Early Years

Curriculum

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework sets the standards that schools and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to five.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2

The Educational Programmes outlined in the EYFS Framework provide the structure for the curriculum. Schools/providers then expand, extend and broaden these to shape and develop a curriculum that meets the needs of their children.

An effective curriculum is a holistic and ambitious plan that sets out what practitioners intend children to learn and experience across all seven areas of learning (Help for Early Years).

Non-statutory guidance can be used to support with this. Examples include; Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters.

Development Matters - Non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage (publishing.service.gov.uk)

https://birthto5matters.org.uk/

Birth to 5 Matters PDF

Ofsted measure curriculum impact based on how much children know, understand and can do and if they are prepared for the next stage in education (i.e. KS1).

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework

To support curriculum development, the Early Years Quality and Access Team offer a variety of training opportunities that are available for schools to access. Information on the training offer can be found in the Sheffield City Council Early Years Professional Development Training brochure for both subscribed and non-subscribed schools.

Bespoke training and support opportunities are also available to schools upon request, along with visits and collaborative coaching opportunities conducted by the school’s allocated Early Years Quality and Access officer. These opportunities can be part of your subscription offer or purchased as a one off.

Further support and guidance on curriculum planning:
Help for early years providers : Curriculum planning (education.gov.uk)