Intention

To provide a set of guidelines, standards, and procedures established by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in England, that governs the care and education of children from birth to five years old.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage at Springfield Primary School, we aim to provide an atmosphere in which children can make the transition from home to nursery to school as secure and happy an experience as possible. We want to offer a friendly, caring environment where all children feel valued and welcomed. We firmly believe it is our duty to help prepare all our children for the next stage of their lives to enable them to contribute positively to their community. We believe in the potential of every child, so all our children are given the opportunity to develop the ability to surprise themselves and those around them. They are taught to challenge themselves to build confidence and resilience which they can apply to their own life experiences, now and in the future. We believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage is an integral part of a child’s education where all learning begins. It is the foundation that all other learning builds upon. We aim to provide a wide range of learning experiences to ensure learning is inspiring, exciting, purposeful and builds upon prior knowledge. Our aim is to ensure that all children receive the very best start to their education so they can continue to grow, learn, succeed and enjoy life. Every child deserves the best possible start in life and has the support they need to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important. Good parenting combined with high-quality early learning provides the foundations children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. (‘The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.’ DfE March 2014).

Implementation

A collaborative, child-centred approach that prioritises the holistic development of young children. It begins with clear, evidence-based guidelines that support learning through play, emotional wellbeing, and inclusive practices.

Impact

To lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning, well-being, and social mobility by ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to nurturing, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate care and education. Its desired impact includes narrowing the attainment gap before formal schooling begins, fostering emotional resilience, and promoting cognitive, physical, and social development during the most critical period of brain growth. By supporting families, investing in skilled practitioners, and creating inclusive environments, such a policy can help children thrive, reduce inequalities, and contribute to a healthier, more equitable society in the long term.