Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework produced by the DCSF and sets the standards for learning and development of children from birth to five. The EYFS brings together the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage (2000), the Birth to Three Matters (2002) framework and the National Standards for Under 8s Daycare and Childminding (2003). The EYFS is based around four themes, a Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning and Development, the last of which covers Communication, Language and Literacy. All registered early years providers and schools will be required to use the EYFS from September 2008.

TTYB's focus on communication skills of children age birth to three fits in coherently with the EYFS Learning and Development theme on Communication, Language and Literacy. However as the EYFS states, "None of these areas of Learning and Development can be delivered in isolation from the others. They are equally important and depend on each other to support a rounded approach to child development. All the areas must be delivered through planned, purposeful play, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities" (EYFS, 2.5). Therefore, communication is a vital tool that underpins being able to tackle all other areas of learning and development.

Communication and the EYFS

For more information and to download EYFS materials visit: www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/site/index.htm

Confident, capable and creative: supporting boys’ achievements - Guidance for practitioners in the Early Years Foundation Stage