The Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a statutory framework that guides the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. At The Square Nursery School, we follow the EYFS to ensure every child receives supportive, enriching early education that promotes their wellbeing, independence, and readiness for future learning.
 

The EYFS covers seven key areas, Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social, and Emotional Development; Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Communication and language underpin all learning, and we place a strong emphasis on developing speaking, listening, and understanding as the foundation for progress across every area.
 

Our curriculum is flexible and personalised, helping us nurture each child’s unique talents and interests through a balance of structured activities, child-led exploration, and ongoing observation. Practitioners reflect on the different rates at which children develop and adapt their practice to meet individual needs, ensuring every child feels supported, challenged, and valued.

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We also place importance on independence, self-regulation, and healthy lifestyles. Children are encouraged to make choices, manage feelings, and develop resilience. Daily opportunities for active play, healthy routines, and learning about the world around them help lay the foundations for positive long-term wellbeing.
 

We incorporate the three key Characteristics of Effective Teaching and Learning into our approach:

• Playing and Exploring – encouraging curiosity, investigation, and a willingness to ‘have a go’.

• Active Learning – building focus, perseverance, and pride in achievements.

• Creating and Thinking Critically – supporting children to develop their own ideas, make connections, and solve problems creatively.
   

By integrating these characteristics into our daily practice, and by working in partnership with parents, we create an inclusive environment where all children can thrive, learn, and feel a sense of belonging. Our commitment to the EYFS ensures that every child at The Square Nursery School receives the best possible start to their educational journey.