.
Enabling environments
The environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's development and learning.
Learning and development
Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates and all areas of learning and development are equally important and interconnected.

Each principle has four commitments which explain how the principles can be put into practice.

Guidance and resources

The National Strategies

The DCSF National Strategies website provides information on the themes, principles and commitments that form the EYFS framework. It looks at EYFS areas of learning and development and contains guidance and resources that support the provision of Early Years care.

The National Strategies: Early Years Foundation Stage

Ofsted

The Ofsted website provides information about how it inspects and regulates the EYFS. It provides answers to common questions and allows you to access related forms both online and offline. Documents include the statutory framework and self-assessment forms.

Ofsted: Early Years Foundation Stage

QCDA

A series of materials offering advice and guidance to practitioners involved in assessing, completing, recording and moderating EYFS profiles is available to download from the QCDA (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency) Test and exams support website. These include the EYFS profile handbook, the assessment scales reference sheet and the training package 'Continuing the learning journey'.

QCDA: Early Years Foundation Stage profile

Teachers TV Early Years programmes

From 'live' classroom lessons to tips on planning and resources, the videos in the 'Early Years' section of the Teachers TV website provide ideas and inspiration for Early Years practitioners.

Teachers TV: Early Years

EYFS Forum

This online community of Early Years professionals includes relevant articles and resources and lets you get in touch with others involved in Early Years education.

EYFS Forum