Explore Learning Stages
From tiny steps to giant leaps, discover the magic of learning unfold within each EYFS stage. Book a tour today to explore our nursery!
Nurturing Potential: The EYFS Way
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework serves as the cornerstone for nurturing holistic development in children from birth to 5 years.
By establishing clear principles, the EYFS ensures a standardised approach to learning, development, and care, fostering an integrated educational experience that seamlessly blends early learning with essential care.
This framework provides a robust foundation, empowering educators and parents alike to cultivate a stimulating and supportive environment where young learners can thrive.
Four guiding principles
If the Curriculum page tells you what your child learns, this page explains the framework behind it the principles that guide how every EYFS setting, including Westfield, is run.
Four guiding principles
- Every child is unique, constantly learning and capable of resilience.
- Children learn through positive relationships with the adults around them.
- Enabling environments matter as much as teaching, the right space unlocks the right learning.
- Children develop and learn at different rates, across all areas, not evenly.
Assessment and progress tracking
Rather than testing, EYFS relies on ongoing observation. Our teachers keep a running learning journal for each child, noting moments of progress against the EYFS developmental milestones, which we share with parents regularly.
Prime Areas of Development
Communication & Language
We provide a language rich environment, encouraging the children to speak and listen in a variety of situations. We provide extra support for those children who need to build confidence or develop their speaking skills
Physical Development
We give children opportunities to be active and to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. We also teach children about the importance of good hygiene habits, fresh air and healthy food choices
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
We support children in developing confidence and independence. We encourage them to begin to form positive relationships and respect for each other. Children learn about managing their own feelings and behaviours. We support the development of attention and concentration skills.
Specific Areas of Development
Literacy
Children are given access to a wide range of books and stories to ignite their interest. They are encouraged to link sounds and letters, and early reading and writing is developed.
Mathematics
Children are provided with opportunities to develop their understanding and recognition of numbers, quantities and patterns. They are also given frequent opportunities to use shapes, spaces and measures within their play.
Understanding the World
We support children’s understanding of the world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about places, people, the environment and the natural world.
Expressive Arts & Design
Children explore a wide range of media and materials. They will experience a wide range of songs, rhymes, movement activities and stories.