What Every Parent Should Know About the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

As a parent, you want the very best start for your child—and that journey begins long before formal schooling. At Primrose Hill International School, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), a UK framework designed to give every child a happy, safe, and stimulating environment where they can thrive.

But what exactly is the EYFS, and why is it so important for your child?

What is the EYFS?

The EYFS sets the national standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 years old in England. Whether your child is in Nursery or Reception, this framework guides how we support their growth and learning every single day.

At its heart, EYFS is all about celebrating each child’s uniqueness and helping them build confidence, curiosity, and key life skills through play-based learning.

The Four Cornerstones of EYFS

Our early years provision is guided by four simple but powerful principles:

Every Child is Unique – Your child is capable, confident, and full of potential.
Positive Relationships Matter – Secure, loving relationships with adults are key to emotional well-being and learning.
Supportive Environments – We create safe, engaging spaces that spark imagination and exploration.
Learning and Development is Individual – Every child learns at their own pace, and we tailor activities to meet their needs.

What Will My Child Learn?

The EYFS is built around seven areas of learning, divided into prime and specific categories.

Prime Areas – The Foundation of Learning:

Communication and Language – Building listening, understanding, and speaking skills.
Physical Development – Developing coordination, movement, and healthy habits.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development – Learning how to manage emotions, form friendships, and build self-confidence.

Specific Areas – Broadening Knowledge and Skills:

Literacy – Early reading and writing through stories, songs, and play.
Mathematics – Exploring numbers, patterns, shapes, and simple problem-solving.
Understanding the World – Learning about people, places, nature, and technology.
Expressive Arts and Design – Encouraging creativity through music, art, dance, and role play.

All of these areas are explored through purposeful play and hands-on activities that are both fun and meaningful.

How Will I Know My Child is Progressing?

You’ll receive regular updates, observations, and feedback from your child’s Educators. One of the key moments is the EYFS Profile, completed at the end of Reception. It gives you a clear picture of how your child is developing and what they’ve achieved, as well as their readiness for the next stage—Key Stage 1.

Why EYFS Matters

The early years lay the groundwork for everything that comes after. Children who are happy, engaged, and supported in these formative years are more likely to succeed socially and academically later in life.

At Primrose Hill International School, we don’t just prepare children for school—we prepare them for life. EYFS helps us nurture confident, curious, and caring individuals who love learning and feel empowered to explore the world around them.